Pizza Ranch
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Springfield, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+12176798844
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 26, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
6h 38m
Distance
335.8 mi
540 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$51
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lombard, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Bremen to Lombard is 335.8 miles and takes about 6h 38m via I 55 and IL 159, with a fuel budget near $51 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest, specifically Illinois, making it a straightforward trip without crossing state lines. It's a predominantly highway route, so expect a good pace for most of the 335.8 miles. With a duration under 7 hours, this trip is well-suited for a single day of driving, especially if you aim for an early start. The estimated fuel cost of $51 makes budgeting simple for this domestic road trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
167.9 miles from Bremen, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 26m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 253.5 mi | 4h 35m |
| IL 159 | 20.1 mi | 30m |
| South State Street | 17.7 mi | 22m |
| North Illinois Street | 9.8 mi | 15m |
| Veterans Memorial Tollway | 9 mi | 11m |
| Lehmen Drive | 7.8 mi | 8m |
| IL 150 | 6.1 mi | 10m |
| Vandalia Street | 2.8 mi | 4m |
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,633 veh/hr typical · worst 2,039
Quietest
2 AM
~154 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Step-by-step road directions between Bremen, IL and Lombard, IL.
Start on Chester Road
Turn slight right onto IL 150
Turn right onto IL 3
Continue on IL 3
Continue on IL 3
Continue on IL 159
Enter roundabout onto IL 159
Continue on IL 159
Continue on IL 159
Continue on IL 159
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 355
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Keep slight right at fork
Turn straight onto IL 56
Turn left onto Finley Road
Turn right onto IL 38
Turn left onto South Main Street
Turn right onto East Madison Street
Turn left onto South Grace Street
Arrive at destination
Given the 6h 38m duration, starting your drive from Bremen early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. The route is mostly highway with a substantial 253.5-mile stretch on I 55, so plan for a mid-drive break before or after this long segment. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $51, you can easily manage your budget and time. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility in your departure time, but an early start ensures a relaxed arrival in Lombard.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 74 miles or 1h 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 167.9 miles or 3h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lombard, IL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Bremen, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bremen, IL
This is one driving day of about 335.8 miles and 6h 38m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
168 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
A short stop after about 74 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 167.9 miles from Bremen, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 253.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · around the midpoint
Springfield, Illinois
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+12176798844
Simon's Restaurant
Villa Park, Illinois
Route 66 Polk-A-Dot Drive In
Braidwood, Illinois
Best coffee break · early in the drive
Mt Olive, Illinois
Early in the drive, right off the route
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+12179992115
Bloomin Cafe
Normal, Illinois
Whistle Stop Cafe Diamond IL
Diamond, Illinois
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Springfield, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+12176798844
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Villa Park, Illinois
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+16305300200
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Braidwood, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–7 pm
+18154583377
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Plainfield, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm
+18157826500
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Troy, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
+16186671082
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Springfield, Illinois
Hours: 4:30–8:30 pm
+12176792006
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Oak Brook, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm
+16305738180
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+16305722200
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Mt Olive, Illinois
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+12179992115
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Normal, Illinois
Hours: 7 am–1 pm
+13098081071
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Diamond, Illinois
Hours: 5 am–9 pm
+18156342360
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Lombard, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm
+16306296400
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Plainfield, Illinois
Hours: 6 am–5 pm
+16306962137
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Diamond, Illinois
Hours: 6 am–3 pm
+18155185576
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Normal, Illinois
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
+13094526774
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Normal, Illinois
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+13094515656
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Normal, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Normal, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887484261
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Normal, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887484273
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Normal, Illinois
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Atlanta, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
Around the midpoint, short detour
Normal, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Normal, Illinois
+13094549590
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Normal, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteNear the end, ~11 min detour
Wilmington, Illinois
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
+18159262726
Visit websiteNear the end, ~12 min detour
Romeoville, Illinois
Hours: 7:30 am–9 pm
+18155243248
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 178.4 and 331.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward I 355 Toll: Northwest Suburbs, Southwest Suburbs
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward IL 56: Butterfield Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork toward Oak Brook
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$51.23 one way
$102.46 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.27 | $56.42 | $112.85 |
| premium | $4.81 | $63.54 | $127.08 |
| diesel | $5.40 | $71.43 | $142.86 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.63
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$51
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 117.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 100.7 | 1 | $35.26 | $16.12 |
| Efficient EV | 84 | 0 | $29.38 | $13.43 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 134.3 | 1 | $47.01 | $21.49 |
Gas CO2
117 kg
EV CO2
39 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in Bremen on Sunday
Local time
11:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Mostly Clear
Destination
Morning in Lombard on Sunday
Local time
11:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
63°F
Springfield, IL
168 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
National Monument
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...
National Historical Park
In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
You'll spend about 83% of the 335.8-mile trip on highways, primarily I 55. The longest continuous stretch on a highway is 253.5 miles on I 55, meaning you'll have long periods of consistent driving. Surface roads, including IL 159 and South State Street, will make up the remaining portion of your drive, likely encountered as you approach your destination. Expect a significant number of exits on the highway sections.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 159. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 178.4 miles in near I 55.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 335.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 178.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 207.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 320.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bremen, IL and Lombard, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City and Peoria.
Springfield
Kansas City
Peoria
Top landmarks
Founded 1869
Lombard is a suburb of Chicago in Illinois and is considered part of Chicagoland. Lombard is a small town with a tight-knit community built around its high schools and the downtown Lombard culture. Residents of Lombard are very friendly and familial and willing to guide tourists to various locations in Chicago and Chicagoland.
Top landmarks
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 38m. Total distance: 335.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 38m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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