Bruce, IL to Park Ridge, IL is 212.3 miles and takes about 4h 14m via I 57 and Tri-State Tollway, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, traversing the Midwest region. Expect a predominantly highway experience for most of the drive. Given the relatively short duration and highway focus, this route is well-suited for a single-day trip, making it a convenient option for getting between these two points without needing an overnight stay.
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
106.1 miles from Bruce, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 10m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
159.2 mi
2h 52m
Tri-State Tollway
32.5 mi
40m
County Highway 4
6.6 mi
15m
IL 121
3.5 mi
5m
Charleston Avenue
3 mi
5m
Dewitt Avenue
2 mi
3m
East Touhy Avenue
1.2 mi
2m
North 19th Street
0.5 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 159.2 mi, about 2h 52m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~865 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~101 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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Averaged across 5 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bruce, IL and Park Ridge, IL.
1
Start on this road
0.1 mi·32 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto CTH 4
6.6 mi·15 min·County Highway 4
3
Continue on 1000N
513 ft·14 sec·1000N
4
Turn right onto IL 121
3.5 mi·5 min·IL 121
5
Continue on IL 121
2.0 mi·3 min·Dewitt Avenue
6
Turn right onto US 45; IL 121
0.5 mi·59 sec·North 19th Street
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 45; IL 16; IL 121
3.0 mi·5 min·Charleston Avenue
Toward US 45 South, IL 121 South, IL 16 East: Neoga, Toledo, Charleston
8
Turn right
0.3 mi·48 sec
Toward I-57 North: Champaign
9
Merge onto I 57
159 mi·2 hr 52 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 349-350Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, WisconsinUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
1.8 mi·3 min
Exit 349Toward I 294 Toll North: WisconsinUse the straight / slight left lanes.
12
Merge onto I 294
21 mi·25 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
12 mi·15 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy AvenueUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy Avenue
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 42AToward Touhy Avenue EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·East Touhy Avenue
18
Turn left onto North Greenwood Avenue
92 ft·4 sec·North Greenwood Avenue
19
Turn right
24 ft·1 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 4h 14m drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. The fuel cost is estimated at $32, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Bruce, IL. Pay attention to signs as you transition from I 57 to the Tri-State Tollway and eventually to County Highway 4, as this marks the shift from high-speed highway to local roads.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 106.1 miles from Bruce, IL, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 159.2 miles.
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 47 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.1 miles or 2h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Park Ridge, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bruce, 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 Bruce, IL
This is one driving day of about 212.3 miles and 4h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Bruce, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 57 for about 159.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 12.9 and 210.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
12.9 mi into trip|~26m in|US 45; IL 16; IL 121 / Charleston Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto US 45; IL 16; IL 121 / Charleston Avenue toward US 45 South, IL 121 South, IL 16 East: Neoga, Toledo, Charleston
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 45 South, IL 121 South, IL 16 East: N...
8
175.4 mi into trip|~3h 25m in
Take the exit toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 349-350
Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevar...
8
175.7 mi into trip|~3h 26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 349
Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
7
210.1 mi into trip|~4h 10m in
Take the exit toward Touhy Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
8
210.7 mi into trip|~4h 11m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Touhy Avenue East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 42A
Toward Touhy Avenue East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.35 one way
$62.70 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$34.61
$69.22
premium
$4.72
$39.42
$78.84
diesel
$4.80
$40.09
$80.17
Estimated Tolls: $1.95
Tri-state Tollway
(32.5 mi)$1.95
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
$31
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.7
0
$22.29
$10.19
Efficient EV
53.1
0
$18.58
$8.49
EV Truck/SUV
84.9
1
$29.72
$13.59
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Bruce, IL
Morning
in Bruce on Sunday
Local time
6:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NNW 2 to 8 mph50% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:38PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 3:26PM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Park Ridge, IL
Morning
in Park Ridge on Sunday
Local time
6:00 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Smoke
NE 5 to 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:38PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 3:26PM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 14m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Pullman National Historical Park
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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 175.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 80% of the 212.3 miles on highways, with the longest continuous stretch being 159.2 miles on I 57. After that, you'll transition to County Highway 4 for the remainder of the trip. Expect a lot of highway cruising, with frequent exits as you approach more populated areas near the end of your drive.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 159.2 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 12.9 miles in near US 45; IL 16; IL 121 / Charleston Avenue.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 212.3 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 12.9 miles (US 45; IL 16; IL 121 / Charleston Avenue): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
776 ft600 ft
Total Climb
378 ft
Total Descent
375 ft
Highest Point
776 ft
~91 mi in
Elevation Range
175 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bruce, IL and Park Ridge, IL, road signs point toward Toledo, Charleston and Wisconsin.
Park Ridge is a city in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicagoland, just outside of Chicago. It has a lively uptown area that has plenty of local businesses and restaurants. You can watch a film at the historic Pickwick Theatre or have a pool day at Centennial Park. Park Ridge is a great and accessible small town to escape to for a day trip, with lots of fun and exciting activities to fill your schedule.
Top landmarks
•Pickwick Theatre — movie theatre in Park Ridge, Illinois, United States
•Park Ridge Youth Campus — former school/orphanage in Park Ridge, Illinois
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 14m. Total distance: 212.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 159.2 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.95 in tolls one way, starting with Tri-state Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 26 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Park Ridge, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 12.9 miles (US 45; IL 16; IL 121 / Charleston Avenue): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Park Ridge, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
