Origin
Burnham, IL
Morning in Burnham on Tuesday
Local time
8:23 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Burnham, IL to Bloomington, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 38m
Distance
129.7 mi
209 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 28m
★
6 AM
2h 38m
8 AM
2h 59m
10 AM
2h 46m
12 PM
2h 44m
3 PM
2h 47m
5 PM
2h 58m
8 PM
2h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Burnham, IL
Stéphane Tendon
Trip Overview
This 129.7-mile drive from Burnham, Illinois, to Bloomington, Illinois, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 2 hours and 38 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated around $20. You'll primarily be navigating major interstates, including I-55 and I-80, along with the Tri-State Tollway, which accounts for 90% of the route. Given its efficiency, this trip is ideal for a day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times. Both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel throughout the drive.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
64.8 miles from Burnham, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 82.3 mi | 1h 28m |
| I 80 | 29.8 mi | 37m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 4.8 mi | 6m |
| South Torrence Avenue | 4.3 mi | 7m |
| I 55 Business | 3.1 mi | 5m |
| East Empire Street | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| North Veterans Parkway | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| East Mulberry Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 82.3 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burnham, IL and Bloomington, IL.
1
Start on South Marquette Avenue
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
South Marquette Avenue
2
Turn right onto East 142nd Street
335 ft
·
16 sec
·
East 142nd Street
3
Turn right onto South Saginaw Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South Saginaw Avenue
4
Turn left onto 140th Street
339 ft
·
22 sec
·
140th Street
5
Turn left onto South Torrence Avenue
4.3 mi
·
7 min
·
South Torrence Avenue
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 80 West, I 294 North, I 94 West
Use the right lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
26 sec
Toward I 80 West, I 294 North
Use the slight left lane.
8
Merge onto I 80; I 294
4.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
30 mi
·
37 min
·
I 80
Exit 5
Toward I 80 West: Iowa
Use the slight right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Exit 126A
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
11
Merge onto I 55
82 mi
·
1 hr 28 min
·
I 55
Use the right lane.
12
Take the exit onto I 55 Business
3.1 mi
·
5 min
·
I 55 Business
Exit 167
Toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, Central Illinois Regional Airport
Use the slight right lane.
13
Continue on I 55 Business
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North Veterans Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
Toward IL 9 West: Pekin
Use the right lane.
15
Turn straight onto IL 9
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
East Empire Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
16
Turn left onto US 150
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
·
North Clinton Street
Use the left lane.
17
Turn right onto East Mulberry Street
0.3 mi
·
59 sec
·
East Mulberry Street
18
Turn left onto North Prairie Street
275 ft
·
14 sec
·
North Prairie Street
19
Turn right onto East Douglas Street
504 ft
·
23 sec
·
East Douglas Street
20
Turn right onto US 51 Business
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
North East Street
21
Arrive at destination
US 51 Business
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just under 2.5 hours and a single recommended stop, this trip offers a great deal of flexibility. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize your daylight hours, especially if you plan any activities upon arrival in Bloomington. The longest stretch without a break is over 80 miles, so be mindful of your fuel levels, particularly as you approach that point on I-55. A good tip is to refuel before you depart Burnham, as services will be readily available on the interstate. This short drive allows you to be spontaneous with your timing and enjoy a relaxed travel day.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 64.8 miles from Burnham, IL, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.3 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 29 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 64.8 miles or 1h 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bloomington, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Burnham, 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 Burnham, IL
This is one driving day of about 129.7 miles and 2h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Burnham, 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 55 for about 82.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
65 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 64.8 miles from Burnham, 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 82.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 123 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.5 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
South Torrence Avenue
Turn left onto South Torrence Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
4.8 mi into trip
|
~9m in
Take the ramp toward I 80 West, I 294 North, I 94 West
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 80 West, I 294 North, I 94 West
8
5.4 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 80 West, I 294 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 80 West, I 294 North
8
10.6 mi into trip
|
~17m in
|
I 80
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Iowa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5
Toward I 80 West: Iowa
8
123 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
|
I 55 Business
Take the exit onto I 55 Business toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, Central Illinois Regional Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 167
Toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, C...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.28 one way
$40.55 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
45 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $22.26 | $44.53 |
| premium | $4.89 | $24.96 | $49.92 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $28.64 | $57.27 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.29
Tri-state Tollway
(4.8 mi)
$0.29
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
$20
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 45.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 38.9 | 0 | $13.62 | $6.23 |
| Efficient EV | 32.4 | 0 | $11.35 | $5.19 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 51.9 | 0 | $18.16 | $8.30 |
Gas CO2
45 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Bloomington, IL
Morning in Bloomington on Tuesday
Local time
8:23 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
7 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 38m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Predominantly a highway-focused drive, this route spends 90% of its time on major interstates. You'll experience long stretches of efficient travel, including an uninterrupted segment of 82.3 miles on I-55. The character of the drive is largely defined by the speed and directness of interstate travel, making it a utilitarian path rather than a scenic exploration. While the majority of the journey unfolds on these high-speed corridors, the transition between I-55, I-80, and the Tri-State Tollway is seamless, maintaining a consistent driving experience.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.3 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 80. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near South Torrence Avenue.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 129.7 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 0.5 miles (South Torrence Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Burnham, IL to Bloomington, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Illinois Regional Airport along the way.
Illinois Regional Airport
123 mi in
|
~2h 24m
|
via I 55 Business
About the Cities
Arriving in Bloomington, IL
Full guide →Bloomington, pop. 77,000 (2010 census), is a city in the Midwestern state of Illinois in the United States of America, on the classic Route 66 highway across the country. With neighboring Normal, pop. 52,000 (2010 census), it forms a combined community of about 130,000 known locally as the Twin Cities. Illinois Wesleyan University is in Bloomington, and is not to be confused with Illinois State University in Normal.
Top landmarks
- • David Davis Mansion — house museum in Bloomington, Illinois
- • Bloomington Central Business District — historic and central business district in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois,...
- • George H. Miller House — Bloomington, Illinois, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 38m. Total distance: 129.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 82.3 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.29 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.
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 Bloomington, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (South Torrence Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Bloomington, IL before heading back.
How this page is built
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Bloomington, IL
More trips to Bloomington, IL
Explore more options from Burnham, IL or browse trips ending in Bloomington, IL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.