This 362.5-mile journey from Carbondale, IL to Arlington Heights, IL is estimated to take about 5 hours and 34 minutes of driving time. It's a single-day trip that can be comfortably completed within daylight hours, making it a convenient option for a quick visit. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $55. You'll primarily navigate through local roads, indicated by a 0% highway share, suggesting a more engaged driving experience. This route stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel throughout its entirety.
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
177.3 miles from Carbondale, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 18m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
185.5 mi
3h 21m
Ken Gray Expressway
108.7 mi
1h 57m
Tri-State Tollway
31.1 mi
39m
East Main Street
9.8 mi
14m
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
6.3 mi
6m
West Deyoung Street
3.3 mi
4m
South Arlington Heights Road
3.1 mi
6m
West Walnut Street
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 185.5 mi, about 3h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carbondale, IL and Arlington Heights, IL.
1
Start on IL 13
0.1 mi·20 sec·East Main Street
2
Turn left onto US 51
0.1 mi·16 sec·South University Avenue
3
Turn left onto IL 13
1.4 mi·2 min·West Walnut Street
4
Continue on IL 13
9.7 mi·14 min·East Main Street
5
Continue on IL 13
3.3 mi·4 min·West Deyoung Street
6
Take the exit
1.2 mi·2 min
7
Merge onto I 57
41 mi·44 min·Ken Gray Expressway
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
67 mi·1 hr 12 min·Ken Gray Expressway
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57
185 mi·3 hr 21 min·I 57
Toward I 57 North: ChicagoUse 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
10 mi·13 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 40Toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Rockford, River RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chicago
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 Toll West: RockfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 90
0.2 mi·12 sec·Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
6.1 mi·6 min·Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 70Toward Arlington Heights RoadUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
498 ft·12 sec
Use the right lane.
21
Turn straight onto North Arlington Heights Road
0.1 mi·14 sec·North Arlington Heights Road
22
Continue on South Arlington Heights Road
3.1 mi·6 min·South Arlington Heights Road
Use the left lane.
23
Turn left onto East Euclid Avenue
48 ft·1 sec·East Euclid Avenue
24
Arrive at destination
East Euclid Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 5-hour and 34-minute duration, this 362.5-mile trip is ideal for a single day. To make the most of your drive, consider departing in the morning to allow for a relaxed pace and arrive in Arlington Heights with ample time. With a $55 estimated fuel cost, planning one fuel stop should be sufficient, but it's always wise to monitor your gauge, especially on local roads where fuel availability might vary. Pay close attention to signage when transitioning between the main roads like South University Avenue, West Walnut Street, and East Main Street to ensure you stay on track.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 177.3 miles from Carbondale, IL, or about 3h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 185.5 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 78 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 177.3 miles or 3h 18m 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington Heights, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Carbondale, 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 Carbondale, IL
This is one driving day of about 354.5 miles and 6h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 78 miles from Carbondale, 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 185.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
$20 to $30
mile 126.6
Effingham, Illinois
Hours: 6–10 am
+12175407716
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 124.6 and 343.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
124.6 mi into trip|~2h 21m in|I 57
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
8
310.1 mi into trip|~5h 42m 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
310.4 mi into trip|~5h 43m 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
8
343.3 mi into trip|~6h 25m in
Take the exit toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Rockford, River Road
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 40
Toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International A...
7
343.5 mi into trip|~6h 25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chi...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.42 one way
$110.84 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg124 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$60.85
$121.70
premium
$4.89
$68.22
$136.44
diesel
$5.61
$78.27
$156.54
Estimated Tolls: $2.30
Tri-state Tollway
(31.1 mi)$1.87
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
(6.1 mi)$0.43
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
$55
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 124 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
106.4
1
$37.22
$17.02
Efficient EV
88.6
1
$31.02
$14.18
EV Truck/SUV
141.8
1
$49.63
$22.69
Gas CO2
124 kg
EV CO2
41 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Carbondale, IL
Evening
in Carbondale on Saturday
Local time
8:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Arlington Heights, IL
Evening
in Arlington Heights on Saturday
Local time
8:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
81°F
Areas Of Fog then Mostly Sunny
SSE 10 to 20 mph13% chanceLive 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
24 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
6h 42m on the road
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.
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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 317.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the entirety of this 362.5-mile route. With a 0% highway share, you won't encounter any long, monotonous interstate stretches. Instead, plan on a more engaging experience as you navigate through various local roads, including South University Avenue, West Walnut Street, and East Main Street. The absence of any designated longest uninterrupted stretch suggests frequent intersections and changes in speed, requiring your attention throughout the 5-hour and 34-minute duration.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 185.5 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 124.6 miles in near I 57.
Driving Effort9/10
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 354.5 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 124.6 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 310.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 310.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Carbondale, IL to Arlington Heights, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Wisconsin along the way.
Wisconsin
310.1 mi in|~5h 42m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 42m. Total distance: 354.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 42m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 185.5 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.30 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Arlington Heights, 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 124.6 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 310.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 310.4 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Arlington Heights, IL before the return drive.
