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Trip from Cicero, IL to Alton, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 21m

Distance

279 mi

449 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$44

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
5h 8m ★
6 AM
5h 22m
8 AM
5h 49m
10 AM
5h 31m
12 PM
5h 29m
3 PM
5h 33m
5 PM
5h 47m
8 PM
5h 14m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Madison County, Illinois, United States

Alton, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 279-mile journey from Cicero, IL to Alton, IL is best tackled as a single-day adventure, estimated to take around 5 hours and 21 minutes. You'll navigate primarily on West 31st Street, South Central Avenue, and I-55 South, with a zero percent highway share suggesting a more local and potentially slower-paced experience. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is $42, and with one recommended stop, it’s a manageable drive. This route keeps you within the Midwest region, offering a straightforward connection between two Illinois communities. It's a practical choice for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination 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

139.5 miles from Cicero, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Adlai Stevenson Expressway 127.8 mi 2h 24m
I 55 127.4 mi 2h 17m
State Route 140 9.6 mi 13m
College Avenue 3.9 mi 6m
East Bethalto Drive 1.8 mi 3m
South Central Avenue 1.7 mi 3m
East MacArthur Drive 1.4 mi 2m
West Macarthur Drive 1.3 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Adlai Stevenson Expressway — 127.8 mi, about 2h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Cicero, IL and Alton, IL.

1

Start on South Laramie Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Laramie Avenue
2

Turn right onto West 31st Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · West 31st Street
3

Turn left onto South Central Avenue

1.7 mi · 3 min · South Central Avenue
4

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 55 South
5

Merge onto I 55

128 mi · 2 hr 24 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

65 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

63 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Toward IL 140: Alton, Greenville
9

Turn right onto IL 140

0.7 mi · 1 min · East State Street
10

Continue on IL 140

9.6 mi · 13 min · State Route 140
11

Continue on IL 140

1.8 mi · 3 min · East Bethalto Drive
12

Continue on IL 111; IL 140

1.4 mi · 2 min · East MacArthur Drive
13

Continue on IL 111; IL 140

1.3 mi · 2 min · West Macarthur Drive
14

Continue on IL 111; IL 140

3.6 mi · 6 min · College Avenue
15

Enter roundabout onto College Avenue

397 ft · 7 sec · College Avenue
16

Continue on College Avenue

0.3 mi · 27 sec · College Avenue
17

Turn left onto US 67

0.9 mi · 1 min · Martin Luther King Drive
18

Continue on US 67

0.4 mi · 36 sec · Piasa Street
19

Turn left onto West 3rd Street

0.1 mi · 31 sec · West 3rd Street
20

Turn right onto Alby Street

118 ft · 5 sec · Alby Street
21

Arrive at destination

Alby Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour 21-minute duration, starting your drive from Cicero, IL in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for your one recommended stop without feeling rushed. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll need to stay attentive to your navigation, as frequent turns will be part of the experience. With a fuel cost of $42, ensure your tank is full before departing to avoid unnecessary stops. This route is well-suited for a single day, so you have flexibility in pacing your journey. Keep an eye out for local road signs and traffic patterns as you transition between West 31st Street, South Central Avenue, and I-55 South to ensure a smooth arrival in Alton, IL.

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 139.5 miles from Cicero, IL, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.8 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 61 miles or 1h 11m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 139.5 miles or 2h 40m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 16m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alton, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Cicero, 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 Cicero, IL

This is one driving day of about 279 miles and 5h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Cicero, 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 Adlai Stevenson Expressway for about 127.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

human settlement in Mason County, Illinois, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Manito, IL

140 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

Joliet, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 61 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bloomington, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 139.5 miles from Cicero, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Adlai Stevenson Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 127.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

Cocula Restaurant Cicero

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cicero, Illinois

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+17086520500

Visit website

3 Rivers Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Channahon, Illinois

1.2 mi

LongHorn Steakhouse

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Bolingbrook, Illinois

1.5 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Tab's Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Alton, Illinois

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16184681144

Visit website

Friendly Coffee Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Berwyn, Illinois

2.4 mi

Cocula Restaurant Cicero

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Cicero, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+17086520500

Visit website

3 Rivers Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Channahon, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18158285110

Visit website

LongHorn Steakhouse

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

Bolingbrook, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16307830684

Visit website

El Faro Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17732771155

Visit website

Jalisco Express Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Cicero, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–12 pm

+17084776561

Visit website

DW Diner Express & Liquor Store

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Channahon, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+18153354448

Visit website

Joe K's Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Alton, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+16184669796

Visit website

D'Cache Latin Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Berwyn, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–8 pm

+17083175008

Visit website

Tab's Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Alton, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+16184681144

Visit website

Friendly Coffee Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Berwyn, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+17084849794

Visit website

The Happy Crab Mobile Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Minooka, Illinois

+18155928941

Visit website

Kafe De Kasa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17792421902

Visit website

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

First break 5 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18156304235

Visit website

Brick & Ivy Coffee Co.

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

First break 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Channahon, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12176638389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Lincoln, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12177354444

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Halfway reset 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Halfway reset 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Halfway reset 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Dock Rotz Tavern

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Minooka, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18154672200

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 3.4 and 277.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
3.4 mi into trip | ~6m in | I 55 / Adlai Stevenson Expressway

Merge onto I 55 / Adlai Stevenson Expressway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
131.2 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in | I 55

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
5
196 mi into trip | ~3h 41m in | I 55

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
5
258.6 mi into trip | ~4h 48m in

Take the exit toward IL 140: Alton, Greenville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward IL 140: Alton, Greenville
5
277.2 mi into trip | ~5h 18m in | College Avenue

Enter roundabout onto College Avenue

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$43.62 one way

$87.24 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 98 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $47.89 $95.78
premium $4.89 $53.69 $107.38
diesel $5.61 $61.60 $123.20

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$44

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 97.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 83.7 1 $29.29 $13.39
Efficient EV 69.8 0 $24.41 $11.16
EV Truck/SUV 111.6 1 $39.06 $17.86

Gas CO2

98 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (66% 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 20, 2026

Origin

Cicero, IL

Late night in Cicero on Tuesday

Local time

4:11 AM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alton, IL

Late night in Alton on Tuesday

Local time

4:11 AM

CDT

Current temp

53°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

10 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

5h 21m 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.

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 192.4
View on nps.gov
Pullman National Historical Park

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...

13 mi from route ~32 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' on this route, with a 0% highway share indicating you won't be on high-speed interstates for any significant portion. This means your drive will be characterized by frequent turns and navigating local roads, rather than long stretches of uninterrupted driving. While there's no longest uninterrupted stretch specified, the profile suggests a continuous engagement with your surroundings as you make your way through towns and local thoroughfares. This type of driving can offer more varied scenery and a closer look at the communities you pass through, though it will likely require more active navigation than a typical interstate cruise.

95% 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: 127.8 mi on Adlai Stevenson Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I 55. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 3.4 miles in near I 55 / Adlai Stevenson Expressway.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 5h 21m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 3.4 miles (I 55 / Adlai Stevenson Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 131.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Cicero, IL and Alton, IL, road signs point toward Springfield and Greenville.

Springfield

131.2 mi in | ~2h 31m | via I 55

Greenville

258.6 mi in | ~4h 48m

About the Cities

Starting in Cicero, IL

Full guide →

Cicero is a town of 81,000 people (2019) in the Chicagoland area, just west of the Chicago city limits. It became famous when gangster Al Capone moved here to escape from the Chicago Police in the early 1920s.

Arriving in Alton, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1818

Alton is a charming river town in Illinois just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri. Once a blue collar town of heavy manufacturing, Alton has transformed itself into a tourist destination and wedding and reception resort of the Midwest.

Top landmarks

  • • Alton National Cemetery — United States National Cemetery located in the city of Alton, in Madison County,...
  • • Alton Military Prison — prison located in Alton, Illinois
  • • Upper Alton Historic District — historic district in Illinois, United States

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 5h 21m. Total distance: 279 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (95%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 127.8 miles on Adlai Stevenson Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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.

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 3.4 miles (I 55 / Adlai Stevenson Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 131.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Alton, IL before the return drive.

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.

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