Traveling from Collinsville to Bolingbrook covers 256.6 miles of Illinois landscape, typically taking about 4 hours and 42 minutes behind the wheel. Because this trip is entirely within the Midwest, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $39 on fuel for the journey, making it a budget-friendly option for a direct transit. Since 98% of your time will be spent on highways, this drive is best viewed as a straightforward, practical connection between two points. It is a highly efficient route that gets you where you need to go without unnecessary detours.
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
128.3 miles from Collinsville, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
251.8 mi
4h 33m
Vandalia Street
2.8 mi
4m
South Bolingbrook Drive
1.1 mi
2m
North Bolingbrook Drive
0.1 mi
<1m
South Morrison Avenue
0.1 mi
<1m
East Grove Avenue
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 251.8 mi, about 4h 33m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 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
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Collinsville, IL and Bolingbrook, IL.
1
Start on this road
132 ft·11 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto East Grove Avenue
59 ft·5 sec·East Grove Avenue
3
Turn right onto IL 159
0.1 mi·14 sec·South Morrison Avenue
4
Continue on IL 159
2.8 mi·4 min·Vandalia Street
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward I 55 North, I 70 East
6
Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40
3.8 mi·4 min·I 55; I 70; US 40
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
108 mi·1 hr 56 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
111 mi·2 hr·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, PeoriaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 267Toward IL 53: Bolingbrook, RomeovilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn left onto IL 53
1.1 mi·2 min·South Bolingbrook Drive
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on IL 53
0.1 mi·24 sec·North Bolingbrook Drive
13
Arrive at destination
IL 53
Trip Plan
To make the most of this nearly five-hour drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since the route is dominated by I-55, keep a close eye on traffic patterns as you approach the denser northern regions of your destination. Leaving early in the morning can help you avoid potential congestion and keep your arrival time predictable. Because you are only looking at one main stop, try to time your break around the midpoint of your 256.6-mile journey to maintain your energy levels. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so use that one planned stop to refuel both your vehicle and your focus for the final push into Bolingbrook.
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 128.3 miles from Collinsville, IL, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 251.8 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 56 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128.3 miles or 2h 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 3h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bolingbrook, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Collinsville, 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 Collinsville, IL
This is one driving day of about 256.6 miles and 4h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Collinsville, 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 251.8 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 9
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 255.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|East Grove Avenue
Turn right onto East Grove Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
7.2 mi into trip|~10m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springf...
7
115 mi into trip|~2h 6m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
8
144.4 mi into trip|~2h 38m in|I 55
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
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
8
255.1 mi into trip|~4h 39m in
Take the exit toward IL 53: Bolingbrook, Romeoville
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 267
Toward IL 53: Bolingbrook, Romeoville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.89 one way
$75.79 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg90 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$41.83
$83.67
premium
$4.72
$47.64
$95.29
diesel
$4.80
$48.45
$96.90
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77
0
$26.94
$12.32
Efficient EV
64.2
0
$22.45
$10.26
EV Truck/SUV
102.6
1
$35.92
$16.42
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Collinsville, IL
Evening
in Collinsville on Monday
Local time
8:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
W 5 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:50AM CDT until July 19 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 3:04AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Destination
Bolingbrook, IL
Evening
in Bolingbrook on Monday
Local time
8:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
SW 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:50AM CDT until July 19 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 3:04AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
67°F
Athens, IL
128 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
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
1 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 42m 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
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...
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...
24 mi from route
~59 min detour
Free
near mile 256.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is defined by a heavy reliance on the interstate system, offering a consistent and fast-paced experience. You will spend the vast majority of your journey on I-55, which accounts for a massive 251.8-mile uninterrupted stretch. Aside from the short initial transition off Vandalia Street and your final arrival via South Bolingbrook Drive, the drive remains a high-speed highway-focused trek. The personality of the road is utilitarian and direct, lacking the technical challenges of local backroads. Expect a steady, predictable rhythm as you navigate the long miles across the state.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 251.8 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Vandalia Street. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Grove Avenue.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 256.6 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Grove Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 7.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
747 ft550 ft
Total Climb
442 ft
Total Descent
304 ft
Highest Point
747 ft
~146.6 mi in
Elevation Range
198 ft
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 Collinsville, IL to Bolingbrook, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.
Collinsville is a city in Southern Illinois in the Saint Louis Metro East area. It is the "Horseradish Capital of the World": 85 percent of the world's horseradish is grown in Collinsville and the surrounding area. It is also the home of Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage.
Top landmarks
•Cahokia — archaeological site near East St. Louis, Illinois, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 42m. Total distance: 256.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 251.8 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 30 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 Bolingbrook, 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 30 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Grove Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 7.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Bolingbrook, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
