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Trip from Creve Coeur, IL to Elgin, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 24m

Distance

149 mi

240 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 12m ★
6 AM
3h 24m
8 AM
3h 48m
10 AM
3h 33m
12 PM
3h 30m
3 PM
3h 34m
5 PM
3h 47m
8 PM
3h 17m

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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village in Illinois, United States

Creve Coeur, IL

Wikimedia Commons

city in Cook and Kane counties in the northern part of the U.S. state of Illinois

Elgin, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 149-mile drive from Creve Coeur, Illinois, to Elgin, Illinois, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes. The route primarily utilizes I-80, with portions on Illinois Route 71 and County Road 1400 East, meaning about 57% of your journey will be on highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, this is an economical option for a quick getaway within the Midwest. The overall feel is a practical, mixed drive, perfect for those who want to reach their destination efficiently. You'll encounter one recommended stop along the way, making it a straightforward journey.

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

74.5 miles from Creve Coeur, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 31.7 mi 34m
Illinois Route 71 24.7 mi 36m
County Road 1400 East 17.8 mi 20m
South 4th Street 9.1 mi 10m
I 180 8.9 mi 9m
North Galena Road 7.6 mi 11m
South Bridge Street 7.2 mi 12m
IL 31 6.1 mi 11m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 31.7 mi, about 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Creve Coeur, IL and Elgin, IL.

1

Start on South Creve Coeur Avenue

355 ft · 11 sec · South Creve Coeur Avenue
2

Turn right onto Rusche Street

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Rusche Street
3

Continue on Pekin Avenue

1.4 mi · 3 min · Pekin Avenue
4

Turn right onto IL 8; IL 116; IL 29

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
5

Turn left onto IL 29

1.6 mi · 2 min · IL 29
Toward I 74 West
6

Take the exit onto IL 29

0.2 mi · 24 sec · IL 29
Toward IL 29 North: Downtown Peoria
7

Turn right onto IL 29

2.5 mi · 4 min · Northeast Adams Street
8

Continue on IL 29

0.3 mi · 41 sec · Northeast Adams Street
9

Continue on IL 29

7.1 mi · 10 min · North Galena Road
10

Keep slight left at fork

321 ft · 4 sec
11

Keep slight right at fork

148 ft · 2 sec
12

Continue on IL 29

0.4 mi · 35 sec · North Galena Road
13

Continue on IL 29

6.1 mi · 7 min · North State Route 29
14

Continue on IL 29

9.1 mi · 10 min · South 4th Street
15

Continue on IL 29

1.1 mi · 1 min · Railroad Street
16

Continue on IL 29

18 mi · 20 min · County Road 1400 East
17

Merge onto I 180

8.9 mi · 9 min · I 180
18

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 43 sec
Toward I 80 East: Joliet
19

Merge onto I 80

32 mi · 34 min · I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Exit 93 Toward IL 71: Ottawa, Oswego Use the slight right lane.
21

Turn left onto IL 71

25 mi · 36 min · Illinois Route 71
Use the straight lane.
22

Turn left onto South Bridge Street

7.2 mi · 12 min · South Bridge Street
Use the left lane.
23

Continue on US 30; IL 47

3.1 mi · 3 min · US 30; IL 47
24

Continue on IL 47

0.9 mi · 1 min · Illinois Route 47
Use the left lane.
25

Turn right onto CR 78

5.3 mi · 8 min · Bliss Road
Use the left lane.
26

Enter roundabout onto Fabyan Parkway

151 ft · 3 sec · Fabyan Parkway
27

Continue on Fabyan Parkway

2.1 mi · 3 min · Fabyan Parkway
28

Turn left onto CR 84

0.7 mi · 1 min · Kaneville Road
29

Turn left onto CR 84

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Peck Road
30

Turn right onto CR 41

1.0 mi · 1 min · Keslinger Road
31

Turn left onto CR 34

1.3 mi · 2 min · Randall Road
32

Continue on CR 34

4.6 mi · 7 min · South Randall Road
33

Turn right onto CR 5

1.0 mi · 1 min · Silver Glen Road
34

At end of road, turn left onto IL 31

6.1 mi · 11 min · IL 31
35

Turn right onto East Chicago Street

0.3 mi · 55 sec · East Chicago Street
36

Arrive at destination

East Chicago Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 24-minute duration, this 149-mile trip from Creve Coeur to Elgin is best tackled in one day. Consider an early morning departure to maximize your time at your destination and avoid potential rush hour traffic, especially as you approach Elgin. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $23, pacing yourself is easy. Keep an eye out for the transition from I-80 onto Illinois Route 71, as this marks a notable change in the road type and speed.

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 74.5 miles from Creve Coeur, IL, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.7 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 33 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 74.5 miles or 1h 32m 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 38m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, IL

This is one driving day of about 149 miles and 3h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Creve Coeur, 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 80 for about 31.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Peru, IL

75 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

Washburn, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

La Salle, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 74.5 miles from Creve Coeur, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

La Mexicana Restaurant & Grocery Store

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ottawa, Illinois

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 85.1

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+18154334714

Visit website

The Patten House Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Geneva, Illinois

3 mi

La Mexicana Restaurant & Grocery Store

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 85.1

Ottawa, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+18154334714

Visit website

The Patten House Restaurant & Bar

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour Expensive mile 138.3

Geneva, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16304925040

Visit website

Ju Rin

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 138.3

Geneva, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–2 pm

+16302629590

Visit website

Haddad's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+13096725339

Ta Canijo Taco Trucks

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117

Yorkville, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+16303852680

Oak Street Restaurant And Bar

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 127.7

North Aurora, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+16303017202

Visit website

Cielito Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour Moderately mile 117

Plano, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+16302732045

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Peoria, Illinois

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 10.6

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 5 am–12 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Holiday Inn Charging Station

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13094948850

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 114.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Rusche Street

Turn right onto Rusche Street

Navigation decision point

6
14 mi into trip | ~23m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

8
89.6 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in

Take the exit toward IL 71: Ottawa, Oswego

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 93 Toward IL 71: Ottawa, Oswego
6
89.9 mi into trip | ~1h 49m in | IL 71 / Illinois Route 71

Turn left onto IL 71 / Illinois Route 71

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
114.6 mi into trip | ~2h 25m in | South Bridge Street

Turn left onto South Bridge Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.29 one way

$46.59 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 52 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $25.58 $51.15
premium $4.89 $28.67 $57.35
diesel $5.61 $32.90 $65.79

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 52.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 44.7 0 $15.64 $7.15
Efficient EV 37.3 0 $13.04 $5.96
EV Truck/SUV 59.6 0 $20.86 $9.54

Gas CO2

52 kg

EV CO2

17 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.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Creve Coeur, IL

Afternoon in Creve Coeur on Sunday

Local time

12:29 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Elgin, IL

Afternoon in Elgin on Sunday

Local time

12:29 PM

CDT

Current temp

80°F

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 15 to 20 mph 43% chance Live forecast

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 17 at 11:48AM CDT until April 18 at 5:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 17 at 11:28AM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL

52°F

Peru, IL

75 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

27 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

3h 24m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed driving experience on this 149-mile route, with 57% of it on higher-speed highways like I-80. While much of the drive is straightforward, you'll transition to local roads like Illinois Route 71 and County Road 1400 East, offering a change of pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 31.7 miles on I-80, providing a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. This blend means you won't be stuck on a monotonous interstate for the entire 3 hours and 24 minutes, but rather experience a varied drive.

57% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.7 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Rusche Street.

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 21 significant decision points across 149 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 0.1 miles (Rusche Street): Navigation decision point; at 14 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 89.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

On the drive from Creve Coeur, IL to Elgin, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Oswego along the way.

Oswego

89.6 mi in | ~1h 49m

About the Cities

Arriving in Elgin, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1854

Elgin is a city in Chicagoland known for its Victorian architecture and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.

Top landmarks

  • • Elgin Tower Building — building in Illinois, United States
  • • Elgin Downtown Commercial District

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 3h 24m. Total distance: 149 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 31.7 miles on I 80. 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.

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 Elgin, 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 0.1 miles (Rusche Street): Navigation decision point; at 14 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 89.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Elgin, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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