Origin
Creve Coeur, IL
Morning in Creve Coeur on Tuesday
Local time
7:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Creve Coeur, IL to Elmhurst, 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
3h 5m
Distance
158.5 mi
255 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 54m
★
6 AM
3h 6m
8 AM
3h 29m
10 AM
3h 14m
12 PM
3h 11m
3 PM
3h 15m
5 PM
3h 27m
8 PM
2h 59m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Creve Coeur, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Elmhurst, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Creve Coeur, IL to Elmhurst, IL is 158.5 miles and takes about 3h 5m via I-55 and I-74, with a fuel budget near $25 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest and entirely within Illinois, making it a straightforward hop between two points in the region. Most of the drive is on major highways, so you'll experience a consistent cruising speed for most of the 158.5 miles. It's a good option if you're looking for a relatively quick drive with minimal complexity.
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
79.2 miles from Creve Coeur, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 111 mi | 2h 3m |
| I 74 | 30.4 mi | 32m |
| Kingery Highway | 10.4 mi | 15m |
| Pekin Avenue | 1.4 mi | 3m |
| West Saint Charles Road | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| South York Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| East Washington Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| South Main Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 111 mi, about 2h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Creve Coeur, IL and Elmhurst, 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
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
South Main Street
5
Turn right onto East Washington Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Washington Street
6
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
7
Merge onto I 74
30 mi
·
32 min
·
I 74
8
Keep slight left at fork
1.4 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
9
Merge onto I 55; US 51
111 mi
·
2 hr 3 min
·
I 55; US 51
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 274
Toward IL 83: Kingery Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road North
Use the right lane.
13
Continue on IL 83
10 mi
·
15 min
·
Kingery Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
338 ft
·
9 sec
15
Turn slight right onto West Saint Charles Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
West Saint Charles Road
16
Turn left onto South York Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South York Street
Use the left lane.
17
Turn left onto West Park Avenue
38 ft
·
3 sec
·
West Park Avenue
18
Turn slight right
65 ft
·
4 sec
19
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 5m duration, this is easily a one-day trip. Leaving mid-morning should put you into Elmhurst with plenty of daylight to spare. You'll drive 158.5 miles, and with only one recommended stop, you can easily power through if needed, but a quick break around the halfway point is always a good idea. Keep an eye on your fuel as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area, as prices can fluctuate. Since most of the drive is on I-55, watch for the signs indicating your exit for Kingery Highway well in advance to avoid missing it.
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 79.2 miles from Creve Coeur, IL, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111 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 35 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 79.2 miles or 1h 31m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elmhurst, 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 158.5 miles and 3h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 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 55 for about 111 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
79 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 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 79.2 miles from Creve Coeur, 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 111 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 115 decision points cluster between mile 33.2 and 157.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
33.2 mi into trip
|
~38m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
7
145.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 44m in
Take the exit toward IL 83: Kingery Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 274
Toward IL 83: Kingery Road
8
145.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 45m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road
8
146 mi into trip
|
~2h 45m in
Keep slight right at fork toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road North
6
157.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 3m in
|
South York Street
Turn left onto South York Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.78 one way
$49.56 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
56 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $27.21 | $54.41 |
| premium | $4.89 | $30.50 | $61.00 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $34.99 | $69.99 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 47.6 | 0 | $16.64 | $7.61 |
| Efficient EV | 39.6 | 0 | $13.87 | $6.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 63.4 | 0 | $22.19 | $10.14 |
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (65% 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
Elmhurst, IL
Morning in Elmhurst on Tuesday
Local time
7:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
67°F
Reading, IL
79 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
13 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 5m 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...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 147.5
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?
You'll spend 89% of this 158.5-mile trip on highways, primarily I-55. The longest stretch without a significant change in direction or road type is 111 miles on I-55. You can expect a steady pace until you approach the Elmhurst area, where the density of exits will likely increase. Kingery Highway marks the transition to more local roads as you enter your destination.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 74. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 33.2 miles in.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 158.5 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 33.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 145.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
824 ft
526 ft
Total Climb
442 ft
Total Descent
440 ft
Highest Point
824 ft
~34 mi in
Elevation Range
298 ft
About the Cities
Arriving in Elmhurst, IL
Full guide →Elmhurst is in Chicagoland.
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 5m. Total distance: 158.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 111 miles on I 55. 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 Elmhurst, 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 33.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 145.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.8 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Elmhurst, 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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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