This 274.9-mile drive from Des Plaines, IL, to Marion, IL, is designed for a single day, estimated to take about 5 hours and 45 minutes. You'll spend a good portion of your time on major highways, with 63% of the journey on interstates and tollways like the Tri-State Tollway and I-57. The fuel cost is projected to be around $43, making it an economical trip within the Midwest. This route is a straightforward, highway-focused option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
137.5 miles from Des Plaines, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
156.5 mi
2h 49m
Tri-State Tollway
28.3 mi
35m
North 1250th Street
13.3 mi
19m
County Road 1150
12.3 mi
16m
South Van Buren Street
11 mi
15m
Route 130
10 mi
14m
County Road 1100 East
6.7 mi
9m
Illinois Route 16
6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 156.5 mi, about 2h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines, IL and Marion, IL.
1
Start on Henry Avenue
0.1 mi·25 sec·Henry Avenue
2
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.8 mi·3 min·South Des Plaines River Road
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward I 294 South: Indiana
4
Merge onto I 294
11 mi·14 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
3.5 mi·4 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi·1 min·Mile-Long Bridge
8
Continue on I 294
8.5 mi·10 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 12 B-AToward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 12AToward IL 50 South: Cicero AvenueUse the straight lane.
11
Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83
4.9 mi·7 min·Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
12
Turn left onto 167th Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·167th Street
Use the left lane.
13
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80
14
Merge onto I 57
157 mi·2 hr 49 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Exit 190AToward IL 16 East: Charleston
16
Turn straight onto IL 16
0.7 mi·1 min·Charleston Avenue East
17
Continue on IL 16
6.0 mi·8 min·Illinois Route 16
18
Continue on IL 16
1.8 mi·2 min·West Lincoln Avenue
19
Turn right onto IL 130
1.6 mi·2 min·18th Street
20
Continue on IL 130
0.8 mi·1 min·Illinois Route 130
21
Continue on IL 130
10.0 mi·14 min·Route 130
22
Continue on IL 130
2.0 mi·2 min·County Road 1825 East
23
Continue on IL 130
0.8 mi·1 min·County Road 1775 E
24
Continue on IL 130
0.4 mi·32 sec·North Haughton Highway
25
Continue on IL 130
1.3 mi·1 min·1700E
26
Continue on IL 130
4.0 mi·5 min·North Haughton Highway
27
Continue on IL 130
2.1 mi·3 min·County Road 1700E
28
Continue on IL 130
13 mi·19 min·North 1250th Street
29
Turn left onto IL 130
11 mi·15 min·South Van Buren Street
30
Continue on IL 130
6.7 mi·9 min·County Road 1100 East
31
Continue on IL 130
2.5 mi·4 min·North West Street
32
Continue on IL 130
12 mi·16 min·County Road 1150
Use the straight lane.
33
Turn right onto 2050N
2.9 mi·11 min·2050N
34
Arrive at destination
2050N
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour, 45-minute duration, this route is best tackled in one day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a comfortable pace. You'll encounter one designated stop, but feel free to take additional breaks as needed, especially during the longest 156.5-mile stretch on I-57. Keep an eye on your fuel, with an estimated cost of $43 for the trip. A practical tip: since much of this drive is on I-57, ensure your vehicle is in good condition for sustained highway speeds.
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 137.5 miles from Des Plaines, IL, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.5 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 60 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.5 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Marion, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines, IL
This is one driving day of about 274.9 miles and 5h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Des Plaines, 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 156.5 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 31.7 — 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|South Des Plaines River Road
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
2.3 mi into trip|~4m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Merge onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
18.6 mi into trip|~25m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
31.5 mi into trip|~41m in
Take the exit toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street
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 12 B-A
Toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th...
8
31.7 mi into trip|~41m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 12A
Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.98 one way
$85.95 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$47.19
$94.38
premium
$4.89
$52.90
$105.80
diesel
$5.61
$60.69
$121.39
Estimated Tolls: $1.70
Tri-state Tollway
(28.3 mi)$1.70
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
$43
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.5
1
$28.86
$13.20
Efficient EV
68.7
0
$24.05
$11.00
EV Truck/SUV
110
1
$38.49
$17.59
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 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 15, 2026
Origin
Des Plaines, IL
Late night
in Des Plaines on Sunday
Local time
4:55 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Marion, IL
Late night
in Marion on Sunday
Local time
4:55 AM
CDT
Current temp
55°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
4 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
5h 45m 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.
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
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 28.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 5-hour, 45-minute journey. With 63% of the drive on major roads like I-57 and the Tri-State Tollway, it’s built for covering distance. You'll encounter one significant stretch of 156.5 miles on I-57, meaning fewer turns and more consistent driving. While it's primarily an interstate experience, the change in scenery as you move south through Illinois will be noticeable, shifting from suburban to more rural landscapes.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 156.5 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Tri-State Tollway. 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 South Des Plaines River Road.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 274.9 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 (South Des Plaines River Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Des Plaines is in Chicagoland. It is an inner-ring, northwest suburb of Chicago with two distinct portions: a suburban northern portion reminiscient of other, nearby northwest suburbs (including Niles, Park Ridge, and Mount Prospect), as well as a built-up southern portion with the businesses, hotels, and other amenities of the O'Hare Airport corridor (much like Rosemont, Chicago's O'Hare neighborhood, and Elk Grove Village).
Top landmarks
•McDonald's #1 Store Museum — former McDonald's spot
Marion is a city in Southern Illinois. Named in honor of Francis Marion and settled in 1839, Marion isn't exactly replete with places to see but has forests and recreational areas nearby.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 45m. Total distance: 274.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 156.5 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.70 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 Marion, 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 (South Des Plaines River Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): 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 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Marion, IL before the return drive.
