Spanning 302.6 miles across Illinois, this trek from Dolton to Quincy is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that takes approximately 5 hours and 46 minutes to complete. Because the route is primarily interstate travel, you can comfortably finish the drive in a single day, making it a practical choice for a weekend getaway or a necessary transit. Budget around $46 for fuel to cover the distance, which takes you from the bustling Chicago suburbs into the heart of the Midwest. Since the entire trip stays within Illinois, you will experience a consistent regional feel as you transition from the dense corridors near Dolton toward the western edge of the state. It is a reliable, no-nonsense path designed for efficiency rather than sightseeing.
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
151.3 miles from Dolton, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
157.8 mi
2h 50m
I 72
92.9 mi
1h 39m
I 80
25.3 mi
30m
IL 57
12.2 mi
21m
I 57
3.7 mi
5m
East 147th Street
2.4 mi
4m
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
2.2 mi
2m
South Indiana Avenue
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 157.8 mi, about 2h 50m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,689 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,115
Quietest
2 AM
~152 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.1×
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 Dolton, IL and Quincy, IL.
1
Start on Lincoln Avenue
63 ft·11 sec·Lincoln Avenue
2
Turn sharp left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
0.1 mi·22 sec·Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
3
Turn right onto East 142nd Street
0.5 mi·1 min·East 142nd Street
4
Turn left onto South Indiana Avenue
1.0 mi·1 min·South Indiana Avenue
5
Turn right onto IL 83
1.0 mi·1 min·East Sibley Boulevard
6
Continue on IL 83
2.4 mi·4 min·East 147th Street
7
Turn left
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward I 57 South
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 294 Toll South, I 57 South: Indiana, MemphisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
10
Merge onto I 57
3.7 mi·5 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·45 sec
Exit 345BToward I 80 West: IowaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 80
25 mi·30 min·I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 126AToward I 55 South: Saint Louis
14
Merge onto I 55
93 mi·1 hr 40 min·I 55
Use the right lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
65 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, SpringfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 72; US 36
93 mi·1 hr 39 min·I 72; US 36
Toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·51 sec
Toward I 172 North: Quincy
18
Continue on I 172; IL 110
2.2 mi·2 min·Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward IL 57: Marblehead, Quincy
20
Turn left onto IL 57
12 mi·20 min·IL 57
21
Turn left onto IL 57
0.4 mi·43 sec·IL 57
22
Turn right
71 ft·1 sec
23
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 46-minute transit, aim to leave early in the morning to avoid peak congestion near the Dolton departure point. Since the trip only requires one planned stop, you have plenty of flexibility to pace your drive according to your own energy levels. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge as you transition between the major interstates to ensure you stay within your $46 budget. Given the length of the longest stretch on I-55, try to time your single stop near the midway point to break up the monotony of the interstate. Having a clear plan for that one break will keep you refreshed and focused until you reach your final destination in Quincy.
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 151.3 miles from Dolton, IL, or about 2h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.8 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 67 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 151.3 miles or 2h 55m 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 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Quincy, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dolton, 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 Dolton, IL
This is one driving day of about 302.6 miles and 5h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Dolton, 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 157.8 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 193.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Turn sharp left onto Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
8
5.3 mi into trip|~11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 294 Toll South, I 57 South: Indiana, Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 294 Toll South, I 57 South: Indiana, M...
7
10 mi into trip|~18m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West: Iowa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 345B
Toward I 80 West: Iowa
8
129.1 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
6
193.9 mi into trip|~3h 41m in|I 72; US 36
Keep slight right at fork onto I 72; US 36 toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.69 one way
$89.37 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg106 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$49.33
$98.67
premium
$4.72
$56.18
$112.37
diesel
$4.80
$57.14
$114.27
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 105.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
90.8
1
$31.77
$14.52
Efficient EV
75.7
0
$26.48
$12.10
EV Truck/SUV
121
1
$42.36
$19.37
Gas CO2
106 kg
EV CO2
35 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Dolton, IL
Late night
in Dolton on Sunday
Local time
4:44 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 10 mph59% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Quincy, IL
Late night
in Quincy on Sunday
Local time
4:44 AM
CDT
Current temp
92°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 7 mph24% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
85°F
Bloomington, IL
151 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
2 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 46m 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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 187.8
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With 97% of your time spent on major highways, expect a fast-paced drive that prioritizes speed and directness. You will primarily navigate via I-55, I-72, and I-80, which provide a consistent rhythm for the majority of your 302.6-mile trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-55, where you will spend 157.8 miles cruising along the interstate. Because this is a highway-focused drive, the experience behind the wheel is predictable and steady, allowing you to cover significant ground quickly. You won't find many technical or winding local roads here, as the infrastructure is designed to keep traffic moving efficiently toward the Mississippi River region.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 157.8 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 72. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Driving Effort9/10
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 18 significant decision points across 302.6 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: near the start (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 5.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
784 ft482 ft
Total Climb
523 ft
Total Descent
560 ft
Highest Point
784 ft
~129.7 mi in
Elevation Range
303 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 Dolton, IL to Quincy, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.
Quincy is a small city of 40,000 in Adams County, Western Illinois. It is near the westernmost point in Illinois on the Mississippi River, and is home to some of the most impressive historic architecture in the region.
Top landmarks
•Downtown Quincy Historic District — historic district in Illinois, United States
•South Side German Historic District — historic district in Illinois, United States
•Quincy East End Historic District — historic district in Illinois, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 46m. Total distance: 302.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 157.8 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 26 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 Quincy, 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 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 5.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Quincy, IL before the return drive.
