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Trip from East Moline, IL to Aurora, IL

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

Drive Time

2h 24m

Distance

126.6 mi

204 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 15m ★
6 AM
2h 25m
8 AM
2h 44m
10 AM
2h 31m
12 PM
2h 29m
3 PM
2h 32m
5 PM
2h 43m
8 PM
2h 19m

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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city in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States

East Moline, IL

Wikimedia Commons

city on tripoints of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties in Illinois, United States

Aurora, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Heading from East Moline, IL to Aurora, IL, you're looking at a straightforward trip of about 126.6 miles, estimated to take 2 hours and 24 minutes. This drive is perfectly suited for a single day, so no need to worry about overnight stops. The primary artery for this journey is the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), which makes up a significant portion of your travel. With an estimated fuel cost of $19, this route through the Midwest offers a practical and efficient way to get from point A to point B. It's a drive that prioritizes getting you to your destination without much fuss.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

63.3 miles from East Moline, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway 72.7 mi 1h 18m
I 88 43.8 mi 46m
John Deere Expressway 4.5 mi 6m
North Lake Street 2.2 mi 4m
Crosstown Avenue 1.1 mi 2m
30th Avenue 1 mi 2m
IL 56 0.6 mi 1m
South Lincolnway Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway — 72.7 mi, about 1h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between East Moline, IL and Aurora, IL.

1

Start on 7th Street

118 ft · 8 sec · 7th Street
2

Turn left onto 30th Avenue

1.0 mi · 2 min · 30th Avenue
3

Continue on Crosstown Avenue

1.1 mi · 2 min · Crosstown Avenue
4

Turn left onto IL 5

4.5 mi · 6 min · John Deere Expressway
5

Keep slight left at fork onto IL 5; IL 92

0.3 mi · 23 sec · IL 5; IL 92
6

Continue on I 88; IL 92

44 mi · 46 min · I 88; IL 92
7

Continue on I 88; IL 110

73 mi · 1 hr 18 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
8

Take the exit onto IL 56

0.6 mi · 1 min · IL 56
Exit 117 Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Turn right onto IL 31

0.4 mi · 52 sec · South Lincolnway Street
10

Continue on IL 31

2.2 mi · 4 min · North Lake Street
11

Turn right onto West Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 9 sec · West Galena Boulevard
12

Arrive at destination

West Galena Boulevard

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 24 minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in one day. Aiming for an early morning departure from East Moline can help you avoid any potential midday traffic. With only 126.6 miles, you have flexibility if you decide to make an unscheduled stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before hitting the longest stretch on I-88, as services can be spaced out on tollways. The estimated fuel cost is $19, so plan accordingly for your fueling needs before embarking.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 63.3 miles from East Moline, IL, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.7 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 28 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 63.3 miles or 1h 12m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 56m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving East Moline, 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 East Moline, IL

This is one driving day of about 126.6 miles and 2h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from East Moline, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway for about 72.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city and county seat of Lee County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Dixon, IL

63 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.

Popular next leg

Dixon, IL to Aurora, IL

67.6 mi · 1h 19m

Pacing Suggestions

Camanche, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Dixon, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.3 miles from East Moline, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.7 miles.

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

El Pueblo Mexican Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Silvis, Illinois

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 11:30 am–7:30 pm

+13097556391

Avenue Family Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Moline, Illinois

1.7 mi

Teriyaki Madness

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Bettendorf, Iowa

2.7 mi

El Pueblo Mexican Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Silvis, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–7:30 pm

+13097556391

Avenue Family Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Moline, Illinois

+13095815490

Visit website

Teriyaki Madness

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Bettendorf, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15638881187

Visit website

Subway

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv

Silvis, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+13097960996

Visit website

Oak Street Restaurant And Bar

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 126.6

North Aurora, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+16303017202

Visit website

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 126.6

Oswego, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16305513219

Visit website

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour Moderately mile 126.6

Oswego, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16305513912

Visit website

Prophet Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 36.2

Prophetstown, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18155379959

The Logger House

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

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

Hampton, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–1 pm

+13097553077

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

4 of 4

4 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 126.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | 30th Avenue

Turn left onto 30th Avenue

Navigation decision point

4
6.6 mi into trip | ~11m in | IL 5; IL 92

Keep slight left at fork onto IL 5; IL 92

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

8
123.4 mi into trip | ~2h 17m in | IL 56

Take the exit onto IL 56 toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East

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 117 Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East
3
126.5 mi into trip | ~2h 24m in | West Galena Boulevard

Turn right onto West Galena Boulevard

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.79 one way

$39.58 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 44 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.73 $43.46
premium $4.89 $24.36 $48.73
diesel $5.61 $27.95 $55.90

Estimated Tolls: $4.36

Reagan Memorial Tollway (72.7 mi) $4.36

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

$20

Tolls

$4

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$49–$74

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38 0 $13.29 $6.08
Efficient EV 31.7 0 $11.08 $5.06
EV Truck/SUV 50.6 0 $17.72 $8.10

Gas CO2

44 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (66% 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 15, 2026

Origin

East Moline, IL

Morning in East Moline on Sunday

Local time

9:17 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Aurora, IL

Morning in Aurora on Sunday

Local time

9:17 AM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

50°F

Dixon, IL

63 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

20 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

2h 24m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is characterized as a 'Mixed drive,' with 39% of it being on highways. You'll spend a good amount of time on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), which includes the longest continuous stretch of 72.7 miles. Expect stretches that are primarily highway driving, offering a consistent pace. While not explicitly scenic, the transitions between the John Deere Expressway and the tollway provide a varied driving experience as you move through different sections of Illinois.

39% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 72.7 mi on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

2/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 30th Avenue.

Driving Effort 2/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from East Moline, IL to Aurora, IL is easy. At 2h 24m with 39% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (30th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 6.6 miles (IL 5; IL 92): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 123.4 miles (IL 56): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

910 ft 581 ft

Total Climb

400 ft

Total Descent

425 ft

Highest Point

910 ft

~99.5 mi in

Elevation Range

329 ft

About the Cities

Starting in East Moline, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1903

Arriving in Aurora, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1835

Aurora is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, located about 35 miles west of Chicago. It's at the very edge of Chicagoland and, situated on the Fox River, has many opportunities for urban, suburban, and rural recreation. Often overlooked, Aurora in fact has many surprisingly interesting attractions and a downtown unlike that of a typical suburb. It is probably best known for being the setting of the "Wayne's World" movies.

Top landmarks

  • • Aurora University — private university in Aurora, Illinois, U.S
  • • Hotel Arthur — United States historic place
  • • Graham Building — historic building in Aurora, Illinois

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 2h 24m. Total distance: 126.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (39%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 72.7 miles on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $4.36 in tolls one way, starting with Reagan Memorial 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (30th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 6.6 miles (IL 5; IL 92): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 123.4 miles (IL 56): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Aurora, IL before heading back.

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, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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