Skip to main content

Trip from East Moline, IL to Evanston, 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 23m

Distance

169.1 mi

272 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 12m ★
6 AM
3h 24m
8 AM
3h 48m
10 AM
3h 32m
12 PM
3h 30m
3 PM
3h 33m
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.

city in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States

East Moline, IL

Wikimedia Commons

suburban city in Cook County, Illinois, United States

Evanston, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 169.1-mile drive from East Moline, IL, to Evanston, IL, is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes. You'll primarily be on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) and the Tri-State Tollway, with about 29% of the journey on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $26 for this trip. The route is contained within the Midwest region, specifically within Illinois, making it a straightforward journey. With only one recommended stop, this drive offers a convenient option for a day trip.

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

84.5 miles from East Moline, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway 95.7 mi 1h 46m
I 88 43.8 mi 46m
Tri-State Tollway 9.9 mi 13m
John Deere Expressway 4.5 mi 6m
Oakton Street 4 mi 7m
East Touhy Avenue 3 mi 5m
West Howard Street 1.7 mi 3m
Crosstown Avenue 1.1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway — 95.7 mi, about 1h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

91 mi · 1 hr 40 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110

4.7 mi · 5 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 139 Toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rockford Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward I 294 Toll North: O'Hare International Airport, Milwaukee
11

Merge onto I 294

9.9 mi · 13 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Exit 42 A-B Toward Touhy Avenue Use the slight right lane.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 42 A-B Toward Touhy Avenue
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 42A Toward Touhy Avenue East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue

3.0 mi · 5 min · East Touhy Avenue
16

Turn left onto IL 43

0.5 mi · 50 sec · North Harlem Avenue
Use the left lane.
17

Turn right onto West Howard Street

1.7 mi · 3 min · West Howard Street
18

Turn left onto New Gross Point Road

0.1 mi · 10 sec · New Gross Point Road
19

Continue on Gross Point Road

0.5 mi · 54 sec · Gross Point Road
20

Turn right onto Oakton Street

4.0 mi · 7 min · Oakton Street
21

Turn left onto Asbury Avenue

1.0 mi · 1 min · Asbury Avenue
Use the left lane.
22

Turn right onto Dempster Street

213 ft · 9 sec · Dempster Street
23

Turn uturn

213 ft · 17 sec
24

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 23-minute duration, this drive is very manageable as a one-day trip. Leaving East Moline in the morning will allow you to reach Evanston with plenty of daylight. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 95.7 miles on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps around the midpoint of that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $26, it's an economical choice. Keep an eye on tollway signage for any specific lane directions as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area, especially on the Tri-State Tollway.

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 84.5 miles from East Moline, IL, or about 1h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.7 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 37 miles or 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 84.5 miles or 1h 36m 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 36m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Evanston, 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 169.1 miles and 3h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from East Moline, 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 Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway for about 95.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Aurora, IL

85 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

Morrison, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

DeKalb, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84.5 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 95.7 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

Rock Falls Candlelight

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rock Falls, Illinois

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.3

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18156261897

Visit website

A2B Indian Veg Restaurant - Illinois

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Warrenville, Illinois

0.9 mi

Ditka's Oakbrook

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Coffee Crush

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dixon, Illinois

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 60.4

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

+18153455909

Visit website

Flip Side Coffee & Espresso Bar

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rock Falls, Illinois

2.1 mi

Kick Serve Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Moline, Illinois

2.1 mi

Rock Falls Candlelight

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.3

Rock Falls, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18156261897

Visit website

A2B Indian Veg Restaurant - Illinois

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 132.8

Warrenville, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+16307918800

Visit website

Ditka's Oakbrook

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Expensive mile 144.9

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16305722200

Visit website

888 Bistro

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

East Moline, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13092031986

Visit website

A's Kitchen

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.3

Rock Falls, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18156256574

J. Alexander's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Expensive mile 144.9

Oak Brook, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16305738180

Visit website

Indian Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

East Moline, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8:45 pm

+13099127604

Visit website

Creative Signature Cuisine

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

East Moline, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–8:30 pm

+13098652591

Coffee Crush

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 60.4

Dixon, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–4 pm

+18153455909

Visit website

Flip Side Coffee & Espresso Bar

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 48.3

Rock Falls, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+18157180022

Kick Serve Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Moline, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+13095173221

Visit website

Air Play Espresso and Bakery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 48.3

Sterling, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18155854327

Visit website

Sammy's Slots Video & Gaming Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 48.3

Rock Falls, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–1 pm

+18157168318

The Speakeasy at La Bella Notte

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 48.3

Rock Falls, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+18157168559

The Atlas Collective

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Moline, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+13099078163

Visit website

Joh’s Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Moline, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13095197076

Visit website

Flight Deck A Global Inspired Pub

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 84.5

Rochelle, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18155613664

Visit website

Rooney's

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 72.5

Franklin Grove, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+18154562590

Visit website

Lisa's Brick House Bar & Grill

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.3

Sterling, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+18155905472

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

Prairie Trail Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 144.9

Willowbrook, Illinois

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Visit website

Quad Cities Airport Deli Bar

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Moline, Illinois

Hours: 4:30 am–6 pm

+13097649621

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 141.7 and 169 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
141.7 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in | I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
146.5 mi into trip | ~2h 45m in

Take the exit toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rockford

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 139 Toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rock...
7
157.2 mi into trip | ~3h in

Take the exit toward Touhy Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 42 A-B Toward Touhy Avenue
8
157.8 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Touhy Avenue East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 42A Toward Touhy Avenue East
7
169 mi into trip | ~3h 23m in

Turn uturn

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.44 one way

$52.87 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $29.03 $58.05
premium $4.89 $32.54 $65.08
diesel $5.61 $37.34 $74.67

Estimated Tolls: $6.34

Reagan Memorial Tollway (95.7 mi) $5.74
Tri-state Tollway (9.9 mi) $0.60

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

$26

Tolls

$6

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 59.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50.7 0 $17.76 $8.12
Efficient EV 42.3 0 $14.80 $6.76
EV Truck/SUV 67.6 0 $23.67 $10.82

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 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

7:51 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Evanston, IL

Morning in Evanston on Sunday

Local time

7:51 AM

CDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

51°F

Aurora, IL

85 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

4 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

3h 23m 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

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...

20 mi from route ~50 min detour Free near mile 145.8
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route presents a "turn-heavy local drive" profile, despite a significant portion being on tollways. While you'll experience 95.7 miles on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, the overall character suggests a mix of faster highway segments and more involved local road navigation. The 29% highway share indicates that you won't be exclusively on high-speed interstates. Be prepared for more frequent changes in direction and speed as you transition between different road types.

Only 29% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 95.7 mi on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 141.7 miles in near I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway.

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 16 significant decision points across 169.1 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 141.7 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 146.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between East Moline, IL and Evanston, IL, road signs point toward Rockford, Milwaukee and Touhy Avenue East.

Rockford

146.5 mi in | ~2h 45m

Milwaukee

147 mi in | ~2h 47m

Touhy Avenue East

157.8 mi in | ~3h 2m

About the Cities

Starting in East Moline, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1903

Arriving in Evanston, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1836

Evanston is a city in the North Shore region of Illinois along the shores of Lake Michigan. Evanston has many identities: college town, dining destination, cultural center and gateway to the wealthy North Shore, although the city itself is anything but homogeneous in regards to economic status, culture and race. Evanston is named after John Evans, one of the founders of Northwestern University, which ranks among the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Top landmarks

  • Grosse Point Light — lighthouse in Illinois, United States
  • Shakespeare Garden — garden on the campus of Northwestern University
  • Frederick B. Carter, Jr. House — historic house in Illinois, United States

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 23m. Total distance: 169.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 95.7 miles on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $6.34 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.

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 Evanston, 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 141.7 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 146.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 157.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 3.4 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 Evanston, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from East Moline, IL or browse trips ending in Evanston, IL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.