Origin
Elgin, IL
Morning in Elgin on Tuesday
Local time
9:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Elgin, IL to Atkinson, 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
2h 48m
Distance
139.1 mi
224 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 37m
★
6 AM
2h 48m
8 AM
3h 10m
10 AM
2h 56m
12 PM
2h 53m
3 PM
2h 57m
5 PM
3h 9m
8 PM
2h 41m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Elgin, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Atkinson, IL
Max W
Trip Overview
This 139.1-mile drive from Elgin, Illinois, to Atkinson, Illinois, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-80, I-39, and the historic Lincoln Highway, you'll find the journey is largely highway-focused. With an estimated fuel cost of $22, this route offers a straightforward and efficient way to travel within the Midwest. The drive is designed for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, making for a predictable travel experience.
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
69.5 miles from Elgin, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 50.9 mi | 54m |
| I 39 | 38 mi | 40m |
| Lincoln Highway | 16.6 mi | 22m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway | 15.6 mi | 16m |
| North La Fox Street | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| Bolcum Road | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| LaFox Road | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| South State Street | 2 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 50.9 mi, about 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elgin, IL and Atkinson, IL.
1
Start on East Chicago Street
34 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Chicago Street
2
Turn right onto Villa Street
0.6 mi
·
58 sec
·
Villa Street
3
Turn right onto East National Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East National Street
4
Turn left onto IL 31
1.2 mi
·
3 min
·
South State Street
5
Continue on IL 31
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
North La Fox Street
6
Turn right onto CR 5
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Silver Glen Road
Use the right lane.
7
Turn left onto CR 34
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Randall Road
8
Turn right onto Bolcum Road
3.2 mi
·
5 min
·
Bolcum Road
9
Enter roundabout onto CR 2
178 ft
·
3 sec
·
Burlington Road
10
Continue on CR 2
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
Burlington Road
11
Continue on CR 81
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
LaFox Road
12
Turn right onto IL 38
17 mi
·
22 min
·
Lincoln Highway
13
Turn left onto Peace Road
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Peace Road
14
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I 88 West Toll: Moline Rock Island
15
Merge onto I 88; IL 110
16 mi
·
16 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Bloomington, Normal
17
Merge onto I 39; US 51
38 mi
·
40 min
·
I 39; US 51
18
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
Exit 59B
Toward I 80 West: La Salle-Peru, Des Moines
19
Merge onto I 80
51 mi
·
54 min
·
I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward Atkinson, Galva
21
Turn right onto South State Street
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
South State Street
22
Turn right onto East Main Street
56 ft
·
2 sec
·
East Main Street
23
Arrive at destination
East Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under three hours, this trip from Elgin to Atkinson is best tackled in one day. Leaving in the morning, perhaps around 9 AM, will allow you to arrive in Atkinson with plenty of daylight remaining. The longest stretch without a major road change is about 50.9 miles on I-80, so plan your first stop around the midpoint if you prefer to break up driving. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $22, and ensure you have enough to reach Atkinson comfortably.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 69.5 miles from Elgin, IL, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.9 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 31 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.5 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Atkinson, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Elgin, 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 Elgin, IL
This is one driving day of about 139.1 miles and 2h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Elgin, 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 80 for about 50.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
70 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 69.5 miles from Elgin, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 185 decision points cluster between mile 6.7 and 86.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
6.7 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
CR 5 / Silver Glen Road
Turn right onto CR 5 / Silver Glen Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
32.3 mi into trip
|
~50m in
Take the ramp toward I 88 West Toll: Moline Rock Island
Navigation decision point
Toward I 88 West Toll: Moline Rock Island
5
32.6 mi into trip
|
~51m in
|
I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Merge onto I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
48.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 8m in
Take the exit toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Bloomington, Normal
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Bloomington, No...
6
86.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward I 80 West: La Salle-Peru, Des Moines
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 59B
Toward I 80 West: La Salle-Peru, Des Moines
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.75 one way
$43.49 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
49 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.88 | $47.75 |
| premium | $4.89 | $26.77 | $53.54 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.71 | $61.42 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.93
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(15.6 mi)
$0.93
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
$22
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.7 | 0 | $14.61 | $6.68 |
| Efficient EV | 34.8 | 0 | $12.17 | $5.56 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55.6 | 0 | $19.47 | $8.90 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (67% 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
Atkinson, IL
Morning in Atkinson on Tuesday
Local time
9:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°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
1 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
2h 48m 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?
The character of this 139.1-mile route is predominantly highway-focused, with 64% of the drive on interstates like I-80 and I-39. You'll encounter one significant stretch of 50.9 miles on I-80, which means extended periods of consistent speed. While the Lincoln Highway offers a change of pace, the overall feel is one of efficient travel. Expect a driving experience where the journey is about covering distance smoothly rather than navigating intricate local roads.
64% 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: 50.9 mi on I 80.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 39. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 6.7 miles in near CR 5 / Silver Glen Road.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 139.1 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 6.7 miles (CR 5 / Silver Glen Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 32.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 32.6 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Elgin, IL and Atkinson, IL, road signs point toward Normal and Des Moines.
Normal
48.2 mi in
|
~1h 8m
Des Moines
86.5 mi in
|
~1h 49m
About the Cities
Starting in Elgin, IL
Full guide →Founded 1854
Elgin is a city in Chicagoland known for its Victorian architecture and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
Top landmarks
- • Elgin Tower Building — building in Illinois, United States
- • Elgin Downtown Commercial District
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 48m. Total distance: 139.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (64%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 50.9 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.93 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.
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 Atkinson, 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 6.7 miles (CR 5 / Silver Glen Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 32.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 32.6 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Atkinson, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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