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Trip from Elgin, IL to Bunker Hill, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 13m

Distance

274.2 mi

441 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$43

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
5h 0m ★
6 AM
5h 14m
8 AM
5h 41m
10 AM
5h 23m
12 PM
5h 21m
3 PM
5h 25m
5 PM
5h 39m
8 PM
5h 6m

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 Cook and Kane counties in the northern part of the U.S. state of Illinois

Elgin, IL

Wikimedia Commons

city in Illinois, USA

Bunker Hill, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 274.2-mile journey from Elgin, Illinois, to Bunker Hill, Illinois, is a straightforward drive, clocking in at approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-55, the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, and I-355, this route is heavily highway-focused, with 90% of the travel on interstates. Given its duration and the efficient nature of the roads, it's well-suited for a single-day trip, with an estimated fuel cost of around $43. You'll remain within the Midwest region for the entirety of your travels, experiencing a consistent driving environment throughout Illinois.

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

137.1 miles from Elgin, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 116.4 mi 2h 5m
Adlai Stevenson Expressway 111.5 mi 2h 2m
I 355 18.2 mi 22m
Staunton Bunker Hill Road 7.9 mi 10m
Lake Street 6.5 mi 10m
West Lake Street 5.2 mi 6m
Villa Street 2.4 mi 3m
East Main Street 1.5 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 116.4 mi, about 2h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elgin, IL and Bunker Hill, IL.

1

Start on East Chicago Street

34 ft · 5 sec · East Chicago Street
2

Turn right onto Villa Street

2.4 mi · 3 min · Villa Street
3

Merge onto US 20

0.3 mi · 29 sec · Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
4

Continue on US 20

5.2 mi · 6 min · West Lake Street
5

Continue on US 20

6.5 mi · 10 min · Lake Street
6

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 355 Toll South: Joliet Use the right lane.
7

Merge onto I 355

18 mi · 22 min · I 355
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 12A Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Toward Joliet Road South Use the slight left lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Merge onto I 55

112 mi · 2 hr 2 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

65 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

52 mi · 55 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 38 sec
Toward Staunton
15

Turn right onto Staunton Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · Staunton Road
16

Continue on East Main Street

1.5 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
17

Turn right onto IL 4

378 ft · 8 sec · North Hibbard Street
18

Turn right onto IL 4

180 ft · 7 sec · West North Street
19

Turn left onto IL 4

0.5 mi · 47 sec · North Edwardsville Street
20

Continue on IL 4

0.6 mi · 1 min · Illinois Route 4
21

Turn left onto Staunton Bunker Hill Road

7.9 mi · 10 min · Staunton Bunker Hill Road
22

Continue on Warren Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · Warren Street
23

Arrive at destination

West Warren Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour, 13-minute duration, starting your drive from Elgin early in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Factor in the $43 fuel cost and plan your refueling stops accordingly, keeping in mind the longest stretch is 116.4 miles on I-55. Consider a brief stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs before completing the final leg to Bunker Hill. This efficient route makes it easy to adjust your schedule if needed.

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 137.1 miles from Elgin, IL, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116.4 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 15m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 137.1 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 15m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bunker Hill, 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 274.2 miles and 5h 13m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 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 55 for about 116.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bloomington, IL

137 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

Bloomington, IL to Bunker Hill, IL

132.5 mi · 2h 33m

Pacing Suggestions

Joliet, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 60 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Normal, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 137.1 miles from Elgin, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 116.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · first break window

Nay Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Glendale Heights, Illinois

Near the start, short detour

First break · 22min in 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16308683744

Visit website

El Barrio Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Romeoville, Illinois

2.5 mi

Subway

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Romeoville, Illinois

2.4 mi

Nay Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Glendale Heights, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16308683744

Visit website

El Barrio Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Romeoville, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+18153721100

Visit website

Subway

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Romeoville, Illinois

Hours: 7:30 am–9 pm

+18155243248

Visit website

Chatham Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Chatham, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12176971101

Visit website

Simon's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Villa Park, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+16305300200

Visit website

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Downers Grove, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13312159463

Visit website

Gio's Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Romeoville, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+18159053987

Visit website

Cancun

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Sherman, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12174963221

Visit website

Shibam Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Glendale Heights, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+12244487577

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Final third 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour

Lincoln, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12177354444

Visit website

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 14.4 and 145.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
14.4 mi into trip | ~21m in

Take the ramp toward I 355 Toll South: Joliet

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward I 355 Toll South: Joliet
8
32.9 mi into trip | ~44m in

Take the exit toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis

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 12A Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
7
33.2 mi into trip | ~45m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Joliet Road South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward Joliet Road South
7
33.5 mi into trip | ~46m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
8
145.2 mi into trip | ~2h 49m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$42.87 one way

$85.74 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 96 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $47.07 $94.13
premium $4.89 $52.77 $105.53
diesel $5.61 $60.54 $121.08

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$43

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$68–$93

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 95.9 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 82.3 1 $28.79 $13.16
Efficient EV 68.6 0 $23.99 $10.97
EV Truck/SUV 109.7 1 $38.39 $17.55

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 18, 2026

Origin

Elgin, IL

Late night in Elgin on Tuesday

Local time

5:11 AM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Partly Sunny

WNW 20 mph 7% chance Live forecast

Destination

Bunker Hill, IL

Late night in Bunker Hill on Tuesday

Local time

5:11 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

68°F

Bloomington, IL

137 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

3 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 13m 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

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...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 208
View on nps.gov
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...

23 mi from route ~58 min detour Free near mile 28.4
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 274.2-mile trip. With 90% of the route on interstates like I-55, the pace is generally brisk. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 116.4 miles on I-55, meaning you can cover significant ground without frequent exits. This profile suggests a consistent driving experience, characterized by smooth, high-speed travel for the majority of the journey. While the roads are predominantly interstate, the transition between them is efficient.

90% 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: 116.4 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Adlai Stevenson Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 14.4 miles in.

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 15 significant decision points across 274.2 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 14.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 32.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Elgin, IL and Bunker Hill, IL, road signs point toward Saint Louis, Joliet Road South and Springfield.

Saint Louis

32.9 mi in | ~44m

Joliet Road South

33.2 mi in | ~45m

Springfield

145.2 mi in | ~2h 49m | via I 55

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 5h 13m. Total distance: 274.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 116.4 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Bunker Hill, 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 14.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 32.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bunker Hill, IL before the return drive.

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.

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