Origin
Elgin, IL
Evening in Elgin on Tuesday
Local time
6:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Elgin, IL to Washington, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 8, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 11m
Distance
152.6 mi
246 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 0m
★
6 AM
3h 12m
8 AM
3h 35m
10 AM
3h 20m
12 PM
3h 17m
3 PM
3h 21m
5 PM
3h 34m
8 PM
3h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Elgin, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Washington, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Elgin, IL to Washington, IL is 152.6 miles and takes about 3h 11m via I 39 and Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, with a fuel budget near $24 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, moving between Midwest regions. Expect a mix of highway speeds and surface road cruising as you make your way south. With a relatively short duration and a straightforward path, this route is a solid choice for a single-day excursion.
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
76.3 miles from Elgin, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 39 | 83.1 mi | 1h 29m |
| Lincoln Highway | 16.6 mi | 22m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway | 15.6 mi | 16m |
| County Road 1000 North | 11.8 mi | 17m |
| North La Fox Street | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| Bolcum Road | 3.2 mi | 5m |
| Eureka Road | 3 mi | 5m |
| LaFox Road | 2.3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 39
— 83.1 mi, about 1h 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elgin, IL and Washington, 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
83 mi
·
1 hr 29 min
·
I 39; US 51
18
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 24: El Paso, Peoria
19
Turn left onto US 24
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
West Main Street
20
Continue on US 24
12 mi
·
17 min
·
County Road 1000 North
21
Continue on US 24
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
East Center Street
22
Continue on US 24
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
US Highway 24
23
Turn left onto US 24 Business
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road 1200 East
24
Continue on US 24 Business
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road 800 North
25
Continue on US 24 Business
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Eureka Road
26
Continue on US 24 Business
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Walnut Street
27
Enter roundabout onto US 24 Business
300 ft
·
16 sec
·
Peoria Street
28
Continue on US 24 Business
153 ft
·
7 sec
·
Peoria Street
29
Turn right
91 ft
·
6 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 3h 11m drive, leaving in the morning after breakfast will give you plenty of daylight to reach your destination. Since the total distance is just over 150 miles and the estimated fuel cost is around $24, you won't need extensive planning for fuel stops. The longest stretch without a break is about 83 miles on I 39, so consider a quick stop around the midpoint of that segment if needed. Given the manageable duration, you have flexibility; however, be aware of the transition from highway to surface roads as you approach Washington, as this may involve more traffic signals.
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 76.3 miles from Elgin, IL, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 83.1 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 34 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.3 miles or 1h 38m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Washington, 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 152.6 miles and 3h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 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 39 for about 83.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
76 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 76.3 miles from Elgin, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 39 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 83.1 miles.
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 152.5 — 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
152.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 11m in
|
US 24 Business / Peoria Street
Enter roundabout onto US 24 Business / Peoria Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.66 one way
$47.32 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
53 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.32 | $25.94 | $51.88 |
| premium | $4.93 | $29.61 | $59.21 |
| diesel | $5.60 | $33.64 | $67.28 |
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
$24
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 45.8 | 0 | $16.02 | $7.32 |
| Efficient EV | 38.2 | 0 | $13.35 | $6.10 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61 | 0 | $21.36 | $9.77 |
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 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.
Destination
Washington, IL
Evening in Washington on Tuesday
Local time
6:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
85°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
5 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
3h 11m 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?
About 55% of this 152.6-mile route involves highway driving, primarily on I 39. You'll encounter your longest continuous stretch of highway at 83.1 miles on I 39. After leaving the interstate, you'll transition to surface roads for the remainder of the trip. Expect a noticeable shift in pace as you move from faster highway speeds to more local traffic and intersections.
55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 83.1 mi on I 39.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 6.7 miles in near CR 5 / Silver Glen Road.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 3h 11m drive. You will face about 18 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
918 ft
669 ft
Total Climb
328 ft
Total Descent
310 ft
Highest Point
918 ft
~65.4 mi in
Elevation Range
248 ft
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 Washington, IL, road signs point toward Normal and Peoria.
Normal
48.2 mi in
|
~1h 8m
Peoria
131.6 mi in
|
~2h 37m
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
Arriving in Washington, IL
Full guide →Founded 1834
Washington is a city in Western Illinois, just east of Peoria and the Illinois River. It was founded in 1825. Washington is home to around 17,000 people (2016).
Top landmarks
- • Cemetery Road Bridge — historic bridge in Washington, 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 3h 11m. Total distance: 152.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (55%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 83.1 miles on I 39. 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.
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.
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: 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Washington, 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 USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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