Elk Grove to Mount Vernon is 289.9 miles and takes about 5h 30m via I 57 and Tri-State Tollway, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive keeps you within Illinois, moving south through the Midwest. It's primarily a highway route, making it a straightforward trip for a single day. Expect to spend most of your time on major interstates, so it's a practical choice if you're looking to get from point A to point B efficiently.
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
144.9 miles from Elk Grove, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 51m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
251.1 mi
4h 31m
Tri-State Tollway
18.2 mi
23m
Cicero Avenue
4.9 mi
7m
York Road
4.3 mi
7m
US 20
3 mi
4m
Broadway Street
2.8 mi
5m
North York Street
1.3 mi
2m
South Elmhurst Road
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 251.1 mi, about 4h 31m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~741 veh/hr typical
· worst 863
Quietest
3 AM
~100 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elk Grove, IL and Mount Vernon, IL.
1
Start on South Elmhurst Road
1.0 mi·1 min·South Elmhurst Road
2
Continue on York Road
4.3 mi·7 min·York Road
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on North York Street
1.3 mi·2 min·North York Street
4
Turn right onto Lake Street
0.3 mi·33 sec·Lake Street
5
Turn slight right
147 ft·7 sec
Use the right lane.
6
Take the ramp onto US 20
3.0 mi·4 min·US 20
Toward I 290 East, US 20 East: ChicagoUse the right lane.
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 294
0.4 mi·47 sec·Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
1.0 mi·2 min·Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
10
Merge onto I 294
137 ft·1 sec·Tri-State Tollway
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
3.5 mi·4 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi·1 min·Mile-Long Bridge
14
Continue on I 294
8.5 mi·10 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 12 B-AToward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 12AToward IL 50 South: Cicero AvenueUse the straight lane.
17
Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83
4.9 mi·7 min·Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
18
Turn left onto 167th Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·167th Street
Use the left lane.
19
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80
20
Merge onto I 57
188 mi·3 hr 23 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57
63 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 57
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward IL 15: Ashley, Mt. Vernon
23
Turn straight onto IL 15
2.8 mi·5 min·Broadway Street
24
Arrive at destination
IL 15
Trip Plan
With a 5h 30m estimated drive time, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Leaving Elk Grove in the morning should allow you to reach Mount Vernon with plenty of daylight to spare. The longest stretch is over 250 miles on I 57, so plan for a fuel and rest stop before you hit that segment if you prefer shorter driving periods. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the end of the 251.1-mile I 57 stretch, as surface roads can sometimes have fewer services.
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 144.9 miles from Elk Grove, IL, or about 2h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 251.1 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 64 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144.9 miles or 2h 51m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mount Vernon, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Elk Grove, 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 Elk Grove, IL
This is one driving day of about 289.9 miles and 5h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Elk Grove, 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 57 for about 251.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
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 6.8 and 29.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
6.8 mi into trip|~12m in|US 20
Take the ramp onto US 20 toward I 290 East, US 20 East: Chicago
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 290 East, US 20 East: Chicago
8
9.8 mi into trip|~16m in
Take the exit toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
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 15A
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
6
10.5 mi into trip|~18m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
8
29.3 mi into trip|~42m in
Take the exit toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street
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 12 B-A
Toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th...
8
29.5 mi into trip|~42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 12A
Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.81 one way
$85.62 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$47.26
$94.53
premium
$4.72
$53.83
$107.65
diesel
$4.80
$54.74
$109.48
Estimated Tolls: $1.09
Tri-state Tollway
(18.2 mi)$1.09
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
$43
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87
1
$30.44
$13.92
Efficient EV
72.5
0
$25.37
$11.60
EV Truck/SUV
116
1
$40.59
$18.55
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Elk Grove, IL
Night
in Elk Grove on Saturday
Local time
11:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
WSW 5 to 10 mph41% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Mount Vernon, IL
Night
in Mount Vernon on Saturday
Local time
11:33 PM
CDT
Current temp
74°F
Mostly Clear
WSW 2 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
79°F
Shelby, IN
145 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
2 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
5h 30m 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.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is 88% highway, meaning you'll be on major freeways for the vast majority of the 289.9 miles. The longest continuous stretch on I 57 covers 251.1 miles. You'll transition to surface roads like Cicero Avenue for the remaining portion of the trip. Expect a lot of consistent driving on I 57, with relatively fewer exits for long stretches.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 251.1 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.8 miles in near US 20.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 289.9 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 6.8 miles (US 20): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.5 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 30m. Total distance: 289.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 251.1 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.09 in tolls one way, starting with Tri-state 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 — we found about 42 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Mount Vernon, 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. There are 42 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.8 miles (US 20): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.5 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Mount Vernon, IL before the return drive.
