Elmhurst, IL to York, IL is 238.5 miles and takes about 5h 8m via I 57 and I 74, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest, connecting two points in Illinois. You'll spend a good portion of your time on major interstates, making it a straightforward trip. With just one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, it's a manageable one-day excursion. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two locations without a lot of fuss.
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
119.2 miles from Elmhurst, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
105.4 mi
1h 54m
I 74
32.4 mi
35m
South Main Street
30.4 mi
45m
Georgetown Road
29.6 mi
44m
Tri-State Tollway
18.2 mi
23m
Cicero Avenue
4.9 mi
7m
Market Street
3.2 mi
4m
East 150th Road
1.9 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 105.4 mi, about 1h 54m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~928 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,278
Quietest
2 AM
~107 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.7×
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 Elmhurst, IL and York, IL.
1
Start on this road
267 ft·25 sec·this road
2
Turn left
51 ft·9 sec
3
Turn left onto West Park Avenue
362 ft·13 sec·West Park Avenue
4
Turn right onto South York Street
0.6 mi·1 min·South York Street
5
Turn left onto East Saint Charles Road
0.9 mi·1 min·East Saint Charles Road
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 290 East
7
Merge onto I 290
0.3 mi·28 sec·I 290
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 294
0.4 mi·47 sec·Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
10
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
11
Merge onto I 294
137 ft·1 sec·Tri-State Tollway
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
3.5 mi·4 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi·1 min·Mile-Long Bridge
15
Continue on I 294
8.5 mi·10 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
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.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 12AToward IL 50 South: Cicero AvenueUse the straight lane.
18
Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83
4.9 mi·7 min·Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
19
Turn left onto 167th Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·167th Street
Use the left lane.
20
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80
21
Merge onto I 57
105 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Exit 240Toward Market Street
23
Turn left
96 ft·5 sec
24
Turn left onto Market Street
3.2 mi·4 min·Market Street
25
Turn right onto East Marketview Drive
0.3 mi·39 sec·East Marketview Drive
26
Turn left onto North Neil Street
0.3 mi·41 sec·North Neil Street
27
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·34 sec
28
Merge onto I 74
32 mi·35 min·I 74
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 150, IL 1
30
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·35 sec
Toward US 150 East, IL 1 South: Georgetown Road
31
Turn straight onto US 150; IL 1
14 mi·20 min·Georgetown Road
32
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.9 mi·2 min·North State Street
33
Continue on US 150; IL 1
6.1 mi·9 min·Georgetown Road
34
Continue on US 150; IL 1
0.3 mi·28 sec·1575 E US 36
35
Continue on US 150; IL 1
10 mi·14 min·Georgetown Road
36
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.4 mi·3 min·IL Route 1
37
Turn right onto US 150; IL 1
512 ft·8 sec·West Elliot Street
38
Turn left onto US 150; IL 1
1.7 mi·2 min·North Central Avenue
39
Continue on IL 1
0.1 mi·11 sec·Vandalia Way
40
Turn straight onto IL 1
30 mi·45 min·South Main Street
41
Turn sharp left onto East 150th Road
1.9 mi·7 min·East 150th Road
42
Continue on West Broadway Street
0.2 mi·1 min·West Broadway Street
43
Turn left onto North York Street
0.1 mi·27 sec·North York Street
44
Arrive at destination
North York Street
Trip Plan
For this roughly 5-hour drive, leaving Elmhurst in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and arrive with ample time. With only one stop recommended, you can choose a point that suits your needs, perhaps around the halfway mark. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is $38, so plan your fill-ups accordingly, especially before longer stretches on I 57. Since this is a single-day trip, flexibility is key. If you encounter unexpected delays, you can still comfortably complete the drive.
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 119.2 miles from Elmhurst, IL, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.4 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 52 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.2 miles or 2h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near York, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst, IL
This is one driving day of about 238.5 miles and 5h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Elmhurst, 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 105.4 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 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.2 and 170.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.2 mi into trip|~4m 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
2.9 mi into trip|~6m 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
21.7 mi into trip|~30m 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
21.9 mi into trip|~30m 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
7
170.3 mi into trip|~3h 18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 150 East, IL 1 South: Georgetown Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 150 East, IL 1 South: Georgetown Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.78 one way
$79.57 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.62
$43.41
$86.82
premium
$5.25
$49.32
$98.65
diesel
$6.28
$58.93
$117.86
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
$40
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71.6
0
$25.04
$11.45
Efficient EV
59.6
0
$20.87
$9.54
EV Truck/SUV
95.4
1
$33.39
$15.26
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Elmhurst, IL
Morning
in Elmhurst on Thursday
Local time
6:23 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Sunny
SW 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
York, IL
Morning
in York on Thursday
Local time
6:23 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Patchy Frost then Sunny
ESE 1 mph0% chanceLive 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
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 8m 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...
8 mi from route
~20 min detour
Free
near mile 24.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is about 59% highway, meaning you'll spend a significant amount of time on interstates like I 57 and I 74. The longest stretch without a major turn is 105.4 miles on I 57. After leaving the interstate system, you'll transition to South Main Street for the remainder of your drive. Expect a mix of high-speed cruising and more local road driving as you approach your destination.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
44 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 105.4 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 30 significant decision points across 238.5 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 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 8m. Total distance: 238.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 8m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 105.4 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 25 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 York, 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 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at York, IL before the return drive.
