If you are planning a trip from Fox Lake to York, expect a journey covering 280.4 miles that typically takes about 4 hours and 52 minutes. This transit across the Illinois Midwest is well-suited for a one-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $42 for fuel to cover the distance. Navigating this route involves a combination of IL 53 South, I 290 East, and I 88 West. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive, it is best to prepare for frequent adjustments rather than long, straight stretches of highway driving.
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
139.9 miles from Fox Lake, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 51m 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
US 12
22.7 mi
30m
Tri-State Tollway
18.2 mi
23m
IL 53
11.3 mi
14m
I 290
9.3 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 105.4 mi, about 1h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fox Lake, IL and York, IL.
1
Start on this road
67 ft·5 sec·this road
2
Turn right
58 ft·8 sec
3
Turn left onto US 12
4.1 mi·4 min·US 12
4
Continue on US 12; IL 59
1.1 mi·1 min·US 12; IL 59
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on US 12; IL 59
0.3 mi·26 sec·US 12; IL 59
6
Continue on US 12; IL 59
0.1 mi·7 sec·US 12; IL 59
7
Continue on US 12; IL 59
1.7 mi·1 min·US 12; IL 59
8
Continue on US 12; IL 59
1.1 mi·1 min·US 12; IL 59
9
Continue on US 12; IL 59
14 mi·20 min·US 12; IL 59
Use the left lane.
10
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward IL 53 SouthUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto IL 53
4.4 mi·5 min·IL 53
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 53
7.0 mi·9 min·IL 53
Toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 290
9.3 mi·12 min·I 290
Toward I 290 East: ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 294
0.4 mi·47 sec·Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
16
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
17
Merge onto I 294
137 ft·1 sec·Tri-State Tollway
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
3.5 mi·4 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi·1 min·Mile-Long Bridge
21
Continue on I 294
8.5 mi·10 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
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.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 12AToward IL 50 South: Cicero AvenueUse the straight lane.
24
Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83
4.9 mi·7 min·Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
25
Turn left onto 167th Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·167th Street
Use the left lane.
26
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80
27
Merge onto I 57
105 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Exit 240Toward Market Street
29
Turn left
96 ft·5 sec
30
Turn left onto Market Street
3.2 mi·4 min·Market Street
31
Turn right onto East Marketview Drive
0.3 mi·39 sec·East Marketview Drive
32
Turn left onto North Neil Street
0.3 mi·41 sec·North Neil Street
33
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·34 sec
34
Merge onto I 74
32 mi·35 min·I 74
35
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 150, IL 1
36
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·35 sec
Toward US 150 East, IL 1 South: Georgetown Road
37
Turn straight onto US 150; IL 1
14 mi·20 min·Georgetown Road
38
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.9 mi·2 min·North State Street
39
Continue on US 150; IL 1
6.1 mi·9 min·Georgetown Road
40
Continue on US 150; IL 1
0.3 mi·28 sec·1575 E US 36
41
Continue on US 150; IL 1
10 mi·14 min·Georgetown Road
42
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.4 mi·3 min·IL Route 1
43
Turn right onto US 150; IL 1
512 ft·8 sec·West Elliot Street
44
Turn left onto US 150; IL 1
1.7 mi·2 min·North Central Avenue
45
Continue on IL 1
0.1 mi·11 sec·Vandalia Way
46
Turn straight onto IL 1
30 mi·45 min·South Main Street
47
Turn sharp left onto East 150th Road
1.9 mi·7 min·East 150th Road
48
Continue on West Broadway Street
0.2 mi·1 min·West Broadway Street
49
Turn left onto North York Street
0.1 mi·27 sec·North York Street
50
Arrive at destination
North York Street
Trip Plan
Given the turn-heavy profile of this 280.4-mile trek, planning your departure during off-peak hours can help you manage the constant maneuvering more easily. You have one scheduled stop available, which is a great opportunity to stretch and reset before tackling the next segment of the drive. Because this route is entirely local, check your navigation app frequently to stay ahead of upcoming turns. Budgeting $42 for fuel is a solid baseline, but keep in mind that local driving conditions can affect your actual consumption. Since the trip is manageable in a single day, enjoy the flexibility of choosing your own pace without the pressure of a long-haul itinerary.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 139.9 miles from Fox Lake, IL, or about 2h 51m 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 62 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 139.9 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 39m
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 Fox Lake, 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 Fox Lake, IL
This is one driving day of about 279.9 miles and 6h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Fox Lake, 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 22.7 and 63.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
22.7 mi into trip|~30m in
Take the ramp toward IL 53 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward IL 53 South
8
27.4 mi into trip|~37m in|IL 53
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 53 toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
8
43.6 mi into trip|~58m 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
8
63.1 mi into trip|~1h 24m 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
63.3 mi into trip|~1h 24m 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
$43.76 one way
$87.52 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$48.05
$96.09
premium
$4.89
$53.86
$107.73
diesel
$5.61
$61.80
$123.60
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
$44
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
84
1
$29.39
$13.44
Efficient EV
70
0
$24.49
$11.20
EV Truck/SUV
112
1
$39.19
$17.91
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Fox Lake, IL
Afternoon
in Fox Lake on Tuesday
Local time
12:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
41°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 10 to 15 mph100% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 8:14PM CDT until April 17 at 8:30PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 8:13PM CDT until April 17 at 8:45PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Destination
York, IL
Afternoon
in York on Tuesday
Local time
12:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 14 mph91% chanceLive forecast
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 8:14PM CDT until April 17 at 8:30PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 8:13PM CDT until April 17 at 8:45PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
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
13 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
6h 1m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 67.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a hands-on driving experience as this route is characterized by its turn-heavy local nature rather than long highway hauls. With a 0% highway share, you will not be spending your time cruising on monotonous open interstates. The lack of a significant longest uninterrupted stretch on IL 53 South means you will need to remain alert and engaged with your navigation throughout the trip. As you transition between the various local roads, the drive demands consistent attention to turns and changing traffic patterns. It is a practical, utilitarian path that requires you to stay focused behind the wheel from start to finish.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
50 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 is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and I 74. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 22.7 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 279.9 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 22.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 27.4 miles (IL 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Fox Lake, IL to York, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Indiana along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 1m. Total distance: 279.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 1m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
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.
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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 22.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 27.4 miles (IL 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 43.6 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 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.1 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.
