Godfrey, IL to Berwyn, IL is 279.5 miles and takes about 5h 20m via I 55 and IL 255, with a fuel budget near $41 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, crossing the Midwest region. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on major highways, making it a practical choice for a single-day journey. Plan for a direct route with minimal detours. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, so pack snacks and entertainment.
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
139.8 miles from Godfrey, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
253.1 mi
4h 38m
State Route 140
9.7 mi
13m
IL 255
7.9 mi
9m
South Harlem Avenue
2.9 mi
5m
West Bethalto Drive
1.8 mi
3m
West State Street
0.8 mi
1m
Riverside Drive
0.8 mi
1m
Humbert Road
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 253.1 mi, about 4h 38m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,689 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,115
Quietest
2 AM
~152 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Godfrey, IL and Berwyn, IL.
1
Start on Isabel Street
312 ft·13 sec·Isabel Street
2
Continue on Isabel Drive
0.2 mi·45 sec·Isabel Drive
3
At end of road, turn right onto Pearl Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Pearl Street
4
Turn left onto Humbert Road
0.3 mi·34 sec·Humbert Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 255 South
6
Merge onto IL 255
7.9 mi·9 min·IL 255
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi·28 sec
Exit 10Toward IL 111, IL 140: Alton, Bethalto
8
Keep slight left at fork
206 ft·6 sec
Toward IL 111, IL 140: Bethalto
9
Turn slight left onto IL 111; IL 140
0.3 mi·36 sec·East MacArthur Drive
10
Continue on IL 140
1.8 mi·3 min·West Bethalto Drive
11
Continue on IL 140
9.6 mi·13 min·State Route 140
12
Continue on IL 140
0.8 mi·1 min·West State Street
13
Continue on IL 140
443 ft·13 sec·State Route 140
14
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
15
Merge onto I 55
97 mi·1 hr 44 min·I 55
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
127 mi·2 hr 22 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, PeoriaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 283Toward IL 43: Harlem AvenueUse the right lane.
19
Turn left onto IL 43
2.9 mi·5 min·South Harlem Avenue
20
Turn right onto Riverside Drive
0.8 mi·1 min·Riverside Drive
21
Turn slight left onto Oak Park Avenue
0.1 mi·26 sec·Oak Park Avenue
22
Turn left onto West Cermak Road
91 ft·1 sec·West Cermak Road
23
Arrive at destination
West Cermak Road
Trip Plan
Consider an early morning departure from Godfrey, IL, to maximize daylight and avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially as you get closer to Berwyn, IL. With a drive time of just over 5 hours, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. You'll have one significant stretch of 253.1 miles on I 55, so plan for a single, longer stop for fuel and a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $41, and it's always wise to fill up before hitting extended highway sections where services might be less frequent.
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 139.8 miles from Godfrey, IL, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 253.1 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 61 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 139.8 miles or 2h 39m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Berwyn, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Godfrey, 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 Godfrey, IL
This is one driving day of about 279.5 miles and 5h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Godfrey, 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 253.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 139.8 miles from Godfrey, 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 253.1 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 9.1 and 275.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
9.1 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward IL 111, IL 140: Alton, Bethalto
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 10
Toward IL 111, IL 140: Alton, Bethalto
7
9.3 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IL 111, IL 140: Bethalto
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward IL 111, IL 140: Bethalto
7
118.9 mi into trip|~2h 16m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
8
148.2 mi into trip|~2h 48m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
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 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
7
275.3 mi into trip|~5h 11m in
Take the exit toward IL 43: Harlem Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 283
Toward IL 43: Harlem Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.28 one way
$82.55 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$45.57
$91.13
premium
$4.72
$51.89
$103.79
diesel
$4.80
$52.77
$105.55
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 97.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
83.9
1
$29.35
$13.42
Efficient EV
69.9
0
$24.46
$11.18
EV Truck/SUV
111.8
1
$39.13
$17.89
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 Jul 16, 2026
Origin
Godfrey, IL
Late night
in Godfrey on Sunday
Local time
4:58 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Partly Cloudy
SE 1 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 15 at 8:37PM CDT until July 18 at 4:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 15 at 8:37PM CDT until July 19 at 4:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Destination
Berwyn, IL
Late night
in Berwyn on Sunday
Local time
4:58 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Smoke
NNE 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 15 at 8:37PM CDT until July 18 at 4:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 15 at 8:37PM CDT until July 19 at 4:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
87°F
Athens, IL
140 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 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 20m 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
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...
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...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
Free
near mile 279.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is almost entirely highway, with 97% of the drive on major roads. You'll encounter a long stretch of 253.1 miles on I 55, which means you'll be in highway cruising mode for the majority of the trip. The transition to surface roads, if any, will be brief. Expect a high volume of exits and potential merging traffic as you approach your destination in the Chicago metropolitan area.
97% 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: 253.1 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and State Route 140. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.1 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 279.5 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 9.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.9 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
824 ft548 ft
Total Climb
530 ft
Total Descent
522 ft
Highest Point
824 ft
~157.2 mi in
Elevation Range
276 ft
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 Godfrey, IL to Berwyn, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 20m. Total distance: 279.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 253.1 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 Berwyn, 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 9.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.9 miles (I 55): 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 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Berwyn, IL before the return drive.
