Traveling from Grayslake to York covers 275.9 miles across the Illinois landscape, typically taking about 5 hours and 54 minutes of driving time. Because this journey fits comfortably into a single day, you can easily complete it without an overnight stop. Budgeting roughly $42 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. You will navigate a mix of major thoroughfares, including the Tri-State Tollway, I-57, and I-74. This route is a straightforward Midwest drive that keeps you within state lines, making it a manageable trek for those looking to reach their destination 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
137.9 miles from Grayslake, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
105.4 mi
1h 54m
Tri-State Tollway
48.5 mi
59m
I 74
32.4 mi
35m
South Main Street
30.4 mi
45m
Georgetown Road
29.6 mi
44m
Cicero Avenue
4.9 mi
7m
Market Street
3.2 mi
4m
Antioch Road
2.7 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 105.4 mi, about 1h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grayslake, IL and York, IL.
1
Start on Center Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Center Street
2
Turn right onto IL 83
0.6 mi·54 sec·South Barron Boulevard
3
Continue on IL 83
0.3 mi·23 sec·Ivanhoe Road
4
Continue on Antioch Road
2.7 mi·4 min·Antioch Road
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on IL 137
0.2 mi·14 sec·Old Peterson Road
6
Continue on IL 137
1.4 mi·2 min·Peterson Road
7
Continue on this road
436 ft·18 sec·this road
Use the right lane.
8
Turn slight right onto IL 21
1.6 mi·2 min·North Milwaukee Avenue
Use the right lane.
9
Turn left onto IL 176
1.9 mi·3 min·East Park Avenue
10
Continue on IL 176
0.1 mi·19 sec·Rockland Road
11
Turn left
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 94 Toll East: Indiana
12
Merge onto I 94
9.1 mi·10 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
23 mi·28 min·Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'HareUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
3.5 mi·4 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi·1 min·Mile-Long Bridge
17
Continue on I 294
8.5 mi·10 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
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.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 12AToward IL 50 South: Cicero AvenueUse the straight lane.
20
Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83
4.9 mi·7 min·Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Turn left onto 167th Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·167th Street
Use the left lane.
22
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80
23
Merge onto I 57
105 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Exit 240Toward Market Street
25
Turn left
96 ft·5 sec
26
Turn left onto Market Street
3.2 mi·4 min·Market Street
27
Turn right onto East Marketview Drive
0.3 mi·39 sec·East Marketview Drive
28
Turn left onto North Neil Street
0.3 mi·41 sec·North Neil Street
29
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·34 sec
30
Merge onto I 74
32 mi·35 min·I 74
31
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 150, IL 1
32
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·35 sec
Toward US 150 East, IL 1 South: Georgetown Road
33
Turn straight onto US 150; IL 1
14 mi·20 min·Georgetown Road
34
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.9 mi·2 min·North State Street
35
Continue on US 150; IL 1
6.1 mi·9 min·Georgetown Road
36
Continue on US 150; IL 1
0.3 mi·28 sec·1575 E US 36
37
Continue on US 150; IL 1
10 mi·14 min·Georgetown Road
38
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.4 mi·3 min·IL Route 1
39
Turn right onto US 150; IL 1
512 ft·8 sec·West Elliot Street
40
Turn left onto US 150; IL 1
1.7 mi·2 min·North Central Avenue
41
Continue on IL 1
0.1 mi·11 sec·Vandalia Way
42
Turn straight onto IL 1
30 mi·45 min·South Main Street
43
Turn sharp left onto East 150th Road
1.9 mi·7 min·East 150th Road
44
Continue on West Broadway Street
0.2 mi·1 min·West Broadway Street
45
Turn left onto North York Street
0.1 mi·27 sec·North York Street
46
Arrive at destination
North York Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 54-minute drive, consider leaving early in the day to navigate the busier tollway sections before peak traffic hits. Since the route includes one planned stop, use that time to stretch and refuel to keep your energy levels consistent. Keep in mind that with 275.9 miles ahead of you, maintaining a steady pace is the best strategy for an efficient arrival. Given that over half of your trip is on highways, ensure your vehicle is ready for sustained speeds on I-57 and I-74. Since this is a single-day trip, your flexibility is a major advantage, allowing you to adjust your departure time based on real-time traffic reports.
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 137.9 miles from Grayslake, IL, or about 2h 47m 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 61 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.9 miles or 2h 47m 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 33m
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 Grayslake, 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 Grayslake, IL
This is one driving day of about 275.9 miles and 5h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Grayslake, 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 18.7 and 207.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
18.7 mi into trip|~26m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
6
46.2 mi into trip|~1h 1m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
59.1 mi into trip|~1h 17m 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
59.3 mi into trip|~1h 17m 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
207.7 mi into trip|~4h 5m 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
$43.13 one way
$86.27 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg97 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$47.36
$94.72
premium
$4.89
$53.09
$106.19
diesel
$5.61
$60.92
$121.83
Estimated Tolls: $2.91
Tri-state Tollway
(48.5 mi)$2.91
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
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.8
1
$28.97
$13.24
Efficient EV
69
0
$24.14
$11.04
EV Truck/SUV
110.4
1
$38.63
$17.66
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (67% 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 13, 2026
Origin
Grayslake, IL
Late night
in Grayslake on Tuesday
Local time
4:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 15 to 20 mph96% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:07PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:07PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Destination
York, IL
Late night
in York on Tuesday
Local time
4:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 17 mph54% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:07PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:07PM CDT by NWS Lincoln 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
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
5h 54m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving profile where highway travel accounts for 51% of your total time behind the wheel. You will encounter a variety of road types, transitioning from the high-traffic corridors near Grayslake to more open stretches further along. The longest uninterrupted portion of your journey spans 105.4 miles on I-57, which will likely be the most consistent part of your drive. Be prepared for the shift in pace as you move between these busy interstate sections and the local roads that bridge the gaps. It is a steady, functional route that requires you to stay alert as the road conditions fluctuate throughout the day.
51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
46 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?
9/10
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 18.7 miles in near I 294 / Tri-State Tollway.
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 26 significant decision points across 275.9 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 18.7 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.2 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
779 ft601 ft
Total Climb
357 ft
Total Descent
379 ft
Highest Point
779 ft
~157.7 mi in
Elevation Range
179 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 Grayslake, IL to York, IL, road signs begin pointing toward O'hare along the way.
O'hare
18.7 mi in|~26m|via I 294
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 54m. Total distance: 275.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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 $2.91 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 18.7 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.2 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 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.
