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Trip from Guilford, IL to Peoria, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 34m

Distance

163.3 mi

263 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 23m ★
6 AM
3h 35m
8 AM
4h 0m
10 AM
3h 44m
12 PM
3h 41m
3 PM
3h 45m
5 PM
3h 59m
8 PM
3h 27m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Peoria, IL, IL

Peoria, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 163.3-mile drive from Guilford to Peoria, Illinois, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes. You'll navigate a mix of roads, including portions of the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, Viaduct Road, and Waller Road. With a fuel cost estimated at $26, this is an economical journey through the Midwest. The route is straightforward, making it a practical choice for a quick getaway or an efficient transfer between these two Illinois locations. Consider this a solid option if you're looking for a convenient drive without the need for an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

81.7 miles from Guilford, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 4m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway 78.3 mi 1h 25m
Viaduct Road 23.7 mi 35m
Waller Road 14.9 mi 22m
Jefferson Street 14.4 mi 21m
I 80 9.5 mi 10m
North Elizabeth Scales Mound Road 8.1 mi 14m
Washington Street 4.9 mi 7m
2nd Avenue 2 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Chicago-Kansas City Expressway — 78.3 mi, about 1h 25m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Guilford, IL and Peoria, IL.

1

Start on West Guilford Road

0.4 mi · 56 sec · West Guilford Road
2

Continue on West Rawlins Road

1.9 mi · 4 min · West Rawlins Road
3

At end of road, turn right onto CR 4

8.1 mi · 14 min · North Elizabeth Scales Mound Road
4

At end of road, turn right onto US 20

1.7 mi · 2 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
5

Turn left onto IL 84

4.9 mi · 7 min · Washington Street
6

Turn left onto IL 84

0.4 mi · 54 sec · Jefferson Street
7

Continue on IL 84

14 mi · 20 min · Jefferson Street
8

Continue on US 52; IL 64; IL 84

1.1 mi · 2 min · Chicago Avenue
9

Turn right onto IL 84

24 mi · 35 min · Viaduct Road
10

Continue on IL 84

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
11

Continue on IL 84

15 mi · 22 min · Waller Road
12

Continue on IL 84

2.0 mi · 3 min · 2nd Avenue
13

Turn left

0.5 mi · 1 min
14

Merge onto I 80

9.5 mi · 10 min · I 80
15

Keep slight left at fork onto IL 110

78 mi · 1 hr 25 min · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
16

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward IL 40 South: Downtown Peoria
17

Continue on Fayette Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Fayette Street
18

Turn right onto Northeast Jefferson Avenue

367 ft · 7 sec · Northeast Jefferson Avenue
19

Arrive at destination

Northeast Jefferson Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour and 34-minute journey, leaving in the morning will give you plenty of daylight to complete the 163.3 miles. Given the relatively short duration, you have flexibility with stops; one planned stop is indicated, but you can easily add more if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the 78.3-mile stretch on the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, as services might be less frequent. The estimated fuel cost is $26, so factor that into your budget. This is a straightforward drive well-suited for a single day, allowing you to reach Peoria without feeling rushed.

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 81.7 miles from Guilford, IL, or about 2h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78.3 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 36 miles or 59m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 81.7 miles or 2h 4m 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 1m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Peoria, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Guilford, 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 Guilford, IL

This is one driving day of about 163.3 miles and 3h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Guilford, 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 Chicago-Kansas City Expressway for about 78.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Camanche, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Camanche, IA

82 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Savanna, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Dayton, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.7 miles from Guilford, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Chicago-Kansas City Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 78.3 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Honey Sugar's Cafe, LLC

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Peoria, Illinois

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 163.3

Hours: 11:30 am–8 pm

+13096431089

Visit website

Haddad's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Peoria, Illinois

1.2 mi

One World

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Peoria, Illinois

1.3 mi

Honey Sugar's Cafe, LLC

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 163.3

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–8 pm

+13096431089

Visit website

Haddad's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 163.3

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+13096725339

One World

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 163.3

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 7:30 am–8 pm

+13096721522

Visit website

Eggcellent Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 163.3

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+13096431218

Visit website

I-80 Cafe - Colona, IL

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 81.7

Colona, Illinois

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+13099670134

The 520 Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 163.3

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+13098391416

Visit website

Sunshine Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 35

Savanna, Illinois

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+18152730380

Candlelight Inn Restaurant - Clinton Iowa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $20 to $30 mile 46.7

Clinton, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15632433200

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 163.3

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 163.3

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 163.3

East Peoria, Illinois

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 163.3

Peoria, Illinois

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 163.3

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 5 am–12 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 163.3

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13094948850

Visit website

Holiday Inn Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 163.3

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 163.3

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.3 and 162.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
2.3 mi into trip | ~5m in | CR 4 / North Elizabeth Scales Mound Road

At end of road, turn right onto CR 4 / North Elizabeth Scales Mound Road

Navigation decision point

5
10.4 mi into trip | ~19m in | US 20 / U.S. Grant Memorial Highway

At end of road, turn right onto US 20 / U.S. Grant Memorial Highway

Navigation decision point

4
12.1 mi into trip | ~22m in | IL 84 / Washington Street

Turn left onto IL 84 / Washington Street

Navigation decision point

4
84 mi into trip | ~2h 7m in | IL 110 / Chicago-Kansas City Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto IL 110 / Chicago-Kansas City Expressway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

4
162.3 mi into trip | ~3h 32m in

Take the exit toward IL 40 South: Downtown Peoria

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward IL 40 South: Downtown Peoria

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.53 one way

$51.06 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $28.03 $56.06
premium $4.89 $31.43 $62.85
diesel $5.61 $36.05 $72.11

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 49 0 $17.15 $7.84
Efficient EV 40.8 0 $14.29 $6.53
EV Truck/SUV 65.3 0 $22.86 $10.45

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 15, 2026

Origin

Guilford, IL

Night in Guilford on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Peoria, IL

Night in Peoria on Saturday

Local time

11:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live 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

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

3h 34m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive offers a mixed experience on the road, with 54% of it being highway driving. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 78.3 miles on the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, providing a good opportunity to cover ground efficiently. The profile suggests a blend of faster highway travel and potentially more localized roads as you approach your destination. Expect the character of the drive to evolve, transitioning from open highway to perhaps more varied terrain or traffic as you get closer to Peoria. It's not a purely monotonous interstate cruise, nor is it a winding country road experience.

54% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 78.3 mi on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2.3 miles in near CR 4 / North Elizabeth Scales Mound Road.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 34m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles (CR 4 / North Elizabeth Scales Mound Road): Navigation decision point; at 10.4 miles (US 20 / U.S. Grant Memorial Highway): Navigation decision point; at 12.1 miles (IL 84 / Washington Street): Navigation decision point.

About the Cities

Arriving in Peoria, IL

Full guide →

Peoria is a city in Illinois and the county seat of Peoria County. It serves as a regional hub for the primarily rural and agricultural center of the state. Peoria is a small but diverse city of approximately 115,000 people that anchors a three-county metropolitan area of nearly 400,000.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 34m. Total distance: 163.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (54%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 78.3 miles on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway. 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 2.3 miles (CR 4 / North Elizabeth Scales Mound Road): Navigation decision point; at 10.4 miles (US 20 / U.S. Grant Memorial Highway): Navigation decision point; at 12.1 miles (IL 84 / Washington Street): Navigation decision point.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Peoria, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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