Hoffman Estates to Fairfield is 287.9 miles and takes about 5h 50m via I 57 and Tri-State Tollway, with a fuel budget near $46 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, connecting two Midwest locations. The route is primarily highway driving, making it a straightforward option for a single-day excursion. Expect a fairly direct path with minimal complexity, ideal if you want to get from point A to point B efficiently. Consider this a practical choice for covering ground without extensive planning.
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
144 miles from Hoffman Estates, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
183.5 mi
3h 18m
Tri-State Tollway
18.2 mi
23m
County Road 925 East
16.2 mi
24m
South Banker Street
14.9 mi
22m
I 290
13.5 mi
17m
County Road 1600E
11 mi
16m
County Road 1400 E
10.4 mi
15m
US 45
5.8 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 183.5 mi, about 3h 18m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~816 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,091
Quietest
2 AM
~105 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.8×
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 Hoffman Estates, IL and Fairfield, IL.
1
Start on Bode Road
32 ft·8 sec·Bode Road
2
Turn left onto North Roselle Road
0.1 mi·11 sec·North Roselle Road
3
Turn right onto IL 72
2.5 mi·4 min·West Higgins Road
4
Turn right onto Frontage Road
0.1 mi·19 sec·Frontage Road
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago
6
Merge onto I 290; IL 53
4.2 mi·5 min·I 290; IL 53
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 290
9.3 mi·12 min·I 290
Toward I 290 East: ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
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
183 mi·3 hr 18 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 162Toward US 45: Sigel, Effingham
23
Turn left onto US 45
1.9 mi·2 min·US 45
24
Turn right onto US 40; US 45; IL 33
0.2 mi·32 sec·East Fayette Avenue
25
Turn left onto US 45
15 mi·22 min·South Banker Street
26
Continue on US 45
16 mi·24 min·County Road 925 East
27
Turn slight left
135 ft·5 sec
28
Merge onto US 45; US 50
3.9 mi·4 min·US 45; US 50
29
Turn right onto US 45
10 mi·15 min·County Road 1400 E
30
Continue on US 45
0.9 mi·1 min·Central Street
31
Continue on US 45
1.4 mi·2 min·County Road 1800N
32
Turn straight onto US 45
4.6 mi·6 min·County Road 1600E
33
Continue on US 45
1.0 mi·1 min·Washington Street
34
Continue on US 45
6.4 mi·9 min·County Road 1600E
35
Turn left onto US 45
57 ft·0 sec·South 1st Street
36
Arrive at destination
US 45
Trip Plan
For this 5h 50m drive, leaving in the morning is a good idea to ensure you have plenty of daylight. With only one stop recommended, you can keep your breaks minimal if needed. The fuel cost is estimated at $46, so factor that into your budget. A key consideration for this route is the 183.5-mile stretch on I 57; ensure you're fueled up before embarking on this longer segment. Since this trip can comfortably be completed in one day, you have flexibility in your departure time and stop duration.
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 144 miles from Hoffman Estates, IL, or about 2h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 183.5 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 63 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144 miles or 2h 49m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fairfield, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hoffman Estates, 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 Hoffman Estates, IL
This is one driving day of about 287.9 miles and 5h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Hoffman Estates, 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 183.5 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 7.1 and 36.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
7.1 mi into trip|~11m in|I 290
Keep slight right at fork onto I 290 toward I 290 East: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 290 East: Chicago
8
16.4 mi into trip|~23m 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
17.1 mi into trip|~24m 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
35.8 mi into trip|~48m 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
36.1 mi into trip|~49m 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
$48.02 one way
$96.05 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.62
$52.40
$104.80
premium
$5.25
$59.54
$119.08
diesel
$6.28
$71.14
$142.27
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
$48
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.4
1
$30.23
$13.82
Efficient EV
72
0
$25.19
$11.52
EV Truck/SUV
115.2
1
$40.31
$18.43
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Hoffman Estates, IL
Late night
in Hoffman Estates on Thursday
Local time
5:27 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Sunny
SW 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Fairfield, IL
Late night
in Fairfield on Thursday
Local time
5:27 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Sunny
0 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
6 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 50m 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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 39.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 70% of the 287.9 miles on highways. The longest continuous stretch on I 57 covers 183.5 miles, offering extended highway cruising. After this, you'll transition to County Road 925 East, introducing a change from the faster pace. Expect to notice the shift from consistent highway speeds to more varied conditions as you move onto surface roads.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 183.5 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.1 miles in near I 290.
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 22 significant decision points across 287.9 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 7.1 miles (I 290): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.1 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
784 ft436 ft
Total Climb
237 ft
Total Descent
580 ft
Highest Point
784 ft
Elevation Range
349 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hoffman Estates, IL and Fairfield, IL, road signs point toward Indiana and Effingham.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 50m. Total distance: 287.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 183.5 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 33 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 Fairfield, 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 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.1 miles (I 290): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.1 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 5.8 hours each way, a round trip means 11.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fairfield, IL before the return drive.
