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Trip from Jackson, IL to Aurora, IL

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

Drive Time

5h 53m

Distance

269.1 mi

433 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$42

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 40m ★
6 AM
5h 53m
8 AM
6h 19m
10 AM
6h 2m
12 PM
6h 0m
3 PM
6h 4m
5 PM
6h 18m
8 PM
5h 45m

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 Jackson, IL, IL

Jackson, IL

Stéphane Tendon

city on tripoints of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties in Illinois, United States

Aurora, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 269.1-mile journey from Jackson, IL to Aurora, IL takes approximately 5 hours and 53 minutes, making it a feasible day trip. Primarily utilizing I-57, IL-33, and US-50, this drive is largely highway-focused, covering 77% on faster roads. With an estimated fuel cost of $42, it's an economical option for traversing the Midwest. While you'll encounter just one recommended stop along the way, the longest stretch without a break is a significant 117.7 miles on I-57. This route offers a straightforward way to get from point A to point B within Illinois.

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

134.6 miles from Jackson, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 117.7 mi 2h 6m
IL 33 36.3 mi 53m
US 50 18.6 mi 25m
I 55 18.6 mi 20m
South Van Buren Street 11 mi 15m
County Road North 303 West 8.9 mi 15m
State Route 113 7.7 mi 11m
Lincoln Highway 7.5 mi 11m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 117.7 mi, about 2h 6m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Jackson, IL and Aurora, IL.

1

Start on 990N

0.1 mi · 27 sec · 990N
2

Turn sharp left onto US 50 Business

2.5 mi · 3 min · US 50 Business
3

Continue on State Street

0.3 mi · 29 sec · State Street
4

Take the ramp onto US 50 Business

0.4 mi · 1 min · US 50 Business
5

Continue on US 50

19 mi · 25 min · US 50
6

Turn right onto East Main Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
7

Turn right onto North Lincoln Avenue

481 ft · 18 sec · North Lincoln Avenue
8

Turn left onto East Butler Street

1.3 mi · 3 min · East Butler Street
9

Turn right onto IL 130

1.3 mi · 2 min · North West Street
10

Continue on IL 130

6.7 mi · 9 min · County Road 1100 East
11

Continue on IL 130

11 mi · 15 min · South Van Buren Street
12

Turn right onto IL 33; IL 130

36 mi · 53 min · IL 33; IL 130
13

Turn left onto IL 16

2.5 mi · 4 min · Lincoln Avenue
14

Continue on IL 16

5.3 mi · 7 min · Illinois Route 16
15

Continue on IL 16

0.4 mi · 38 sec · Charleston Avenue East
16

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I-57 North: Champaign
17

Merge onto I 57

118 mi · 2 hr 6 min · I 57
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 53 sec
Exit 308 Toward US 45, US 52: Kankakee
19

Keep slight right at fork

272 ft · 9 sec
Exit 308
20

Turn straight onto US 45; US 52

2.0 mi · 3 min · South Schuyler Avenue
21

Turn left onto US 45; US 52

0.5 mi · 49 sec · South East Avenue
22

Turn slight left onto US 45; US 52

0.4 mi · 44 sec · West Water Street
23

Turn right onto South Wall Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Wall Street
24

Continue on IL 113

1.5 mi · 2 min · North Wall Street
25

Continue on IL 113

8.9 mi · 15 min · County Road North 303 West
26

Continue on IL 113

7.7 mi · 11 min · State Route 113
27

Turn right onto West River Road

3.1 mi · 4 min · West River Road
28

Turn left onto IL 53

256 ft · 9 sec · West Baltimore Street
29

Turn right onto CH 29

1.6 mi · 2 min · Stripmine Road
30

Turn right onto IL 129

0.4 mi · 33 sec · Washington Street
31

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 55 sec
32

Merge onto I 55

19 mi · 20 min · I 55
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 257 Toward US 30: Joliet, Aurora Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Keep slight left at fork

135 ft · 5 sec
Use the left lane.
35

Turn left onto US 30

2.5 mi · 5 min · Joliet Road
Use the right lane.
36

Turn slight right onto US 30; IL 59; US 66 Hist

1.2 mi · 2 min · North Division Street
Use the right lane.
37

Turn left onto US 30

1.0 mi · 1 min · 143rd Street
Use the left lane.
38

Turn right onto US 30

7.5 mi · 11 min · Lincoln Highway
Use the right lane.
39

Continue on Hill Avenue

2.4 mi · 4 min · Hill Avenue
Use the left lane.
40

Continue on East Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 21 sec · East Galena Boulevard
41

Turn right onto North Ohio Street

0.1 mi · 21 sec · North Ohio Street
Use the left lane.
42

Turn left onto East New York Street

1.5 mi · 2 min · East New York Street
Use the left lane.
43

Turn left onto IL 31

417 ft · 14 sec · North Lake Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
44

Turn right onto West Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 9 sec · West Galena Boulevard
45

Arrive at destination

West Galena Boulevard

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour, 53-minute duration, this 269.1-mile drive is well-suited for a single day. Consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you approach Aurora. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or before embarking on the 117.7-mile stretch on I-57. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, particularly during that longer segment, as services might be less frequent. The $42 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always factor in a buffer.

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 134.6 miles from Jackson, IL, or about 3h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.7 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 59 miles or 1h 26m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 134.6 miles or 3h 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 42m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Jackson, 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 Jackson, IL

This is one driving day of about 269.1 miles and 5h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Jackson, 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 117.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

135 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

Plainfield, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rantoul, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 134.6 miles from Jackson, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 117.7 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

Subway

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Wilmington, Illinois

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 230.7

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+18159262726

Visit website

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bradley, Illinois

2.4 mi

Sushi Ya

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Joliet, Illinois

2.3 mi

Subway

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 230.7

Wilmington, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–10 pm

+18159262726

Visit website

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 211.5

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18159351501

Visit website

Sushi Ya

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 249.9

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+18157303838

Visit website

Taj Indian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 211.5

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+17797015344

Murray's Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 192.2

Clifton, Illinois

Hours: 4–10 pm

+18159185017

Visit website

Silver Spoon

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 249.9

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18157256202

Visit website

Oak Street Restaurant And Bar

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 269.1

North Aurora, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+16303017202

Visit website

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 269.1

Oswego, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16305513219

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 134.6

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 134.6

Champaign, Illinois

+18668167584

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 134.6

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 134.6

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 134.6

Champaign, Illinois

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 134.6

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12173528910

Visit website

Circle K | Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 134.6

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18335052291

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 134.6

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12175312800

Visit website

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 206.1 and 256.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
206.1 mi into trip | ~4h 16m in

Take the exit toward US 45, US 52: Kankakee

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 308 Toward US 45, US 52: Kankakee
6
206.4 mi into trip | ~4h 17m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 308
8
252.3 mi into trip | ~5h 22m in

Take the exit toward US 30: Joliet, Aurora

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 257 Toward US 30: Joliet, Aurora
6
252.7 mi into trip | ~5h 23m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
256.3 mi into trip | ~5h 31m in | US 30 / 143rd Street

Turn left onto US 30 / 143rd Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$42.07 one way

$84.14 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 94 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $46.19 $92.38
premium $4.89 $51.79 $103.57
diesel $5.61 $59.41 $118.83

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$42

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$67–$92

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 94.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 80.7 0 $28.26 $12.92
Efficient EV 67.3 0 $23.55 $10.76
EV Truck/SUV 107.6 1 $37.67 $17.22

Gas CO2

94 kg

EV CO2

31 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Jackson, IL

Late night in Jackson on Sunday

Local time

2:33 AM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Aurora, IL

Late night in Aurora on Sunday

Local time

2:33 AM

CDT

Current temp

51°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

23 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 53m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 269.1-mile trip, with 77% of the route on faster roads. The primary artery is I-57, where you'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 117.7 miles. This means you'll have extended periods of consistent speed and less varied scenery. While the route does incorporate IL-33 and US-50, these are also substantial roads that contribute to the overall efficiency of the drive. The character is less about winding backroads and more about covering distance effectively.

77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.7 mi on I 57.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and IL 33. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 206.1 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 269.1 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 206.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 206.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 252.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Aurora, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1835

Aurora is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, located about 35 miles west of Chicago. It's at the very edge of Chicagoland and, situated on the Fox River, has many opportunities for urban, suburban, and rural recreation. Often overlooked, Aurora in fact has many surprisingly interesting attractions and a downtown unlike that of a typical suburb. It is probably best known for being the setting of the "Wayne's World" movies.

Top landmarks

  • • Aurora University — private university in Aurora, Illinois, U.S
  • • Hotel Arthur — United States historic place
  • • Graham Building — historic building in Aurora, Illinois

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 5h 53m. Total distance: 269.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 117.7 miles on I 57. 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 Aurora, 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 206.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 206.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 252.3 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 Aurora, IL before the return drive.

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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