If you are planning a trip from Kingston to Markham, expect a straightforward journey covering 273.5 miles. You will spend approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes on the road, making this a manageable one-day trek for most drivers. By utilizing I-55, I-72, and I-80, you can navigate the Midwest corridor efficiently. With a fuel budget of about $42, the trip remains relatively affordable for a solo traveler or a small group. Since the entire route stays within Illinois, you won't need to worry about crossing state lines or adjusting for regional differences. It is a practical, highway-focused drive that serves as a direct link between these two points.
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
136.8 miles from Kingston, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
143.7 mi
2h 34m
I 72
91 mi
1h 38m
I 80
27.6 mi
34m
East 2400th Street
4.1 mi
9m
Twnshp 1700E
3.2 mi
7m
North 400th Avenue
1 mi
2m
Kedzie Avenue
0.8 mi
1m
Township Road 1745E
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 143.7 mi, about 2h 34m
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 Kingston, IL and Markham, IL.
1
Start on North 408th Avenue
0.1 mi·32 sec·North 408th Avenue
2
Turn left onto East 2500th Street
487 ft·23 sec·East 2500th Street
3
Turn right onto North 400th Avenue
1.0 mi·2 min·North 400th Avenue
4
Turn left onto East 2400th Street
4.1 mi·9 min·East 2400th Street
5
Continue on Twnshp 1700E
3.2 mi·7 min·Twnshp 1700E
6
Continue on Township Road 1745E
0.6 mi·1 min·Township Road 1745E
7
Continue on County Highway 4
395 ft·16 sec·County Highway 4
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·32 sec
Use the left lane.
9
Merge onto I 72; US 36
91 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 72; US 36
10
Continue on I 55
20 mi·21 min·I 55
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
94 mi·1 hr 40 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, PeoriaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 250AToward I 80 East: IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 80
28 mi·34 min·I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 154Toward Kedzie AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn left onto Kedzie Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·Kedzie Avenue
17
Turn left onto 163rd Street
64 ft·2 sec·163rd Street
18
Arrive at destination
163rd Street
Trip Plan
To keep your energy high during the 5-hour drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and reset. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid mid-day congestion and ensure you arrive in Markham with plenty of time to spare. Since this is a single-day trip, your primary focus should be on maintaining a steady pace rather than rushing through the highway segments. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $42 estimate is a baseline; having a little extra set aside is always a smart move for highway travel. Use your single planned stop strategically to break up the 143.7-mile stretch on I-55, as this will help keep you alert for the duration of the trip.
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 136.8 miles from Kingston, IL, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 143.7 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 60 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 136.8 miles or 2h 40m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Markham, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Kingston, 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 Kingston, IL
This is one driving day of about 273.5 miles and 5h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Kingston, 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 143.7 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 9.2 and 272.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
9.2 mi into trip|~22m in
Take the ramp
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
121 mi into trip|~2h 23m 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
150.3 mi into trip|~2h 55m 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
244.2 mi into trip|~4h 36m in
Take the exit toward I 80 East: Indiana
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 250A
Toward I 80 East: Indiana
7
272.5 mi into trip|~5h 11m in
Take the exit toward Kedzie Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 154
Toward Kedzie Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.39 one way
$80.78 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg96 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$44.59
$89.18
premium
$4.72
$50.78
$101.56
diesel
$4.80
$51.64
$103.28
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 95.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.1
1
$28.72
$13.13
Efficient EV
68.4
0
$23.93
$10.94
EV Truck/SUV
109.4
1
$38.29
$17.50
Gas CO2
96 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Kingston, IL
Afternoon
in Kingston on Sunday
Local time
2:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Clear
SW 8 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:11PM CDT until July 18 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:11PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Destination
Markham, IL
Afternoon
in Markham on Sunday
Local time
2:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Mostly Clear
WSW 5 to 10 mph12% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:11PM CDT until July 18 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued July 17 at 9:11PM CDT until July 19 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
85°F
Bloomington, IL
137 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 13m 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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 273.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This journey is defined by a heavy reliance on major thoroughfares, with 96% of your time spent on highways. You will settle into a rhythmic, interstate-focused experience that prioritizes speed and efficiency over secondary roads. The most significant portion of your travel occurs on I-55, which features a long, 143.7-mile stretch that demands steady focus. Because the route is built for high-speed transit, you should expect a consistent, predictable driving environment. It is a functional, no-frills path that keeps you moving toward your destination without the complexity of technical turns or winding local detours.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 143.7 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 72. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.2 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 12 significant decision points across 273.5 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 9.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 121 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.3 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
812 ft542 ft
Total Climb
405 ft
Total Descent
597 ft
Highest Point
812 ft
Elevation Range
270 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 Kingston, IL to Markham, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 13m. Total distance: 273.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 143.7 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 25 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 Markham, 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 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 9.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 121 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.3 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Markham, IL before the return drive.
