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Trip from Knox, 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

3h 10m

Distance

167.8 mi

270 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
2h 58m ★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 34m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 16m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m

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 Knox, IL, IL

Knox, IL

Otto Rascon

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

Aurora, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 167.8-mile drive from Knox, IL, to Aurora, IL, is designed for efficiency, taking approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. Primarily utilizing IL 110 and I-74, with a 97% highway share, it’s a straightforward journey perfect for a single-day trip. The estimated fuel cost is around $26, making it an economical option for exploring the Midwest. You’ll find this highway-focused route offers a direct path between two Illinois locations, minimizing detours. Plan for just one primary stop to break up the journey.

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

83.9 miles from Knox, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
IL 110 116.7 mi 2h 5m
I 74 39.3 mi 42m
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway 6.3 mi 6m
North Lake Street 2.2 mi 4m
Knox Road 1020 E 1.4 mi 5m
IL 56 0.6 mi 1m
Mine Road 0.5 mi 1m
South Lincolnway Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: IL 110 — 116.7 mi, about 2h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Knox Station Road

148 ft · 10 sec · Knox Station Road
2

Turn left onto Mine Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Mine Road
3

Turn right onto Knox Road 1020 E

1.4 mi · 5 min · Knox Road 1020 E
4

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 46 sec
Toward I 74 West: Galesburg
5

Merge onto I 74

39 mi · 42 min · I 74
6

Keep slight left at fork onto IL 110

6.3 mi · 6 min · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
Toward I 80 West: Des Moines
7

Take the exit onto IL 110

117 mi · 2 hr 5 min · IL 110
Exit 4B Toward I 88 East, IL 92 East: Sterling, Rock Falls
8

Take the exit onto IL 56

0.6 mi · 1 min · IL 56
Exit 117 Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Turn right onto IL 31

0.4 mi · 52 sec · South Lincolnway Street
10

Continue on IL 31

2.2 mi · 4 min · North Lake Street
11

Turn right onto West Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 9 sec · West Galena Boulevard
12

Arrive at destination

West Galena Boulevard

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 10-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day excursion, offering flexibility in your departure time. With only one recommended stop, you can choose when and where to rest based on your personal pace. The longest stretch without a major road change is 116.7 miles on IL 110, so consider fueling up before embarking on this segment. The $26 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the longer highway portions.

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 83.9 miles from Knox, IL, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116.7 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 37 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 83.9 miles or 1h 35m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 33m

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 Knox, 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 Knox, IL

This is one driving day of about 167.8 miles and 3h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Knox, 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 IL 110 for about 116.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Whiteside County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Sterling, IL

84 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.

Popular next leg

Sterling, IL to Aurora, IL

80.2 mi · 1h 32m

Pacing Suggestions

Cambridge, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Morrison, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 83.9 miles from Knox, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before IL 110 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 116.7 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.

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 167.8

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 167.8

Oswego, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16305513219

Visit website

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour Moderately mile 167.8

Oswego, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16305513912

Visit website

Prophet Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 71.9

Prophetstown, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18155379959

Lucky Panda Chinese Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.8

Aurora, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16308989360

Visit website

Subway

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Inexpensiv mile 47.9

Silvis, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+13097960996

Visit website

DeKalb Oasis

0.1 mi from route

KrisdalaBaka Rest Area (Eastbound)

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

KrisdalaBaka Rest Area (Westbound)

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.3 mi from route

Road Ranger

0.3 mi from route

Rest Area

1.6 mi from route

Road Ranger

2.1 mi from route

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 164.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

3
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Mine Road

Turn left onto Mine Road

Navigation decision point

4
1.9 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the ramp toward I 74 West: Galesburg

Navigation decision point

Toward I 74 West: Galesburg
5
41.6 mi into trip | ~50m in | IL 110 / Chicago-Kansas City Expressway

Keep slight left at fork onto IL 110 / Chicago-Kansas City Expressway toward I 80 West: Des Moines

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 80 West: Des Moines
6
47.9 mi into trip | ~57m in | IL 110

Take the exit onto IL 110 toward I 88 East, IL 92 East: Sterling, Rock Falls

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

Exit 4B Toward I 88 East, IL 92 East: Sterling, Rock Fa...
8
164.6 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in | IL 56

Take the exit onto IL 56 toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East

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 117 Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.23 one way

$52.47 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $28.80 $57.61
premium $4.89 $32.29 $64.58
diesel $5.61 $37.05 $74.10

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: 58.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50.3 0 $17.62 $8.05
Efficient EV 42 0 $14.68 $6.71
EV Truck/SUV 67.1 0 $23.49 $10.74

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (66% 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 19, 2026

Origin

Knox, IL

Afternoon in Knox on Sunday

Local time

12:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

33°F

Widespread Frost

W 6 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 10:25PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 10:23PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

Destination

Aurora, IL

Afternoon in Aurora on Sunday

Local time

12:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

33°F

Areas Of Frost

WSW 5 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 10:25PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 10:23PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

50°F

Sterling, IL

84 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

3h 10m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 97% of the drive utilizing major expressways like IL 110 and I-74. The "Chicago-Kansas City Expressway" designation highlights the high-speed nature of much of this trip. You'll encounter one significant uninterrupted stretch of 116.7 miles on IL 110, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. This road profile suggests a route built for covering distance quickly rather than for leisurely sightseeing.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
12 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 116.7 mi on IL 110.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on IL 110 and I 74. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Mine 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 10m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Mine Road): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 41.6 miles (IL 110 / Chicago-Kansas City Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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 Knox, IL to Aurora, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Rock Falls along the way.

Rock Falls

47.9 mi in | ~57m | via IL 110

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 3h 10m. Total distance: 167.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 116.7 miles on IL 110. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 9 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.

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: near the start (Mine Road): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 41.6 miles (IL 110 / Chicago-Kansas City Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Aurora, 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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