La Grange, IL to Lockport, IL is 225.7 miles and takes about 4h 47m via I 55, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, specifically Illinois, making it a straightforward journey. Given its mostly highway profile and single-day recommendation, this route is ideal for those looking for an efficient drive. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, so expect consistent travel speeds. Plan this trip if you want a direct connection between these two Illinois locations without extensive detours.
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
112.9 miles from La Grange, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
123.2 mi
2h 12m
IL 125
37.1 mi
53m
I 55 Business
21.4 mi
23m
IL 103
7 mi
12m
Lagrange Lock Road
5.8 mi
14m
North Peoria Road
5.3 mi
8m
I 80
5.1 mi
6m
IL 97
5 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 123.2 mi, about 2h 12m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,177 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,557
Quietest
2 AM
~148 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 43 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 La Grange, IL and Lockport, IL.
1
Start on County Road 12
0.4 mi·55 sec·County Road 12
2
Keep slight right at fork onto County Road 1965 East
1.3 mi·3 min·County Road 1965 East
3
Continue on Lagrange Lock Road
5.8 mi·14 min·Lagrange Lock Road
4
At end of road, turn right onto IL 103
7.0 mi·12 min·IL 103
5
Turn right onto US 67; IL 100
2.0 mi·2 min·US 67; IL 100
6
Continue on IL 125
25 mi·35 min·IL 125
7
Continue on IL 125
11 mi·16 min·IL 125
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on IL 125
0.9 mi·1 min·IL 125
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Continue on IL 97
5.0 mi·7 min·IL 97
Use the straight lane.
10
Turn left onto IL 4
4.2 mi·6 min·Veterans Parkway
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on I 55 Business
5.3 mi·8 min·North Peoria Road
Use the left lane.
12
Take the exit onto I 55 Business
21 mi·23 min·I 55 Business
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
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.
15
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 250AToward I 80 East: IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 80
5.1 mi·6 min·I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 131Toward Center Street
18
Continue on South Center Street
0.3 mi·38 sec·South Center Street
19
Continue on Hickory Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Hickory Street
20
Turn right onto Bridge Street
348 ft·17 sec·Bridge Street
21
Turn left onto Broadway Street
4.4 mi·8 min·Broadway Street
22
Turn right onto IL 7
1.0 mi·1 min·West 9th Street
Use the left lane.
23
Arrive at destination
IL 7
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4h 47m drive, consider leaving early in the morning to avoid peak traffic, especially around the Chicago metropolitan area. With a recommended single day for the 225.7-mile trip, you can complete it without needing an overnight stay. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 123.2 miles on I 55, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before embarking on this segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $34, and service areas can be spaced out on interstates.
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 112.9 miles from La Grange, IL, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.2 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 50 miles or 1h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.9 miles or 2h 37m 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 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lockport, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving La Grange, 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 La Grange, IL
This is one driving day of about 225.7 miles and 4h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from La Grange, 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 123.2 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 7.5 and 213.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
7.5 mi into trip|~18m in|IL 103
At end of road, turn right onto IL 103
Navigation decision point
7
89.5 mi into trip|~2h 12m 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
118.8 mi into trip|~2h 43m 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
212.7 mi into trip|~4h 24m 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
5
213.4 mi into trip|~4h 25m in|I 80
Merge onto I 80
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.33 one way
$66.66 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$36.80
$73.59
premium
$4.72
$41.91
$83.81
diesel
$4.80
$42.62
$85.23
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.7
0
$23.70
$10.83
Efficient EV
56.4
0
$19.75
$9.03
EV Truck/SUV
90.3
1
$31.60
$14.44
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
La Grange, IL
Evening
in La Grange on Monday
Local time
8:04 PM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 9 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 12:23PM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 10:43AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Lockport, IL
Evening
in Lockport on Monday
Local time
8:04 PM
CDT
Current temp
89°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 10 to 15 mph75% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 12:23PM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 10:43AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
67°F
Athens, IL
113 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
4 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
4h 47m 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...
24 mi from route
~61 min detour
Free
near mile 225.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 91% of the 225.7 miles on interstates. You'll experience a long stretch of 123.2 miles on I 55, offering continuous cruising. The transition to surface roads will occur after this substantial interstate segment. Expect dense exits and merging traffic as you approach your destination.
91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 123.2 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 125. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.5 miles in near IL 103.
Driving Effort8/10
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 225.7 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 7.5 miles (IL 103): Navigation decision point; at 89.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 118.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
836 ft453 ft
Total Climb
508 ft
Total Descent
368 ft
Highest Point
836 ft
~129 mi in
Elevation Range
382 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 La Grange, IL to Lockport, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 47m. Total distance: 225.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 123.2 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 21 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 Lockport, 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 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.5 miles (IL 103): Navigation decision point; at 89.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 118.8 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Lockport, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
