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Trip from La Salle, IL to Elgin, IL

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

Drive Time

1h 54m

Distance

89.6 mi

144 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 46m ★
6 AM
1h 54m
8 AM
2h 11m
10 AM
2h 0m
12 PM
1h 58m
3 PM
2h 1m
5 PM
2h 10m
8 PM
1h 49m

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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city in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States

La Salle, IL

Wikimedia Commons

city in Cook and Kane counties in the northern part of the U.S. state of Illinois

Elgin, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 89.6-mile drive from La Salle, IL, to Elgin, IL, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes. You'll primarily navigate on I-39 and the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, with a portion on East Lincoln Highway, making for a 53% highway experience. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $14, reflecting a relatively economical trip. Given its moderate distance and duration, this route is ideal for a quick getaway or a convenient transfer between two points within the Midwest region of Illinois. You won't need to plan for an overnight stay; this is a drive you can complete comfortably in a few hours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

44.8 miles from La Salle, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 39 39.9 mi 42m
East Lincoln Highway 16.6 mi 22m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway 15 mi 16m
IL 31 6.1 mi 11m
Bolcum Road 3.2 mi 5m
LaFox Road 2.3 mi 3m
Peace Road 1.6 mi 2m
US 6 1.3 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 39 — 39.9 mi, about 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between La Salle, IL and Elgin, IL.

1

Start on Tonti Street

171 ft · 12 sec · Tonti Street
2

Turn left onto US 6

1.3 mi · 1 min · US 6
3

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward US 6: LaSalle, Peru, Ottowa
4

Merge onto I 39; US 51

40 mi · 42 min · I 39; US 51
5

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 49 sec
Exit 97A Toward I 88 East Toll: Chicago
6

Merge onto I 88; IL 110

15 mi · 16 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 49 sec
Exit 94 Toward DeKalb, Sycamore
8

Keep slight right at fork

165 ft · 6 sec
Use the left / right lanes.
9

Turn straight onto Peace Road

1.6 mi · 2 min · Peace Road
10

Turn right onto IL 38

17 mi · 22 min · East Lincoln Highway
11

Turn left onto CR 81

2.3 mi · 3 min · LaFox Road
Use the left lane.
12

Continue on CR 2

0.3 mi · 31 sec · Burlington Road
13

Enter roundabout onto Bolcum Road

22 ft · 0 sec · Bolcum Road
14

Continue on Bolcum Road

3.2 mi · 5 min · Bolcum Road
15

Turn left onto CR 34

0.8 mi · 1 min · Randall Road
16

Turn right onto CR 5

1.0 mi · 1 min · Silver Glen Road
17

At end of road, turn left onto IL 31

6.1 mi · 11 min · IL 31
18

Turn right onto East Chicago Street

0.3 mi · 55 sec · East Chicago Street
19

Arrive at destination

East Chicago Street

Trip Plan

For this relatively short 1 hour and 54-minute drive, flexibility is your best friend. Leaving La Salle, IL, in the morning or mid-afternoon will allow you to avoid potential commuter traffic heading into the Chicago metropolitan area. With no designated stops in the data, you can easily add a brief break if needed, perhaps after completing the 39.9-mile stretch on I-39. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $14, and plan a quick refill before you depart if your tank is low. The primary roads are well-maintained, so focus on enjoying the direct path to Elgin, IL.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 44.8 miles from La Salle, IL, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 39.9 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 20 miles or 22m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 44.8 miles or 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 1h 30m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving La Salle, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from La Salle, IL

This is one driving day of about 89.6 miles and 1h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from La Salle, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 39 for about 39.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

village in Kane County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Big Rock, IL

45 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

Big Rock, IL to Elgin, IL

31 mi · 50m

Pacing Suggestions

Mendota, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

DeKalb, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 44.8 miles from La Salle, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Uptown Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

La Salle, Illinois

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18152244545

Visit website

Haze Smokehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

La Salle, Illinois

0.5 mi

Lock 16 Cafe' and I&M Canal Visitor Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

La Salle, Illinois

0.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Babs Brew

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Peru, Illinois

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

Visit website

Uptown Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

La Salle, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18152244545

Visit website

Haze Smokehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

La Salle, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+18157808374

Visit website

Lock 16 Cafe' and I&M Canal Visitor Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

La Salle, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+18152201848

Visit website

The Study Supper Club

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $30 to $50

La Salle, Illinois

Hours: 5–10 pm

+18152244689

Visit website

Country House Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

La Salle, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+18154105054

Visit website

Rawfully Yours Juice Bar & Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

La Salle, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–5:30 pm

+18152500527

Visit website

Millstone Bakery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

La Salle, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18152500877

Visit website

Thyme Craft Kitchen

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Peru, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+18157808774

Visit website

Babs Brew

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Peru, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

Visit website

Carrico's Claudettes

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Oglesby, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+18158837075

Visit website

Flight Deck A Global Inspired Pub

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.4

Rochelle, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18155613664

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.3 and 75.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
1.3 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp toward US 6: LaSalle, Peru, Ottowa

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 6: LaSalle, Peru, Ottowa
5
41.4 mi into trip | ~45m in

Take the exit toward I 88 East Toll: Chicago

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 97A Toward I 88 East Toll: Chicago
6
57 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in

Take the exit toward DeKalb, Sycamore

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

Exit 94 Toward DeKalb, Sycamore
6
57.3 mi into trip | ~1h 3m in

Keep slight right at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / right lanes.
5
75.6 mi into trip | ~1h 29m in | CR 81 / LaFox Road

Turn left onto CR 81 / LaFox Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.01 one way

$28.02 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 31 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $15.38 $30.76
premium $4.89 $17.24 $34.49
diesel $5.61 $19.78 $39.57

Estimated Tolls: $0.90

Reagan Memorial Tollway (15 mi) $0.90

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

$14

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 31.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26.9 0 $9.41 $4.30
Efficient EV 22.4 0 $7.84 $3.58
EV Truck/SUV 35.8 0 $12.54 $5.73

Gas CO2

31 kg

EV CO2

10 kg (68% 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 15, 2026

Origin

La Salle, IL

Late night in La Salle on Sunday

Local time

2:46 AM

CDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Elgin, IL

Late night in Elgin on Sunday

Local time

2:46 AM

CDT

Current temp

50°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

22 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

1h 54m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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

What kind of drive is this?

The character of this drive is predominantly a mixed bag, with a significant 53% share on highways like I-39 and the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway. Expect stretches of faster driving, including a longest uninterrupted segment of 39.9 miles on I-39. Interspersed with these highway portions are sections on East Lincoln Highway, offering a different driving feel. This blend means you'll experience both the efficiency of toll roads and the character of a more direct, non-toll route. Overall, it's a functional drive designed for getting you from point A to point B without excessive detours.

53% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 39.9 mi on I 39.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 89.6 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 57 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

933 ft 563 ft

Total Climb

499 ft

Total Descent

323 ft

Highest Point

933 ft

~44.8 mi in

Elevation Range

370 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between La Salle, IL and Elgin, IL, road signs point toward Dekalb and Sycamore.

Dekalb

57 mi in | ~1h 2m

Sycamore

57 mi in | ~1h 2m

About the Cities

Arriving in Elgin, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1854

Elgin is a city in Chicagoland known for its Victorian architecture and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.

Top landmarks

  • • Elgin Tower Building — building in Illinois, United States
  • • Elgin Downtown Commercial District

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 1h 54m. Total distance: 89.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (53%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 39.9 miles on I 39. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.90 in tolls one way, starting with Reagan Memorial 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. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 57 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Elgin, IL before heading back.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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