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Trip from Lexington, IL to Naperville, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 57m

Distance

96.3 mi

155 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$15

one way

EV Charging

Sparse

1 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
1h 49m ★
6 AM
1h 58m
8 AM
2h 15m
10 AM
2h 3m
12 PM
2h 2m
3 PM
2h 4m
5 PM
2h 14m
8 PM
1h 52m

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 Lexington, IL, IL

Lexington, IL

Mike Tyurin

Trip Overview

This straightforward 96.3-mile drive from Lexington, IL, to Naperville, IL, is designed for efficiency, taking approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-55, with brief segments on South Washington Street and Weber Road, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, requiring no overnight stays. With an estimated fuel cost of $15, it's an economical choice for travelers within the Midwest. The journey offers a focused highway experience, making it a practical option for getting from point A to point B without extensive detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

48.2 miles from Lexington, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 84.5 mi 1h 31m
South Washington Street 5.3 mi 11m
Weber Road 4.1 mi 7m
P J Keller Highway 0.7 mi 1m
West Main Street 0.5 mi 1m
Washington Street 0.5 mi <1m
North Spencer Street 0.1 mi <1m
South Cedar Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 84.5 mi, about 1h 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lexington, IL and Naperville, IL.

1

Start on South Cedar Street

44 ft · 9 sec · South Cedar Street
2

Turn left onto West Main Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Main Street
3

Continue on CR 8

0.1 mi · 20 sec · North Spencer Street
4

Turn left onto CR 8

0.7 mi · 1 min · P J Keller Highway
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward I 55 North: Joliet
6

Merge onto I 55

84 mi · 1 hr 31 min · I 55
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 263 Toward Weber Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork

233 ft · 7 sec
Use the left lane.
9

Turn straight onto CH 88

4.1 mi · 7 min · Weber Road
Use the left lane.
10

Continue on Washington Street

0.5 mi · 55 sec · Washington Street
Use the left lane.
11

Continue on South Washington Street

5.3 mi · 11 min · South Washington Street
Use the left lane.
12

Arrive at destination

North Washington Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of under two hours, this drive from Lexington to Naperville offers plenty of flexibility. You can easily tackle it any day of the week, departing when it suits your schedule. Since there are no designated stops in the data, consider a brief rest or fuel stop around the halfway point, especially if you plan to drive during peak traffic times. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on I-55 is 84.5 miles, so it’s wise to fill up before departing Lexington if your tank is low.

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 48.2 miles from Lexington, IL, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 84.5 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 21 miles or 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 48.2 miles or 54m 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 28m

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

Before You Leave

+

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

Day 1

Settle into the route from Lexington, IL

This is one driving day of about 96.3 miles and 1h 57m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Lexington, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 84.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

village in Troy Township, Will County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Shorewood, IL

48 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

Shorewood, IL to Naperville, IL

21.2 mi · 35m

Pacing Suggestions

Fairbury, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Diamond, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 48.2 miles from Lexington, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 84.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · final third

Happy Place Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shorewood, Illinois

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third · 25min to go 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18156661447

Visit website

A2B Indian Veg Restaurant - Illinois

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Warrenville, Illinois

1.6 mi

3 Rivers Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Channahon, Illinois

1.8 mi

Best coffee break · final third

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shorewood, Illinois

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third · 25min to go 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18156304235

Visit website

Kafe De Kasa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Shorewood, Illinois

0.8 mi

Ten Drops Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plainfield, Illinois

1.8 mi

Happy Place Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18156661447

Visit website

A2B Indian Veg Restaurant - Illinois

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Warrenville, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm

+16307918800

Visit website

3 Rivers Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Channahon, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18158285110

Visit website

Mapo Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Naperville, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+16304201388

Visit website

DW Diner Express & Liquor Store

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Channahon, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+18153354448

Visit website

Taste of Jerusalem

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Plainfield, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+18157826500

Visit website

Cafe Fontana

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Pontiac, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+18154192011

Visit website

Angeli's Restaurant & Catering

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Naperville, Illinois

Hours: 4–9 pm

+16304201370

Visit website

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18156304235

Visit website

Kafe De Kasa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17792421902

Visit website

Ten Drops Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Plainfield, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+16306962137

Visit website

Kafé De Kasa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Crest Hill, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18156303694

Visit website

Emmys Cafe & Gaming

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Braidwood, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+18153905133

Emmy's Cafe & Gaming

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Coal City, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+18155185375

Brick & Ivy Coffee Co.

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

Final third 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10

Channahon, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12176638389

Visit website

The Happy Crab Mobile Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Minooka, Illinois

+18155928941

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Lexington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18003658202

Visit website

Limestone Rest Area (Southbound)

0.1 mi from route

Limestone Rest Area (Northbound)

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.3 mi from route

Petro Stopping Centers

0.3 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.4 mi from route

Service Plaza

1.1 mi from route

The Wine Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Wilmington, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+18154769009

Visit website

Dock Rotz Tavern

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

Final third 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Minooka, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18154672200

Visit website

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

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | West Main Street

Turn left onto West Main Street

Navigation decision point

4
1.4 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp toward I 55 North: Joliet

Navigation decision point

Toward I 55 North: Joliet
5
1.7 mi into trip | ~3m in | I 55

Merge onto I 55

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
86.1 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Take the exit toward Weber Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 263 Toward Weber Road
7
86.4 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.06 one way

$30.11 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 34 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $16.53 $33.06
premium $4.89 $18.53 $37.06
diesel $5.61 $21.26 $42.52

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$15

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$40–$65

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 33.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 28.9 0 $10.11 $4.62
Efficient EV 24.1 0 $8.43 $3.85
EV Truck/SUV 38.5 0 $13.48 $6.16

Gas CO2

34 kg

EV CO2

11 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 20, 2026

Origin

Lexington, IL

Morning in Lexington on Tuesday

Local time

10:19 AM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Naperville, IL

Morning in Naperville on Tuesday

Local time

10:19 AM

CDT

Current temp

65°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

3 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 57m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Pullman National Historical Park

Pullman National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

27 mi from route ~66 min detour Free near mile 89.7
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for 88% of this 96.3-mile trip. The majority of your time will be spent on I-55, where you'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 84.5 miles. This section is built for steady progress, allowing for a consistent pace. While the main highway dominates, the transition onto South Washington Street and Weber Road at the end introduces a slightly different road feel as you approach Naperville. Overall, the character is one of direct travel rather than scenic exploration.

88% 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: 84.5 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and South Washington Street. You will hit about 8 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Main Street.

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 96.3 miles you will encounter 8 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: near the start (West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.7 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Naperville, IL

Full guide →

Naperville is a bedroom community in the Chicagoland area. In 2008, Money magazine ranked Naperville third on its list of the 100 best places to live in the United States.

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 57m. Total distance: 96.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 84.5 miles on I 55. 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. 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: near the start (West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.7 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Naperville, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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