Spanning 259.4 miles across the Illinois landscape, this trip from Lockport to Granite City is a straightforward journey typically taking about 4 hours and 53 minutes. Because the route is compact and efficient, it works perfectly as a single-day drive, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stop. You can expect to spend approximately $39 on fuel, making it a budget-friendly way to navigate the Midwest. Since 95% of your time will be spent on major highways, the trip remains focused on consistency and speed. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick visit, this route offers a reliable connection between these two Illinois cities.
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
129.7 miles from Lockport, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
230.6 mi
4h 8m
I 270
9.5 mi
11m
I 80
7 mi
8m
Nameoki Road
3.5 mi
5m
South State Street
2.7 mi
5m
Collins Street
2 mi
4m
Madison Avenue
1.6 mi
2m
Richards Street
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 230.6 mi, about 4h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lockport, IL and Granite City, IL.
1
Start on IL 7
110 ft·6 sec·West 9th Street
2
Turn right onto IL 171
2.7 mi·5 min·South State Street
3
Continue on IL 171
2.0 mi·4 min·Collins Street
4
Continue on US 6; US 30
404 ft·18 sec·East Jefferson Street
5
Turn left onto Richards Street
0.7 mi·1 min·Richards Street
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 80 West: Moline, Rock Island
7
Merge onto I 80
7.0 mi·8 min·I 80
Use the right lane.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 126AToward I 55 South: Saint Louis
9
Merge onto I 55
93 mi·1 hr 40 min·I 55
Use the right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
65 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, SpringfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
73 mi·1 hr 18 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·32 sec
Exit 20BToward I 270 West: Kansas CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 270
9.5 mi·11 min·I 270
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·27 sec
Exit 4Toward IL 203: Granite CityUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·26 sec
Toward IL 203 South: Granite City
16
Keep slight left at fork
329 ft·11 sec
Toward IL 203 South: Granite City
17
Turn left onto IL 203
3.5 mi·5 min·Nameoki Road
18
Turn right onto Madison Avenue
1.6 mi·2 min·Madison Avenue
19
Turn right onto Niedringhaus Avenue
0.2 mi·36 sec·Niedringhaus Avenue
20
Arrive at destination
Niedringhaus Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 53-minute journey, plan to depart early to avoid potential congestion on the interstate. While you only need to schedule one stop to stay refreshed, having that flexibility allows you to break up the long 230.6-mile stretch on I-55 at a time that suits your energy levels. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge throughout the trip, as current estimates suggest a $39 expense. Since this is a single-day commitment, try to time your drive to avoid peak commuter traffic near major interchanges. Staying alert during the long highway segments is key, so don't hesitate to pull over for a quick stretch if you start to feel the monotony of the open road.
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 129.7 miles from Lockport, IL, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 230.6 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 57 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.7 miles or 2h 28m 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 58m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Granite City, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lockport, 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 Lockport, IL
This is one driving day of about 259.4 miles and 4h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Lockport, 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 230.6 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 106 and 253.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
106 mi into trip|~2h 3m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
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 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
7
243.6 mi into trip|~4h 31m in
Take the exit toward I 270 West: Kansas City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 20B
Toward I 270 West: Kansas City
7
253.5 mi into trip|~4h 43m in
Take the exit toward IL 203: Granite City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 4
Toward IL 203: Granite City
6
253.8 mi into trip|~4h 43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward IL 203 South: Granite City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward IL 203 South: Granite City
6
253.9 mi into trip|~4h 43m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IL 203 South: Granite City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward IL 203 South: Granite City
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.55 one way
$81.11 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$44.53
$89.05
premium
$4.89
$49.92
$99.84
diesel
$5.61
$57.27
$114.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$41
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.8
0
$27.24
$12.45
Efficient EV
64.9
0
$22.70
$10.38
EV Truck/SUV
103.8
1
$36.32
$16.60
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 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 Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Lockport, IL
Late night
in Lockport on Tuesday
Local time
4:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Granite City, IL
Late night
in Granite City on Tuesday
Local time
4:02 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
68°F
Bloomington, IL
130 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
15 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 53m 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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a classic interstate experience on this highway-focused route, which relies heavily on I-55, I-270, and I-80. The vast majority of your time behind the wheel involves a long, consistent haul, highlighted by a 230.6-mile stretch exclusively on I-55. Because 95% of the trip is highway-based, the drive is designed for efficiency rather than winding, scenic detours. You will find that the road maintains a predictable pace, allowing you to settle into a rhythm as you traverse the state. It is a functional, high-speed corridor that prioritizes getting you to your destination with minimal navigation complexity.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 230.6 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 270. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 106 miles in near I 55.
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 15 significant decision points across 259.4 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 106 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 243.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 253.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
784 ft422 ft
Total Climb
350 ft
Total Descent
523 ft
Highest Point
784 ft
~92.6 mi in
Elevation Range
363 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 Lockport, IL to Granite City, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.
Springfield
106 mi in|~2h 3m|via I 55
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 53m. Total distance: 259.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 230.6 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Granite City, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 106 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 243.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 253.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Granite City, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
