Origin
Markham, IL
Late night in Markham on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Markham, IL to Quincy, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 33m
Distance
295.8 mi
476 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 20m
★
6 AM
5h 33m
8 AM
6h 0m
10 AM
5h 43m
12 PM
5h 40m
3 PM
5h 44m
5 PM
5h 59m
8 PM
5h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Markham, IL
Stéphane Tendon
Quincy, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Markham to Quincy is 295.8 miles and takes about 5h 33m via I-55, I-72, and I-80, with a fuel budget near $46 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within Illinois, moving from the Midwest's northern reaches toward its central plains. Expect a highway-focused journey that's efficient for getting from point A to point B. With a recommended one-day drive, it's a straightforward trip for those looking to cover ground without much complication. The main roads are well-maintained interstates, making for a predictable and generally smooth experience.
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
147.9 miles from Markham, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 157.8 mi | 2h 50m |
| I 72 | 92.9 mi | 1h 39m |
| I 80 | 28 mi | 34m |
| IL 57 | 12.2 mi | 21m |
| Chicago-Kansas City Expressway | 2.2 mi | 2m |
| Kedzie Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| 163rd Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 157.8 mi, about 2h 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Markham, IL and Quincy, IL.
1
Start on 163rd Street
64 ft
·
6 sec
·
163rd Street
2
Turn right onto Kedzie Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Kedzie Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 80 West
4
Merge onto I 80
28 mi
·
34 min
·
I 80
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Exit 126A
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
6
Merge onto I 55
93 mi
·
1 hr 40 min
·
I 55
Use the right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
65 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 72; US 36
93 mi
·
1 hr 39 min
·
I 72; US 36
Toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
51 sec
Toward I 172 North: Quincy
10
Continue on I 172; IL 110
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward IL 57: Marblehead, Quincy
12
Turn left onto IL 57
12 mi
·
20 min
·
IL 57
13
Turn left onto IL 57
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
IL 57
14
Turn right
71 ft
·
1 sec
15
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 33m duration and 295.8-mile length, this trip is comfortably a one-day drive. Aim to depart in the morning to allow for any unexpected delays and to arrive with plenty of daylight. You'll want to plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, especially considering the 157.8-mile stretch on I-55. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can sometimes be spaced out on interstates; the estimated fuel cost is $46. The primary roads are interstates, so standard highway driving practices apply.
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 147.9 miles from Markham, IL, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.8 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 65 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 147.9 miles or 2h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Quincy, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Markham, 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 Markham, IL
This is one driving day of about 295.8 miles and 5h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Markham, 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 157.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
148 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 147.9 miles from Markham, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 157.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 187.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 80
Merge onto I 80
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
5
29 mi into trip
|
~36m in
Take the exit toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 126A
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
5
29.3 mi into trip
|
~37m in
|
I 55
Merge onto I 55
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
122.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m 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
6
187.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
|
I 72; US 36
Keep slight right at fork onto I 72; US 36 toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.24 one way
$92.49 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
104 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $50.78 | $101.55 |
| premium | $4.89 | $56.92 | $113.85 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $65.31 | $130.62 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 103.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 88.7 | 1 | $31.06 | $14.20 |
| Efficient EV | 74 | 0 | $25.88 | $11.83 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 118.3 | 1 | $41.41 | $18.93 |
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
35 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Destination
Quincy, IL
Late night in Quincy on Tuesday
Local time
4:08 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
71°F
Springfield, IL
148 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
3 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 33m 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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 183.6
View on nps.gov
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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 99% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-55, I-72, and I-80. You'll experience a consistent pace for most of the 5 hours and 33 minutes. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 157.8 miles on I-55, so be prepared for extended periods of high-speed travel. While largely consistent, the transition between these interstates offers minor shifts in the surrounding landscape as you move across Illinois. It's designed for efficiency rather than winding scenic byways, so settle in for a direct journey.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 157.8 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 72. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near I 80.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 295.8 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 1 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 29 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 29.3 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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 Markham, IL to Quincy, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.
Springfield
122.3 mi in
|
~2h 17m
|
via I 55
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 33m. Total distance: 295.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 157.8 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 Quincy, 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 1 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 29 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 29.3 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Quincy, IL before the return drive.
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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