Green Creek Rest Area - Southbound
0 mi from route
Trip from Markham, IL to West Frankfort, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 23, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 9m
Distance
284.6 mi
458 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$47
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 56m
★
6 AM
5h 10m
8 AM
5h 37m
10 AM
5h 19m
12 PM
5h 17m
3 PM
5h 21m
5 PM
5h 35m
8 PM
5h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Markham, IL
Stéphane Tendon
West Frankfort, IL
Moses Polonio
Trip Overview
Markham, IL to West Frankfort, IL is 284.6 miles and takes about 5h 9m via Kedzie Avenue and I-57 South, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Illinois, traversing the Midwest region on a primarily surface road profile. With only one recommended stop and a manageable duration, it's a straightforward trip for a single day. Consider this drive if you prefer staying off major interstates for a significant portion of your travel.
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
142.3 miles from Markham, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 252.8 mi | 4h 32m |
| Ken Gray Expressway | 27.1 mi | 29m |
| I 80 | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| West Main Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Kedzie Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| 163rd Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 252.8 mi, about 4h 32m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,001 veh/hr typical · worst 1,389
Quietest
2 AM
~168 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 99 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 Markham, IL and West Frankfort, 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
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
I 80
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 151A
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
6
Merge onto I 57
187 mi
·
3 hr 22 min
·
I 57
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57
66 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 57
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
27 mi
·
29 min
·
Ken Gray Expressway
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward IL 149: West Frankfort, Zeigler
10
Enter roundabout onto IL 149
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
West Main Street
11
Continue on IL 149
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
12
Arrive at destination
IL 149
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour drive time and primarily surface road nature, leaving in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight. Plan for your single recommended stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs and grab a snack. The fuel cost is estimated at $44, so factor that into your budget. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but be aware that surface roads can be slower due to local traffic and speed limits. Keep an eye out for changes in road conditions as you move south through Illinois.
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 142.3 miles from Markham, IL, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 252.8 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 63 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.3 miles or 2h 35m 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 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near West Frankfort, 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 284.6 miles and 5h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 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 57 for about 252.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
142 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 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 142.3 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 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 252.8 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.
Post Oak Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Post Oak Rest Area - Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Main Line Station Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Illini Prairie Rest Area - Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Rend Lake Rest Area (I57-SB)
0.1 mi from route
Illini Prairie Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Rend Lake Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Green Creek Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Main Line Station Rest Area - Southbound
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Prairie View Rest Area - Northbound
0.2 mi from route
Prairie View Rest Area - Southbound
0.2 mi from route
Truckomat Truck Wash - Effingham
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Peotone Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.4 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.6 mi from route
QuikTrip
2.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.3 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 95 decision points cluster between mile 3.3 and 283.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
3.3 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward I 57 South: Memphis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 151A
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
5
3.6 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
I 57
Merge onto I 57
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
190.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 27m in
|
I 57
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 South: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
5
283.4 mi into trip
|
~5h 7m in
Take the exit toward IL 149: West Frankfort, Zeigler
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward IL 149: West Frankfort, Zeigler
5
283.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 8m in
|
IL 149 / West Main Street
Enter roundabout onto IL 149 / West Main Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$47.47 one way
$94.95 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
100 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.62 | $51.80 | $103.60 |
| premium | $5.25 | $58.86 | $117.72 |
| diesel | $6.28 | $70.32 | $140.64 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 85.4 | 1 | $29.88 | $13.66 |
| Efficient EV | 71.2 | 0 | $24.90 | $11.38 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 113.8 | 1 | $39.84 | $18.21 |
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% 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.
Origin
Markham, IL
Late night in Markham on Friday
Local time
5:31 AM
CDT
Current temp
41°F
Clear
SSW 0 to 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
West Frankfort, IL
Late night in West Frankfort on Friday
Local time
5:31 AM
CDT
Current temp
38°F
Mostly Clear
NE 1 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
68°F
Charleston, IL
142 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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 9m 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.
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 drive is mostly surface roads, with 0% on highways. You'll begin on Kedzie Avenue and transition to I-80 West before heading south on I-57. Expect to navigate through various towns and intersections, as the majority of the 284.6 miles will be on non-interstate roads. The longest stretch without a significant break is not specified, but the overall duration suggests a continuous drive with minimal highway cruising.
99% 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: 252.8 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 3.3 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 284.6 miles you will encounter 9 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 3.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.6 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 190.7 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
773 ft
401 ft
Total Climb
347 ft
Total Descent
566 ft
Highest Point
773 ft
~162.7 mi in
Elevation Range
372 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Markham, IL
Full guide →Founded 1925
Arriving in West Frankfort, IL
Full guide →Founded 1810
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 5h 9m. Total distance: 284.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 9m 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 252.8 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 40 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.
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 40 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.6 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 190.7 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at West Frankfort, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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