Traveling from Metropolis to Arlington Heights covers 386.7 miles across Illinois, serving as a straightforward trek through the Midwest. You should plan for a driving time of approximately 7 hours and 16 minutes, making this a long but manageable single-day trip if you are prepared for some time behind the wheel. Budget around $59 for fuel to complete the journey. Because this route stays within Illinois, you will experience a consistent state-wide travel experience. While it is feasible to complete the drive in one day, keep in mind that the duration makes it a full-day commitment. This highway-focused path provides a direct link between the southern tip of the state and the northern suburbs of Chicago.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
193.4 miles from Metropolis, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
185.5 mi
3h 21m
Ken Gray Expressway
119.1 mi
2h 8m
Tri-State Tollway
31.1 mi
39m
I 24
25.4 mi
27m
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
6.3 mi
6m
North Avenue
6.3 mi
9m
New Columbia Road
4.3 mi
5m
South Arlington Heights Road
3.1 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 185.5 mi, about 3h 21m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,006 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,239
Quietest
3 AM
~158 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 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 Metropolis, IL and Arlington Heights, IL.
1
Start on West 5th Street
45 ft·8 sec·West 5th Street
2
Turn left onto US 45
0.4 mi·1 min·Ferry Street
3
Turn left onto US 45
0.2 mi·29 sec·West 10th Street
4
Turn right onto Pearl Street
0.1 mi·16 sec·Pearl Street
5
Turn slight left onto North Avenue
6.3 mi·9 min·North Avenue
6
Continue on New Columbia Road
4.3 mi·5 min·New Columbia Road
7
Turn right onto Big Bay Road
0.4 mi·41 sec·Big Bay Road
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·26 sec
Toward New Columbia, Big Bay
9
Merge onto I 24
25 mi·27 min·I 24
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Exit 44BToward I 57 North: Chicago
11
Merge onto I 57
52 mi·55 min·Ken Gray Expressway
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
67 mi·1 hr 12 min·Ken Gray Expressway
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57
185 mi·3 hr 21 min·I 57
Toward I 57 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 349-350Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, WisconsinUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork
1.8 mi·3 min
Exit 349Toward I 294 Toll North: WisconsinUse the straight / slight left lanes.
16
Merge onto I 294
21 mi·25 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
10 mi·13 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 40Toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Rockford, River RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chicago
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 90 Toll West: RockfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Merge onto I 90
0.2 mi·12 sec·Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
6.1 mi·6 min·Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 70Toward Arlington Heights RoadUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight right at fork
498 ft·12 sec
Use the right lane.
25
Turn straight onto North Arlington Heights Road
0.1 mi·14 sec·North Arlington Heights Road
26
Continue on South Arlington Heights Road
3.1 mi·6 min·South Arlington Heights Road
Use the left lane.
27
Turn left onto East Euclid Avenue
48 ft·1 sec·East Euclid Avenue
28
Arrive at destination
East Euclid Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour and 16-minute duration, aiming for an early morning departure is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and heavy traffic near your destination. You should plan for at least two stops to break up the 386.7-mile distance and keep your energy levels consistent. Since the longest stretch spans 185.5 miles on I-57, use those intervals to refuel and stretch before reaching the denser tollway segments. Keep your budget of $59 for fuel in mind when planning your stops, as prices may fluctuate as you head north. Because the route is predominantly highway-based, check traffic reports for the Tri-State Tollway before you leave to navigate any unexpected congestion near the end of your trip.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 193.4 miles from Metropolis, IL, or about 3h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 185.5 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 85 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 193.4 miles or 3h 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 5h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington Heights, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Metropolis, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Metropolis, IL
This is one driving day of about 386.7 miles and 7h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 85 miles from Metropolis, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 57 for about 185.5 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 156.8 and 375.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
156.8 mi into trip|~2h 55m in|I 57
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
8
342.3 mi into trip|~6h 16m in
Take the exit toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 349-350
Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevar...
8
342.6 mi into trip|~6h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 349
Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
8
375.5 mi into trip|~6h 59m in
Take the exit toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Rockford, River Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 40
Toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International A...
7
375.7 mi into trip|~6h 59m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chi...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$64.29 one way
$128.59 round trip
$4.22/gal25.4 MPG avg135 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.60
$70.03
$140.06
premium
$5.18
$78.91
$157.82
diesel
$5.35
$81.45
$162.90
Estimated Tolls: $2.30
Tri-state Tollway
(31.1 mi)$1.87
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
(6.1 mi)$0.43
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
$64
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$92–$117
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 135.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
116
1
$40.60
$18.56
Efficient EV
96.7
1
$33.84
$15.47
EV Truck/SUV
154.7
1
$54.14
$24.75
Gas CO2
135 kg
EV CO2
45 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.
Forecast as of Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Metropolis, IL
Afternoon
in Metropolis on Wednesday
Local time
2:03 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 mph33% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 10:38AM CDT until June 3 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Arlington Heights, IL
Afternoon
in Arlington Heights on Wednesday
Local time
2:03 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Chance Light Rain
NNE 5 mph35% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 10:38AM CDT until June 3 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
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
8 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
7h 16m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 346.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy journey, as 85% of this route takes place on major highways. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-57, including a significant 185.5-mile stretch that serves as the core of the drive. The transition from the Ken Gray Expressway to the Tri-State Tollway marks the shift from rural transit to the busier northern Illinois infrastructure. Since this is a highway-focused drive, the experience is defined by efficiency and steady cruising rather than winding backroads. Be ready for the change in traffic density as you move from the southern regions toward the Arlington Heights area.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 185.5 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 156.8 miles in near I 57.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 386.7 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 156.8 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 342.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 342.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
777 ft424 ft
Total Climb
442 ft
Total Descent
291 ft
Highest Point
777 ft
~257.8 mi in
Elevation Range
353 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 Metropolis, IL to Arlington Heights, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Wisconsin along the way.
Wisconsin
342.3 mi in|~6h 16m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Metropolis is a small city in Southern Illinois probably named out of wishful thinking which hasn't really been borne out. The town's current claim to fame is as the host for a floating riverboat casino run by the Harrah's casino chain of Reno, Nevada. The town has also capitalized on its name by erecting what is referred to on road signs as a Giant Statue of Superman of DC Comics fame. In fact, though the statue is called giant it's less than half as tall as the statue of Big John the grocer, which is found in front of the Big John's supermarket on the way into town. Big John's also hosts a small gaming casino room.
Top landmarks
•Elijah P. Curtis House — historic house in Illinois, United States
Arlington Heights is a city in northeastern Chicagoland. The 2010 Census put the population at 75,101, the largest for a village in the United States. Arlington Heights is known for the Arlington Park Race Track as well as a large Japanese community, third in the state behind neighboring Schaumburg and Chicago proper. Some notable people have come from the village as well, including Walter Payton, Ted Nugent, and Ray Kroc (founder of McDonald's).
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 16m. Total distance: 386.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 185.5 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.30 in tolls one way, starting with Tri-state 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 — we found about 51 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.
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 Arlington Heights, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 51 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 156.8 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 342.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 342.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Arlington Heights, IL before the return drive.
