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Trip from Metropolis, IL to Evanston, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 8m

Distance

375.6 mi

604 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$59

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
6h 58m ★
6 AM
7h 9m
8 AM
7h 31m
10 AM
7h 16m
12 PM
7h 14m
3 PM
7h 17m
5 PM
7h 30m
8 PM
7h 2m

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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city in Illinois, United States

Metropolis, IL

Wikimedia Commons

suburban city in Cook County, Illinois, United States

Evanston, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Metropolis, IL to Evanston, IL covers 375.6 miles and takes about 7h 8m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 57, Ken Gray Expressway, I 24 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 195.2 miles on I 57. At current regular gas prices, budget about $58.72 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

187.8 miles from Metropolis, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 29m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 195.2 mi 3h 34m
Ken Gray Expressway 119.1 mi 2h 8m
I 24 25.4 mi 27m
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) 7.9 mi 11m
North Avenue 6.3 mi 9m
North Western Avenue 5.5 mi 11m
New Columbia Road 4.3 mi 5m
Kennedy Expressway 3.7 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 195.2 mi, about 3h 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Metropolis, IL and Evanston, 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 44B Toward 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

195 mi · 3 hr 34 min · I 57
Toward I 57 North: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Continue on I 94

3.3 mi · 4 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94

7.9 mi · 11 min · Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Continue on I 90; I 94

3.7 mi · 5 min · Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 47B Toward Damen Avenue Use the slight right lane.
18

Turn right onto North Damen Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Damen Avenue
Use the right lane.
19

Turn slight left onto North Clybourn Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Clybourn Avenue
20

Turn right onto North Western Avenue

5.5 mi · 11 min · North Western Avenue
21

Continue on Asbury Avenue

1.5 mi · 2 min · Asbury Avenue
22

Turn right onto Dempster Street

213 ft · 9 sec · Dempster Street
23

Turn uturn

213 ft · 17 sec
24

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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 187.8 miles from Metropolis, IL, or about 3h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 195.2 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 83 miles or 1h 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 187.8 miles or 3h 29m 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 49m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Evanston, 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 375.6 miles and 7h 8m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 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 195.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

188 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

Frankfort, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 83 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Charleston, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 187.8 miles from Metropolis, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 195.2 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

The Original Pancake House - Beverly

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Chicago, Illinois

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 350.3

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17734456100

Visit website

Asian bowl express

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rantoul, Illinois

2.2 mi

Red Wheel Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Rantoul, Illinois

2.1 mi

The Original Pancake House - Beverly

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 350.3

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17734456100

Visit website

Asian bowl express

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 242.5

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+12172821215

Visit website

Red Wheel Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 242.5

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12178930471

Visit website

Subway

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv mile 350.3

Blue Island, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17082390888

Visit website

ET's Downtown Rantoul

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 242.5

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12178930222

Visit website

Casa amigos Mexican restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 242.5

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12172156053

Studious Hifi Coffee Shop

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 350.3

Blue Island, Illinois

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+16123315934

Visit website

Chi Tung Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 350.3

Evergreen Park, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–9:30 pm

+17086368180

Visit website

PD Coffee Shop

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 377.3

Chicago, Illinois

MY Garage Museum & Retail Store

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 161.7

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12175404277

Visit website

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 37.4 and 375.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
37.4 mi into trip | ~46m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 57 North: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 44B Toward I 57 North: Chicago
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
355.4 mi into trip | ~6h 34m in | I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Roa...
7
366.9 mi into trip | ~6h 51m in

Take the exit toward Damen Avenue

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 47B Toward Damen Avenue
7
375.6 mi into trip | ~7h 8m in

Turn uturn

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$58.72 one way

$117.44 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 131 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $64.47 $128.95
premium $4.89 $72.28 $144.56
diesel $5.61 $82.93 $165.86

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$59

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$84–$109

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 131.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 112.7 1 $39.44 $18.03
Efficient EV 93.9 1 $32.87 $15.02
EV Truck/SUV 150.2 1 $52.58 $24.04

Gas CO2

131 kg

EV CO2

44 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.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Metropolis, IL

Afternoon in Metropolis on Sunday

Local time

1:58 PM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Evanston, IL

Afternoon in Evanston on Sunday

Local time

1:58 PM

CDT

Current temp

67°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

14 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 8m 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

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 351.2
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?

375.6 mi in 7h 8m, mostly highway — 195.2 mi of that is on I 57.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 195.2 mi on I 57.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

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 37.4 miles in.

Driving Effort 8/10

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 375.6 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 37.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 156.8 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 355.4 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Arriving in Evanston, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1836

Evanston is a city in the North Shore region of Illinois along the shores of Lake Michigan. Evanston has many identities: college town, dining destination, cultural center and gateway to the wealthy North Shore, although the city itself is anything but homogeneous in regards to economic status, culture and race. Evanston is named after John Evans, one of the founders of Northwestern University, which ranks among the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Top landmarks

  • • Grosse Point Light — lighthouse in Illinois, United States
  • • Shakespeare Garden — garden on the campus of Northwestern University
  • • Frederick B. Carter, Jr. House — historic house in Illinois, 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 7h 8m. Total distance: 375.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 8m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 195.2 miles on I 57. 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 Evanston, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 37.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 156.8 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 355.4 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.1 hours each way, a round trip means 14.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Evanston, 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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