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Trip from Monticello, IL to Aurora, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 7m

Distance

146.7 mi

236 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 56m ★
6 AM
3h 7m
8 AM
3h 30m
10 AM
3h 15m
12 PM
3h 13m
3 PM
3h 16m
5 PM
3h 29m
8 PM
3h 0m

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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Downtown Monticello, IL, IL

Monticello, IL

Stéphane Tendon

city on tripoints of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties in Illinois, United States

Aurora, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 146.7-mile drive from Monticello, IL to Aurora, IL is a straightforward one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-55, IL-47, and I-74, the route is focused on efficient highway travel, making it ideal for a quick journey between these two Midwest locations. With a projected fuel cost of around $23, it's an economical option for a day trip. The journey is designed for getting from point A to point B without significant detours, offering a practical way to cover the distance within Illinois.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

73.3 miles from Monticello, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 48.3 mi 51m
IL 47 32 mi 38m
I 74 16 mi 17m
Towanda Barnes Road 6.8 mi 10m
IL 31 5.9 mi 9m
North 525 East Road 4.7 mi 6m
Minkler Road 4.3 mi 6m
County Highway 5 3.8 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 48.3 mi, about 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Monticello, IL and Aurora, IL.

1

Start on West Center Street

0.2 mi · 21 sec · West Center Street
2

Continue on West Bridge Street

0.2 mi · 24 sec · West Bridge Street
3

Continue on West Center Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · West Center Street
4

Continue on West Brige Street

0.1 mi · 11 sec · West Brige Street
5

Continue on West Bridge Street

0.5 mi · 50 sec · West Bridge Street
6

Continue on East 1700 North Road

0.2 mi · 19 sec · East 1700 North Road
7

Turn straight onto CR 5

1.1 mi · 1 min · CR 5
8

Continue on Deland Monticello Road

0.6 mi · 49 sec · Deland Monticello Road
9

Continue on County Highway 5

3.1 mi · 4 min · County Highway 5
10

Turn straight onto North 525 East Road

1.7 mi · 2 min · North 525 East Road
11

Continue on South Highway Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Highway Avenue
12

At end of road, turn right onto IL 10

0.3 mi · 31 sec · County Road 2300 North
13

Turn left onto North 550 East Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · North 550 East Road
14

Continue on North 525 East Road

3.1 mi · 4 min · North 525 East Road
15

Continue on County Highway 5

0.7 mi · 1 min · County Highway 5
16

Continue on CR 4

2.9 mi · 4 min · Royal Road
17

Continue on CR 4

0.3 mi · 45 sec · Main Street
18

Turn right onto IL 54

1.4 mi · 2 min · East Clinton Avenue
19

Turn left

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward I 74 West: Bloomington
20

Merge onto I 74

16 mi · 17 min · I 74
21

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
Toward Downs
22

Turn right onto CR 27; CR 36

460 ft · 11 sec · East 700 North Road
23

Continue on CR 27; CR 36

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Seminary Street
24

At end of road, turn left onto US 150

2.0 mi · 2 min · US 150
25

Turn right onto CR 29

6.8 mi · 10 min · Towanda Barnes Road
26

Continue on CR 29

3.0 mi · 4 min · Towanda-Barnes Road
27

Continue on CR 29

0.2 mi · 40 sec · West Hely Street
28

Turn left onto CR 29

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Jefferson Street
29

Continue on CR 29

0.1 mi · 15 sec · North 1900 East Road
30

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 55 North: Joliet
31

Merge onto I 55

48 mi · 51 min · I 55
32

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 35 sec
Exit 220 Toward IL 47: Morris, Dwight Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Turn left onto IL 47

32 mi · 38 min · IL 47
Use the straight lane.
34

Turn right onto Walker Road

1.5 mi · 2 min · Walker Road
35

Turn left onto Ashley Road

2.8 mi · 3 min · Ashley Road
36

At end of road, turn right onto IL 126

0.5 mi · 46 sec · East Schoolhouse Road
37

Turn left onto Minkler Road

3.4 mi · 4 min · Minkler Road
38

Enter roundabout onto Minkler Road

126 ft · 3 sec · Minkler Road
39

Continue on Minkler Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Minkler Road
40

Continue on Orchard Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · Orchard Road
Use the left lane.
41

Turn right onto US 34

1.2 mi · 2 min · US 34
Use the right lane.
42

Continue on IL 31

2.5 mi · 4 min · IL 31
43

Continue on IL 31

3.4 mi · 5 min · IL 31
Use the left lane.
44

Turn left onto West Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 9 sec · West Galena Boulevard
Use the left lane.
45

Arrive at destination

West Galena Boulevard

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour, 7-minute duration for this 146.7-mile drive, it's easily manageable as a single-day trip. Aim to depart in the morning to allow ample time at your destination. With only one recommended stop, you can be flexible with your timing, but be mindful of the longest stretch of 48.3 miles on I-55 where services might be less frequent. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering that longer segment, and budget approximately $23 for gas. This route is designed for efficiency, so planning for rest stops that align with your personal comfort is key.

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 73.3 miles from Monticello, IL, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 48.3 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 32 miles or 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 73.3 miles or 1h 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 2h 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Aurora, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Monticello, 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 Monticello, IL

This is one driving day of about 146.7 miles and 3h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Monticello, 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 48.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

cognitive process of decoding symbols to derive meaning; a form of language processing

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Reading, IL

73 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

Empire, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Reading, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 73.3 miles from Monticello, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

Best meal stop · final third

Turtles Tap

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Morris, Illinois

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third · 40min to go 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18159423664

Visit website

Sherwood Oaks Waffle Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Morris, Illinois

0.4 mi

Letty Mae's Tea Room

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Morris, Illinois

0.8 mi

Best coffee break · final third

Brewed Awakenings

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Morris, Illinois

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third · 40min to go 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 5:30 am–3 pm

+18155135567

Visit website

Morris Bakery

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Morris, Illinois

0.7 mi

AppleJax Creations Coffee & Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Morris, Illinois

0.7 mi

Turtles Tap

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Morris, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18159423664

Visit website

Sherwood Oaks Waffle Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Morris, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+18159410427

Visit website

Letty Mae's Tea Room

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Morris, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–2 pm

+18154161370

Visit website

Saki Sushi

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Morris, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+18155135229

Visit website

Clayton's Tap

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Morris, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+18159423811

Visit website

Clayton’s Rail and The Alley at Clayton's Rail

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Morris, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+18157105150

Visit website

McBride's Morris

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Morris, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+18155133157

The Hideout Two

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Morris, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+18152870521

Brewed Awakenings

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Morris, Illinois

Hours: 5:30 am–3 pm

+18155135567

Visit website

Morris Bakery

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Morris, Illinois

Hours: 5 am–5 pm

+18159421031

AppleJax Creations Coffee & Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Morris, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18157050010

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13096641222

Visit website

State Farm Parking Garage

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Tesla Destination Charger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–12 pm

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Le Roy, Illinois

+18004891588

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13096620000

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

+18887584389

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 9.1 and 146.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
9.1 mi into trip | ~13m in | IL 10 / County Road 2300 North

At end of road, turn right onto IL 10 / County Road 2300 North

Navigation decision point

5
18.8 mi into trip | ~28m in

Turn left toward I 74 West: Bloomington

Navigation decision point

Toward I 74 West: Bloomington
8
97.4 mi into trip | ~2h 1m in

Take the exit toward IL 47: Morris, Dwight

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 220 Toward IL 47: Morris, Dwight
5
134 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in | IL 126 / East Schoolhouse Road

At end of road, turn right onto IL 126 / East Schoolhouse Road

Navigation decision point

6
146.6 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in | West Galena Boulevard

Turn left onto West Galena Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.93 one way

$45.87 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 51 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $25.18 $50.36
premium $4.89 $28.23 $56.46
diesel $5.61 $32.39 $64.78

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 51.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 44 0 $15.40 $7.04
Efficient EV 36.7 0 $12.84 $5.87
EV Truck/SUV 58.7 0 $20.54 $9.39

Gas CO2

51 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 14, 2026

Origin

Monticello, IL

Late night in Monticello on Tuesday

Local time

5:24 AM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Aurora, IL

Late night in Aurora on Tuesday

Local time

5:24 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SSW 15 mph 28% chance Live forecast

67°F

Reading, IL

73 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

11 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

3h 7m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for about 75% of this 146.7-mile route. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 48.3 miles on I-55, indicating periods of consistent highway driving. While the route incorporates other main roads like IL-47 and I-74, the overall character leans towards efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways. This means you'll likely experience a steady pace for most of the 3-hour, 7-minute duration.

75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 48.3 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 47. You will hit about 21 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 9.1 miles in near IL 10 / County Road 2300 North.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 146.7 miles you will encounter 21 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 9.1 miles (IL 10 / County Road 2300 North): Navigation decision point; at 18.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 97.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Monticello, IL and Aurora, IL, road signs point toward Downs and Dwight.

Downs

35.1 mi in | ~46m

Dwight

97.4 mi in | ~2h 1m

About the Cities

Starting in Monticello, IL

Full guide →

Monticello is a city of 5,500 people (2019) in Central Illinois. For the visitor, it offers a railroad museum, an art-and-sculpture garden, and some beautiful historic homes.

Arriving in Aurora, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1835

Aurora is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, located about 35 miles west of Chicago. It's at the very edge of Chicagoland and, situated on the Fox River, has many opportunities for urban, suburban, and rural recreation. Often overlooked, Aurora in fact has many surprisingly interesting attractions and a downtown unlike that of a typical suburb. It is probably best known for being the setting of the "Wayne's World" movies.

Top landmarks

  • • Aurora University — private university in Aurora, Illinois, U.S
  • • Hotel Arthur — United States historic place
  • • Graham Building — historic building in Aurora, Illinois

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 3h 7m. Total distance: 146.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 48.3 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 Aurora, 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 9.1 miles (IL 10 / County Road 2300 North): Navigation decision point; at 18.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 97.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Aurora, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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