Origin
New Lenox, IL
Late night in New Lenox on Tuesday
Local time
5:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from New Lenox, IL to Peoria, 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
2h 32m
Distance
134.6 mi
217 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 22m
★
6 AM
2h 32m
8 AM
2h 53m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 37m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 52m
8 PM
2h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New Lenox, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Peoria, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 134.6-mile drive from New Lenox, IL, to Peoria, IL, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-55 and I-74, the route is almost entirely highway, making for efficient travel through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, it's an economical option for a quick journey. The drive is focused on getting you to your destination smoothly, with minimal detours and a clear path. You'll be covering significant ground on interstates, so expect a consistent pace.
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
67.3 miles from New Lenox, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 86.6 mi | 1h 33m |
| I 74 | 33.4 mi | 36m |
| I 80 | 11.1 mi | 14m |
| West Maple Street | 1.4 mi | 3m |
| IL 29 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Northeast Jefferson Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| North Cedar Road | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Spalding Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 86.6 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Lenox, IL and Peoria, IL.
1
Start on this road
215 ft
·
22 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto East Haven Avenue
175 ft
·
10 sec
·
East Haven Avenue
3
Enter roundabout onto North Cedar Road
106 ft
·
2 sec
·
North Cedar Road
4
Continue on North Cedar Road
0.1 mi
·
22 sec
·
North Cedar Road
5
Turn left onto US 30
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
West Maple Street
6
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 80 West: Moline, Rock Island
7
Merge onto I 80
11 mi
·
14 min
·
I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Exit 126A
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
9
Merge onto I 55
87 mi
·
1 hr 33 min
·
I 55
Use the right lane.
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
Use the slight right lane.
11
Continue on I 74
27 mi
·
29 min
·
I 74
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 74
6.0 mi
·
7 min
·
I 74
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
13
Take the exit onto IL 29
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
IL 29
Toward IL 29 North: Downtown Peoria
14
Continue on Spalding Avenue
452 ft
·
20 sec
·
Spalding Avenue
15
Turn left onto IL 29
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Northeast Jefferson Avenue
16
Arrive at destination
Northeast Jefferson Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 2-hour and 32-minute duration, this trip is ideal for a same-day excursion from New Lenox to Peoria. You can depart anytime, but an early start will give you ample time to explore Peoria upon arrival without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop and a comfortable fuel cost of $21, you have flexibility. Be mindful of the longest stretch of 86.6 miles on I-55; plan your personal needs before embarking on that segment to ensure a comfortable drive. Keep an eye on traffic reports, especially as you approach larger towns or cities.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 67.3 miles from New Lenox, IL, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.6 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 30 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 67.3 miles or 1h 18m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Peoria, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving New Lenox, 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 New Lenox, IL
This is one driving day of about 134.6 miles and 2h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from New Lenox, 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 86.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
67 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 67.3 miles from New Lenox, 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 86.6 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 0.1 and 100.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North Cedar Road
Enter roundabout onto North Cedar Road
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
2.2 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
I 80
Merge onto I 80
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
13.2 mi into trip
|
~19m 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
13.6 mi into trip
|
~20m in
|
I 55
Merge onto I 55
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
100.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 53m in
Take the exit toward I 74 West: Peoria
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.04 one way
$42.09 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.10 | $46.21 |
| premium | $4.89 | $25.90 | $51.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.72 | $59.44 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.4 | 0 | $14.13 | $6.46 |
| Efficient EV | 33.7 | 0 | $11.78 | $5.38 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 53.8 | 0 | $18.84 | $8.61 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Peoria, IL
Late night in Peoria on Tuesday
Local time
5:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
68°F
Fairbury, IL
67 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
4 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
2h 32m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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...
22 mi from route
~56 min detour
Free
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for 98% of this 134.6-mile journey. The bulk of your time will be spent on interstates like I-55 and I-74. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 86.6 miles on I-55, offering an extended period of consistent driving. This route prioritizes speed and directness over varied scenery, presenting a profile of efficient interstate travel. The road character remains largely consistent, designed for straightforward transit between these two Illinois cities.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 86.6 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 74. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near North Cedar Road.
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 134.6 miles you will encounter 11 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 0.1 miles (North Cedar Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 2.2 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
About the Cities
Starting in New Lenox, IL
Full guide →The South Suburbs make up a region of Chicagoland, in Illinois. The region is generally defined as the area south of I-55 and the Chicago Skyway. Many of the communities immediately near Chicago continue to have an urban character while many of the southernmost communities are suburban and exurban.
Arriving in Peoria, IL
Full guide →Founded 1680
Peoria is a city in Illinois and the county seat of Peoria County. It serves as a regional hub for the primarily rural and agricultural center of the state. Peoria is a small but diverse city of approximately 115,000 people that anchors a three-county metropolitan area of nearly 400,000.
Top landmarks
- • Madison Theatre — theater and former movie theater in Peoria, Illinois, United States
- • Hotel Père Marquette — hotel in downtown Peoria, Illinois
- • Illinois Waterway Project Office — U.S. Army Core of Engineers facility in Peoria, 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 2h 32m. Total distance: 134.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 86.6 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Peoria, 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 0.1 miles (North Cedar Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 2.2 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Peoria, IL before heading back.
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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