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Trip from Newell, IL to Elgin, 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 58m

Distance

164 mi

264 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 46m ★
6 AM
3h 59m
8 AM
4h 25m
10 AM
4h 8m
12 PM
4h 5m
3 PM
4h 9m
5 PM
4h 23m
8 PM
3h 51m

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 Newell, IL, IL

Newell, IL

Franco Monsalvo

city in Cook and Kane counties in the northern part of the U.S. state of Illinois

Elgin, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 164-mile drive from Newell, Illinois, to Elgin, Illinois, is best tackled as a single day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes. You'll primarily be on major roadways, including I-57 and the Tri-State Tollway, with a portion on North Vermilion Street, making for a mixed driving experience. With a projected fuel cost of around $26, this route offers a straightforward journey within the Midwest region. Plan for one stop along the way to break up the drive. This trip is a solid option if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two Illinois locations without needing an overnight stay.

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

82 miles from Newell, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 37 mi 42m
Tri-State Tollway 22.9 mi 28m
North Vermilion Street 20.8 mi 31m
North 2100 E Road 14.8 mi 22m
County Road 2300 East 11.4 mi 17m
2300 East 9.9 mi 14m
Lake Street 6.7 mi 11m
South State Route 1 6.7 mi 9m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 37 mi, about 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Newell, IL and Elgin, IL.

1

Start on East Winter Avenue

2.5 mi · 9 min · East Winter Avenue
2

Turn right onto US 136; IL 1

21 mi · 31 min · North Vermilion Street
3

Continue on IL 1

11 mi · 17 min · County Road 2300 East
4

Continue on IL 1

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Chicago St
5

Continue on IL 1

9.9 mi · 14 min · 2300 East
6

Turn left onto US 24; IL 1

2.7 mi · 6 min · East Walnut Street
7

Turn right onto IL 1

1.0 mi · 1 min · North 2100 East Road
8

Continue on IL 1

15 mi · 22 min · North 2100 E Road
9

Continue on IL 1

0.9 mi · 1 min · S 7000E Road
10

Continue on IL 1

0.5 mi · 52 sec · E 7000S Road
11

Turn left onto IL 1

0.3 mi · 30 sec · South Dixie Highway
12

Continue on IL 1

6.7 mi · 9 min · South State Route 1
13

Turn left onto IL 17

5.8 mi · 8 min · IL 17
14

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 1 min
Toward I-57 North: Chicago
15

Merge onto I 57

37 mi · 42 min · I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 349-350 Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight right at fork

1.8 mi · 3 min
Exit 349 Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin Use the straight / slight left lanes.
18

Merge onto I 294

21 mi · 25 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

1.2 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit onto I 294

321 ft · 7 sec · Tri-State Tollway
Exit 31 Toward I 290 West, I 294 North, I 290 East: Rockford, Milwaukee, Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

0.8 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
Exit 31 Toward I 290 West, I 294 North: Rockford, Milwaukee
22

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 290 West: Rockford
23

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Toward Saint Charles Road West
24

Merge onto I 290

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 290
25

Take the exit onto US 20

0.1 mi · 15 sec · US 20
Exit 12 Toward US 20 West, IL 64 West: Lake Street, York Road Use the right lane.
26

Keep slight left at fork onto US 20

5.3 mi · 8 min · US 20
Toward US 20 West: Lake Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Continue on US 20

5.9 mi · 10 min · Lake Street
Use the left / uturn lanes.
28

Continue on US 20

0.8 mi · 1 min · Lake Street
29

Continue on US 20

5.2 mi · 6 min · West Lake Street
30

Continue on US 20

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
31

Turn slight left onto Villa Street

2.5 mi · 4 min · Villa Street
Toward Villa Street Use the slight left lane.
32

Turn left

311 ft · 28 sec
33

Turn left onto East Chicago Street

117 ft · 3 sec · East Chicago Street
34

Arrive at destination

East Chicago Street

Trip Plan

For this 164-mile trip, departing early in the morning is advisable to avoid potential traffic, especially as you get closer to Elgin. With a duration under four hours, it’s a manageable one-day drive, but consider a brief stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs. The fuel cost is estimated at $26, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you depart Newell. A specific tip for this route: keep an eye on toll road signage as you transition onto the Tri-State Tollway, as it's a significant part of the drive and requires payment.

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 82 miles from Newell, IL, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37 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 36 miles or 59m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 82 miles or 2h 10m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 12m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Newell, 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 Newell, IL

This is one driving day of about 164 miles and 3h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Newell, 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 37 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Cook County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chicago Heights, IL

82 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.

Popular next leg

Chicago Heights, IL to Elgin, IL

57.4 mi · 1h 25m

Pacing Suggestions

Watseka, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

New Lenox, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 82 miles from Newell, 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 · early in the drive

Milford Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Milford, Illinois

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch · 51min in 0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17793382906

Fast Lanes & Pit Stop Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Hoopeston, Illinois

0.3 mi

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bradley, Illinois

0.9 mi

Milford Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Milford, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17793382906

Fast Lanes & Pit Stop Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Hoopeston, Illinois

Hours: 5:30 am–8 pm

+12172836505

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18159351501

Visit website

Taj Indian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+17797015344

La Potosina

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Watseka, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18154324500

Visit website

Watseka Table Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Watseka, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18154322727

Visit website

Nariman Restaurants

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Bridgeview, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17089075832

Visit website

Studious Hifi Coffee Shop

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Blue Island, Illinois

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+16123315934

Visit website

Shibam Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Glendale Heights, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+12244487577

Visit website

The Well

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Manteno, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+17795295090

Visit website

Hinsdale Oasis

0 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Prairie View Rest Area - Northbound

0.1 mi from route

Prairie View Rest Area - Southbound

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Petro Stopping Centers

0.2 mi from route

Road Ranger

0.2 mi from route

Peotone Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.3 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.7 mi from route

QuikTrip

1.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

1.4 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

1.7 mi from route

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 115.8 and 143.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
115.8 mi into trip | ~2h 48m 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
116.1 mi into trip | ~2h 49m 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
139.9 mi into trip | ~3h 19m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Take the exit onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 290 West, I 294 North, I 290 East: Rockford, Milwaukee, Chicago

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 31 Toward I 290 West, I 294 North, I 290 East: Roc...
7
140 mi into trip | ~3h 19m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 290 West, I 294 North: Rockford, Milwaukee

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 31 Toward I 290 West, I 294 North: Rockford, Milwa...
8
143.8 mi into trip | ~3h 26m in | US 20

Take the exit onto US 20 toward US 20 West, IL 64 West: Lake Street, York Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 12 Toward US 20 West, IL 64 West: Lake Street, Yor...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.64 one way

$51.28 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $28.15 $56.30
premium $4.89 $31.56 $63.12
diesel $5.61 $36.21 $72.42

Estimated Tolls: $1.37

Tri-state Tollway (22.9 mi) $1.37

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

$26

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 49.2 0 $17.22 $7.87
Efficient EV 41 0 $14.35 $6.56
EV Truck/SUV 65.6 0 $22.96 $10.50

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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 20, 2026

Origin

Newell, IL

Morning in Newell on Tuesday

Local time

9:13 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Elgin, IL

Morning in Elgin on Tuesday

Local time

9:13 AM

CDT

Current temp

63°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

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 58m 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

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 118.7
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a drive with a significant highway component, as 35% of this route utilizes high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 37 miles on I-57, offering a consistent pace for a good portion of your journey. The profile is described as a mixed drive, suggesting you'll transition between faster highway sections and potentially more varied road conditions as you approach your destination. This blend means you'll experience both the efficiency of interstate travel and the nuances of navigating through different road types.

35% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37 mi on I 57.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 115.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 20 significant decision points across 164 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 115.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 139.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): 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 Newell, IL and Elgin, IL, road signs point toward Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Chicago and Saint Charles Road West.

Wisconsin

115.8 mi in | ~2h 48m

Milwaukee

139.9 mi in | ~3h 19m | via I 294

Chicago

139.9 mi in | ~3h 19m | via I 294

Saint Charles Road West

141.6 mi in | ~3h 23m

About the Cities

Arriving in Elgin, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1854

Elgin is a city in Chicagoland known for its Victorian architecture and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.

Top landmarks

  • • Elgin Tower Building — building in Illinois, United States
  • • Elgin Downtown Commercial District

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 58m. Total distance: 164 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 37 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.37 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 14 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 Elgin, 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. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 115.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 116.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 139.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Elgin, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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