Niles, IL to Alton, IL is 290.3 miles and takes about 5h 37m via I 55, Adlai Stevenson Expressway, and Tri-State Tollway, with a fuel budget near $46 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, entirely within Illinois, making it a straightforward drive. You'll be spending most of your time on major highways, so expect a consistent pace. It's a solid option for a single-day trip if you're looking for efficiency rather than extensive sightseeing.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
145.1 miles from Niles, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
127.4 mi
2h 17m
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
119.4 mi
2h 13m
Tri-State Tollway
17.5 mi
22m
State Route 140
9.6 mi
13m
College Avenue
3.9 mi
6m
West Touhy Avenue
3.5 mi
6m
East Bethalto Drive
1.8 mi
3m
East MacArthur Drive
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 127.4 mi, about 2h 17m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,743 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,333
Quietest
2 AM
~157 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 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 Niles, IL and Alton, IL.
1
Start on North Waukegan Road
0.4 mi·44 sec·North Waukegan Road
2
Continue on North Milwaukee Avenue
507 ft·17 sec·North Milwaukee Avenue
3
Turn right onto West Touhy Avenue
3.5 mi·6 min·West Touhy Avenue
Use the right lane.
4
Turn left onto South Des Plaines River Road
184 ft·3 sec·South Des Plaines River Road
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward I 294 South: Indiana
6
Merge onto I 294
11 mi·14 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
1.2 mi·1 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 23Toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint LouisUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 55
119 mi·2 hr 13 min·Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
65 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, SpringfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
63 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward IL 140: Alton, Greenville
15
Turn right onto IL 140
0.7 mi·1 min·East State Street
16
Continue on IL 140
9.6 mi·13 min·State Route 140
17
Continue on IL 140
1.8 mi·3 min·East Bethalto Drive
18
Continue on IL 111; IL 140
1.4 mi·2 min·East MacArthur Drive
19
Continue on IL 111; IL 140
1.3 mi·2 min·West Macarthur Drive
20
Continue on IL 111; IL 140
3.6 mi·6 min·College Avenue
21
Enter roundabout onto College Avenue
397 ft·7 sec·College Avenue
22
Continue on College Avenue
0.3 mi·27 sec·College Avenue
23
Turn left onto US 67
0.9 mi·1 min·Martin Luther King Drive
24
Continue on US 67
0.4 mi·36 sec·Piasa Street
25
Turn left onto West 3rd Street
0.1 mi·31 sec·West 3rd Street
26
Turn right onto Alby Street
118 ft·5 sec·Alby Street
27
Arrive at destination
Alby Street
Trip Plan
For this 5.5-hour drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to avoid any potential rush hour slowdowns around Chicago. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $46, you can easily complete this trip in one day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 127.4-mile stretch on I 55, as services can be spaced out on interstates. Consider a brief stop in Bloomington-Normal for a quick break if needed.
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 145.1 miles from Niles, IL, or about 2h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.4 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 64 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 145.1 miles or 2h 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alton, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Niles, 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 Niles, IL
This is one driving day of about 290.3 miles and 5h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Niles, 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 127.4 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 142.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.5 mi into trip|~1m in|West Touhy Avenue
Turn right onto West Touhy Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
20.8 mi into trip|~29m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
22 mi into trip|~30m in
Take the exit toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 23
Toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis
7
22.6 mi into trip|~32m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
8
142.5 mi into trip|~2h 46m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$53.59 one way
$107.18 round trip
$4.69/gal25.4 MPG avg102 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.33
$60.87
$121.74
premium
$5.87
$67.10
$134.20
diesel
$6.57
$75.08
$150.16
Estimated Tolls: $1.05
Tri-state Tollway
(17.5 mi)$1.05
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
$54
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 101.6 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.1
1
$30.48
$13.93
Efficient EV
72.6
0
$25.40
$11.61
EV Truck/SUV
116.1
1
$40.64
$18.58
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Oct 18, 2026
Origin
Niles, IL
Evening
in Niles on Sunday
Local time
6:11 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Clear
SSW 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Alton, IL
Evening
in Alton on Sunday
Local time
6:11 PM
CDT
Current temp
37°F
Clear
SE 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
53°F
Bloomington, IL
145 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
5 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
5h 37m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
National Monument
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 200.2
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is primarily highway, with 88% of the route on major roads. You'll experience a longest stretch of 127.4 miles on I 55, indicating extended periods of consistent cruising. Expect to encounter a high number of exits and merges on these interstates, particularly in the initial stretches as you navigate through the Chicago metropolitan area.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 127.4 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Adlai Stevenson Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near West Touhy Avenue.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 290.3 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 0.5 miles (West Touhy Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 20.8 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 22 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
749 ft493 ft
Total Climb
302 ft
Total Descent
444 ft
Highest Point
749 ft
~124.4 mi in
Elevation Range
256 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Niles, IL and Alton, IL, road signs point toward St. Louis, Springfield and Greenville.
Alton is a charming river town in Illinois just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri. Once a blue collar town of heavy manufacturing, Alton has transformed itself into a tourist destination and wedding and reception resort of the Midwest.
Top landmarks
•Alton National Cemetery — United States National Cemetery located in the city of Alton, in Madison County,...
•Alton Military Prison — prison located in Alton, Illinois
•Upper Alton Historic District — historic district in Illinois, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 37m. Total distance: 290.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 127.4 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.05 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.
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 Alton, 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 0.5 miles (West Touhy Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 20.8 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 22 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Alton, IL before the return drive.
