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Trip from Norris City, IL to Rockford, IL

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

Drive Time

6h 55m

Distance

347.7 mi

560 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$54

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
6h 44m ★
6 AM
6h 55m
8 AM
7h 18m
10 AM
7h 3m
12 PM
7h 1m
3 PM
7h 4m
5 PM
7h 17m
8 PM
6h 48m

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 Norris City, IL, IL

Norris City, IL

Tom Fisk

Downtown Rockford, IL, IL

Rockford, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Spanning 347.7 miles across Illinois, this trek from Norris City to Rockford typically takes about 6 hours and 55 minutes to complete. Because the route is straightforward, it is manageable as a single-day journey for most drivers, though you should budget approximately $53 for fuel. You will primarily navigate a combination of US 51, I-57, and I-74, keeping you within the Midwest for the duration of the trip. If you prefer a relaxed pace, consider whether the total time behind the wheel fits your schedule or if you would rather break the distance into two days. Overall, this is a functional, highway-focused drive that connects the southern and northern parts of the state efficiently.

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

173.8 miles from Norris City, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 44m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 51 119.9 mi 2h 8m
I 57 74.7 mi 1h 20m
I 74 51.4 mi 55m
County Road 200 East 17.4 mi 25m
County Road 925 E 16.2 mi 24m
United States Route 45 14.9 mi 22m
County Road 1400E 14.3 mi 20m
County Road 1600E 8.5 mi 12m
Longest stretch: US 51 — 119.9 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Norris City, IL and Rockford, IL.

1

Start on West Main Street

167 ft · 8 sec · West Main Street
2

Turn left onto US 45

0.5 mi · 44 sec · North Division Street
3

Continue on US 45

7.4 mi · 11 min · County Road 200 East
4

Continue on US 45

1.1 mi · 1 min · South 1st Street
5

Continue on US 45

9.9 mi · 14 min · County Road 200 East
6

Continue on US 45

6.8 mi · 10 min · Loy Street
7

Continue on US 45

2.5 mi · 3 min · South 1st Street
8

Turn left onto US 45; IL 15

2.4 mi · 3 min · West Main Street
9

Turn right onto US 45

4.0 mi · 5 min · County Road 1600E
10

Continue on US 45

1.0 mi · 1 min · Washington Street
11

Continue on US 45

4.6 mi · 6 min · County Road 1600E
12

Continue on US 45

1.4 mi · 2 min · County Road 1800N
13

Continue on US 45

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Central Street
14

Continue on US 45

0.5 mi · 48 sec · Central Street
15

Continue on US 45

14 mi · 20 min · County Road 1400E
16

Turn right onto US 45

16 mi · 24 min · County Road 925 E
17

Continue on US 45

15 mi · 22 min · United States Route 45
18

Turn right onto US 40; US 45; IL 33

0.2 mi · 33 sec · West Fayette Avenue
19

Turn left onto US 45

1.7 mi · 2 min · South 3rd Street
20

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I-57 North, I-70 East: Champaign, Terre Haute
21

Merge onto I 57; I 70

0.8 mi · 55 sec · I 57; I 70
22

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57

74 mi · 1 hr 19 min · I 57
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
23

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 237B Toward I 74 West: Peoria
24

Merge onto I 74

51 mi · 55 min · I 74
25

Continue on I 55; US 51

0.9 mi · 58 sec · I 55; US 51
26

Take the exit onto US 51

120 mi · 2 hr 8 min · US 51
Exit 164 Toward I 39 North: Rockford Use the slight right lane.
27

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 2 min
Toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford
28

Merge onto US 20

4.7 mi · 5 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
29

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward IL 2: Rockford, Dixon
30

Keep slight right at fork

281 ft · 6 sec
31

Turn straight onto IL 2

3.7 mi · 6 min · South Main Street
32

Turn right onto West State Street

148 ft · 4 sec · West State Street
33

Arrive at destination

West State Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this drive, plan your departure early in the morning to avoid potential traffic congestion on major interstates. Since you only have one major stop planned for the 347.7-mile trek, utilize that time effectively to stretch your legs and refresh your fuel supply. Keep in mind that the $53 fuel estimate is a baseline; fluctuations in local gas prices across Illinois could impact your final budget. Given the significant length of the drive, ensure your vehicle is well-maintained for long-distance highway cruising before you leave Norris City. A helpful tip for this specific route is to monitor your fuel levels closely during the 119.9-mile stretch on US 51, as finding a convenient station can be more challenging than on the main interstate segments.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 173.8 miles from Norris City, IL, or about 3h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.9 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 76 miles or 1h 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 173.8 miles or 3h 44m 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 46m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Norris City, 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 Norris City, IL

This is one driving day of about 347.7 miles and 6h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Norris City, 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 US 51 for about 119.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

174 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

Plainfield, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 76 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Champaign, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 173.8 miles from Norris City, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 51 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119.9 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

Grubsteakers Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Rochelle, Illinois

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 322.9

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+18155623430

Grubsteakers Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 322.9

Rochelle, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+18155623430

Julians Drive In

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 49.7

Flora, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+16186625636

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 223.5

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 223.5

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 198.7

Le Roy, Illinois

+18004891588

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 223.5

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 223.5

Normal, Illinois

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 223.5

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 223.5

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

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 90 and 337.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
90 mi into trip | ~2h 13m in

Take the ramp toward I-57 North, I-70 East: Champaign, Terre Haute

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I-57 North, I-70 East: Champaign, Terre...
5
91.3 mi into trip | ~2h 15m in | I 57

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 North: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 57 North: Chicago
5
165.2 mi into trip | ~3h 34m in

Take the exit toward I 74 West: Peoria

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 237B Toward I 74 West: Peoria
7
218 mi into trip | ~4h 31m in | US 51

Take the exit onto US 51 toward I 39 North: Rockford

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 164 Toward I 39 North: Rockford
5
337.9 mi into trip | ~6h 40m in

Take the exit toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford

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

Toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$54.36 one way

$108.72 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 122 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $59.68 $119.37
premium $4.89 $66.91 $133.82
diesel $5.61 $76.77 $153.54

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$54

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$79–$104

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 121.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 104.3 1 $36.51 $16.69
Efficient EV 86.9 0 $30.42 $13.91
EV Truck/SUV 139.1 1 $48.68 $22.25

Gas CO2

122 kg

EV CO2

41 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 16, 2026

Origin

Norris City, IL

Evening in Norris City on Saturday

Local time

8:30 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Rockford, IL

Evening in Rockford on Saturday

Local time

8:30 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

W 5 to 10 mph 31% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:30AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:30AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

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

6 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

6h 55m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is defined by a high-speed, highway-focused character, with 75% of your travel occurring on major thoroughfares. You should be prepared for a consistent pace, particularly during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 119.9 miles along US 51. While the route relies heavily on the interstate system, the transition between US 51 and the interstate corridors provides a noticeable shift in traffic density and road environment. Expect a steady, predictable experience behind the wheel rather than a winding or technical drive. Staying alert is key, as the mix of high-traffic interstates and state highways requires you to maintain focus throughout the nearly seven-hour duration.

75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119.9 mi on US 51.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 51 and I 57. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 90 miles in.

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 347.7 miles you will encounter 16 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 90 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.3 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 165.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Norris City, IL to Rockford, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Terre Haute along the way.

Terre Haute

90 mi in | ~2h 13m

About the Cities

Starting in Norris City, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1901

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 6h 55m. Total distance: 347.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 55m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 119.9 miles on US 51. 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 Rockford, 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 90 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.3 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 165.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.9 hours each way, a round trip means 13.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Rockford, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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