Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from North Chicago, IL to Belleville, IL

Pin this trip

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

Drive Time

6h 8m

Distance

321.7 mi

518 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$50

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
5h 56m ★
6 AM
6h 9m
8 AM
6h 34m
10 AM
6h 18m
12 PM
6h 15m
3 PM
6h 19m
5 PM
6h 33m
8 PM
6h 1m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
city and suburb of Chicago, Illinois, USA

North Chicago, IL

Wikimedia Commons

city in and seat of St. Clair County, Illinois, United States

Belleville, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 323.2-mile journey from North Chicago to Belleville, Illinois, is planned for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 19 minutes of driving time. With a fuel cost estimated at $49, it's an economical option for a Midwest road trip. The route primarily utilizes local roads like 18th Street and Sheridan Road, with a short section on Bobby E, indicating a more involved, turn-heavy driving experience rather than a highway cruise. This drive is best suited for those who prefer navigating through towns and local thoroughfares, offering a more grounded perspective of the Illinois landscape. Plan for one stop along the way to break up the approximately 5-hour drive.

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

160.8 miles from North Chicago, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 7m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 142.7 mi 2h 34m
Adlai Stevenson Expressway 119.4 mi 2h 13m
Tri-State Tollway 39.7 mi 48m
North Illinois Street 9.3 mi 14m
Buckley Road 3 mi 4m
Vandalia Street 3 mi 4m
South Morrison Avenue 1.3 mi 1m
Bobby E. Thompson Expressway 0.8 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 142.7 mi, about 2h 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between North Chicago, IL and Belleville, IL.

1

Start on Fellows Place

0.1 mi · 32 sec · Fellows Place
2

Turn right onto 18th Street

155 ft · 10 sec · 18th Street
3

Turn right onto IL 137

0.6 mi · 39 sec · Sheridan Road
4

Continue on IL 137

0.8 mi · 1 min · Bobby E. Thompson Expressway
5

Turn right onto IL 137

3.0 mi · 4 min · Buckley Road
Use the left lane.
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Toward I 94 Toll East: Chicago Use the left lane.
7

Merge onto I 94

11 mi · 12 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294

23 mi · 28 min · Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294

1.2 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 23 Toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto I 55

119 mi · 2 hr 13 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

65 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

78 mi · 1 hr 23 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec
Exit 15A Toward IL 159 South: Collinsville
17

Continue on IL 159

3.0 mi · 4 min · Vandalia Street
18

Continue on IL 159

1.3 mi · 1 min · South Morrison Avenue
19

Continue on IL 159

9.3 mi · 14 min · North Illinois Street
20

Turn left onto East F Street

59 ft · 2 sec · East F Street
21

Arrive at destination

East F Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour and 19-minute duration, this route from North Chicago to Belleville is manageable as a single-day trip. To make the most of the drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid heavier local traffic, especially as you leave the North Chicago area. With a 0% highway share, expect your pace to be dictated by local speed limits and traffic lights, so factor this into your timing. The fuel cost is estimated at a reasonable $49, so ensure your tank is full before setting out. Plan for one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and grab a snack, as the drive is primarily on local roads, which can feel more demanding than highway cruising.

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 160.8 miles from North Chicago, IL, or about 3h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.7 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 71 miles or 1h 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 160.8 miles or 3h 7m 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 58m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving North Chicago, 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 North Chicago, IL

This is one driving day of about 321.7 miles and 6h 8m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from North Chicago, 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 142.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bloomington, IL

161 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

Joliet, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bloomington, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 160.8 miles from North Chicago, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 142.7 miles.

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 · first break window

Topaz Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Near the start, right off the route

First break · 53min in 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Expensive

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16306541616

Visit website

Capri Ristorante

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Burr Ridge, Illinois

0.5 mi

Pizza Ranch

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Springfield, Illinois

0.5 mi

Best coffee break · early in the drive

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shorewood, Illinois

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch · 1h 19m in 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18156304235

Visit website

Kafe De Kasa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Shorewood, Illinois

1.3 mi

Topaz Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Expensive

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16306541616

Visit website

Capri Ristorante

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+16304554003

Visit website

Pizza Ranch

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12176798844

Visit website

Happy Place Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18156661447

Visit website

Sushi Ya

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+18157303838

Visit website

Rosemary Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18157824094

Visit website

Falco's Pizza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16306544644

Visit website

RT 138 Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Mt Olive, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+12179992115

Visit website

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18156304235

Visit website

Kafe De Kasa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17792421902

Visit website

Kafé De Kasa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Crest Hill, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18156303694

Visit website

Drip and Culture - Socially Minded Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Waukegan, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Bonny's Bistro

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18476271095

Visit website

Emmy's Cafe & Gaming

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Coal City, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+18155185375

Emmys Cafe & Gaming

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Braidwood, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+18153905133

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Atlanta, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Visit website

Prairie Trail Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Willowbrook, Illinois

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 229.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
1.6 mi into trip | ~2m in | IL 137 / Buckley Road

Turn right onto IL 137 / Buckley Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
16 mi into trip | ~20m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
7
45.3 mi into trip | ~57m 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
165.1 mi into trip | ~3h 12m 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
7
229.9 mi into trip | ~4h 22m in | I 55

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$50.29 one way

$100.59 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 113 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $55.22 $110.44
premium $4.89 $61.91 $123.82
diesel $5.61 $71.03 $142.05

Estimated Tolls: $2.38

Tri-state Tollway (39.7 mi) $2.38

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

$50

Tolls

$2

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$78–$103

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 112.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 96.5 1 $33.78 $15.44
Efficient EV 80.4 0 $28.15 $12.87
EV Truck/SUV 128.7 1 $45.04 $20.59

Gas CO2

113 kg

EV CO2

38 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 20, 2026

Origin

North Chicago, IL

Late night in North Chicago on Tuesday

Local time

4:47 AM

CDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Belleville, IL

Late night in Belleville on Tuesday

Local time

4:47 AM

CDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

68°F

Bloomington, IL

161 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

10 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

6h 8m 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?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the entirety of this 323.2-mile trip, as the highway share is 0%. This means you'll be navigating through communities and along surface streets for the full duration. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, suggesting frequent turns and changes in road character. This type of drive offers a direct connection to the towns you pass through, allowing for a more intimate experience of the local environment. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that requires constant attention to navigation and road conditions.

82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 142.7 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 1.6 miles in near IL 137 / Buckley Road.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 321.7 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 1.6 miles (IL 137 / Buckley Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 16 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between North Chicago, IL and Belleville, IL, road signs point toward St. Louis and Springfield.

St. Louis

44.7 mi in | ~56m

Springfield

165.1 mi in | ~3h 12m | via I 55

About the Cities

Starting in North Chicago, IL

Full guide →

North Chicago is a suburb in Chicagoland.

Arriving in Belleville, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1814

Belleville is a city in 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 6h 8m. Total distance: 321.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 8m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 142.7 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $2.38 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 Belleville, 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 1.6 miles (IL 137 / Buckley Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 16 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Belleville, 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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Belleville, IL

Waukegan, IL 324.2 mi · 6h 13m Palatine, IL 298.5 mi · 5h 40m Des Plaines, IL 297.2 mi · 5h 40m Schaumburg, IL 296.9 mi · 5h 39m

More from North Chicago, IL

Peoria, IL 193.1 mi · 3h 43m Joliet, IL 71.8 mi · 1h 35m Lockport, IL 64.5 mi · 1h 23m Elgin, IL 46.1 mi · 1h 3m Elk Grove, IL 32.9 mi · 42m Des Plaines, IL 26.2 mi · 35m

More trips to Belleville, IL

Huntley, IL 294.2 mi Franklin Park, IL 292.3 mi Wood Dale, IL 291.2 mi Lombard, IL 284 mi Lisle, IL 276.6 mi Warrenville, IL 275.6 mi
Escape planner: North Chicago, IL Scenic drives in IL

Explore more options from North Chicago, IL or browse trips ending in Belleville, IL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.