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Trip from North Pekin, IL to Evanston, IL

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

Drive Time

3h 34m

Distance

178.8 mi

288 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 22m ★
6 AM
3h 35m
8 AM
3h 59m
10 AM
3h 43m
12 PM
3h 41m
3 PM
3h 44m
5 PM
3h 58m
8 PM
3h 27m

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 North Pekin, IL, IL

North Pekin, IL

Cheng Shi Song

suburban city in Cook County, Illinois, United States

Evanston, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 178.8-mile drive from North Pekin, IL, to Evanston, IL, is a straightforward trip primarily utilizing I-55, I-74, and the Tri-State Tollway. Clocking in at around 3 hours and 34 minutes, it's easily manageable as a single-day journey, especially with a fuel cost estimated at $28. The route stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel throughout its course. Given its highway-focused profile, this drive is best suited for those looking for an efficient way to get between these two Illinois locations.

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

89.4 miles from North Pekin, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 40m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 113.6 mi 2h 6m
I 74 27 mi 28m
Tri-State Tollway 16.6 mi 20m
I 474 4.8 mi 5m
Oakton Street 4 mi 7m
East Touhy Avenue 3 mi 5m
West Howard Street 1.7 mi 3m
Asbury Avenue 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 113.6 mi, about 2h 6m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between North Pekin, IL and Evanston, IL.

1

Start on South Main Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
2

Turn right onto IL 29

0.3 mi · 25 sec · Radio City Drive
3

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 1 min
4

Merge onto I 474

4.8 mi · 5 min · I 474
5

Merge onto I 74

27 mi · 28 min · I 74
6

Keep slight left at fork

1.4 mi · 2 min
Toward I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
7

Merge onto I 55; US 51

114 mi · 2 hr 6 min · I 55; US 51
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

1.6 mi · 3 min
Exit 277A Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin Use the right lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
10

Merge onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

12 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Exit 42 A-B Toward Touhy Avenue Use the slight right lane.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 42 A-B Toward Touhy Avenue
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 42A Toward Touhy Avenue East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue

3.0 mi · 5 min · East Touhy Avenue
16

Turn left onto IL 43

0.5 mi · 50 sec · North Harlem Avenue
Use the left lane.
17

Turn right onto West Howard Street

1.7 mi · 3 min · West Howard Street
18

Turn left onto New Gross Point Road

0.1 mi · 10 sec · New Gross Point Road
19

Continue on Gross Point Road

0.5 mi · 54 sec · Gross Point Road
20

Turn right onto Oakton Street

4.0 mi · 7 min · Oakton Street
21

Turn left onto Asbury Avenue

1.0 mi · 1 min · Asbury Avenue
Use the left lane.
22

Turn right onto Dempster Street

213 ft · 9 sec · Dempster Street
23

Turn uturn

213 ft · 17 sec
24

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a duration of under four hours, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. You'll want to note the single recommended stop, which could be a good point to refuel and stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on I-55 is over 100 miles, so planning your fill-up before that segment is advisable.

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 89.4 miles from North Pekin, IL, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.6 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 39 miles or 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 89.4 miles or 1h 40m 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 44m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving North Pekin, 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 Pekin, IL

This is one driving day of about 178.8 miles and 3h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from North Pekin, 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 113.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Joliet, IL

89 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

Normal, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Joliet, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 89.4 miles from North Pekin, 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 113.6 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

Taste of Jerusalem

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Plainfield, Illinois

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 127.7

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+18157826500

Visit website

Fort Jesse Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Normal, Illinois

1.5 mi

LongHorn Steakhouse

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Bolingbrook, Illinois

1.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Kafé De Kasa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crest Hill, Illinois

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 127.7

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18156303694

Visit website

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shorewood, Illinois

2.4 mi

Taste of Jerusalem

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 127.7

Plainfield, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+18157826500

Visit website

Fort Jesse Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.3

Normal, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13094515656

Visit website

LongHorn Steakhouse

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 140.5

Bolingbrook, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16307830684

Visit website

Cafe Mirage

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 166

Schiller Park, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18476782614

Visit website

Rosemary Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 127.7

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18157824094

Visit website

Urban Kitchen

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 127.7

Crest Hill, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18157826417

Visit website

Bloomin Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.3

Normal, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+13098081071

Visit website

The Blossom Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 166

Norridge, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+17084535300

Visit website

Kafé De Kasa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 127.7

Crest Hill, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18156303694

Visit website

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 127.7

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18156304235

Visit website

Ten Drops Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 127.7

Plainfield, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+16306962137

Visit website

Kafe De Kasa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 127.7

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17792421902

Visit website

Bonny's Bistro

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 127.7

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18476271095

Visit website

Emmys Cafe & Gaming

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 102.2

Braidwood, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+18153905133

Emmy's Cafe & Gaming

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 102.2

Coal City, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+18155185375

Brick & Ivy Coffee Co.

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 114.9

Channahon, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12176638389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 38.3

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 38.3

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 38.3

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 38.3

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 38.3

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 38.3

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

InCharge Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 12.8

Morton, Illinois

+13092913039

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 38.3

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Prairie Trail Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 153.3

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 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 33.4 and 178.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
33.4 mi into trip | ~37m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago

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

Toward I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
7
148.5 mi into trip | ~2h 46m in

Take the exit toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin

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

Use the right lane. Exit 277A Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
7
166.9 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in

Take the exit toward Touhy Avenue

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 42 A-B Toward Touhy Avenue
8
167.6 mi into trip | ~3h 12m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Touhy Avenue East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 42A Toward Touhy Avenue East
7
178.8 mi into trip | ~3h 34m in

Turn uturn

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.95 one way

$55.91 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.69 $61.38
premium $4.89 $34.41 $68.82
diesel $5.61 $39.48 $78.95

Estimated Tolls: $0.99

Tri-state Tollway (16.6 mi) $0.99

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

$28

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 62.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 53.6 0 $18.77 $8.58
Efficient EV 44.7 0 $15.65 $7.15
EV Truck/SUV 71.5 0 $25.03 $11.44

Gas CO2

63 kg

EV CO2

21 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 18, 2026

Origin

North Pekin, IL

Afternoon in North Pekin on Sunday

Local time

3:41 PM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Evanston, IL

Afternoon in Evanston on Sunday

Local time

3:41 PM

CDT

Current temp

67°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

20 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 34m 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...

16 mi from route ~41 min detour Free near mile 148
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
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 highway-centric experience on this route, with 81% of the journey taking place on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 113.6 miles on I-55, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While the profile is largely highway-focused, transitions between I-55, I-74, and the Tri-State Tollway will be the main changes in scenery and road type you'll notice. This drive prioritizes getting you to your destination efficiently rather than offering winding backroads.

81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 113.6 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 74. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 33.4 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 19 significant decision points across 178.8 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 33.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 148.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 166.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

On the drive from North Pekin, IL to Evanston, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Touhy Avenue East along the way.

Touhy Avenue East

167.6 mi in | ~3h 12m

About the Cities

Arriving in Evanston, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1836

Evanston is a city in the North Shore region of Illinois along the shores of Lake Michigan. Evanston has many identities: college town, dining destination, cultural center and gateway to the wealthy North Shore, although the city itself is anything but homogeneous in regards to economic status, culture and race. Evanston is named after John Evans, one of the founders of Northwestern University, which ranks among the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Top landmarks

  • • Grosse Point Light — lighthouse in Illinois, United States
  • • Shakespeare Garden — garden on the campus of Northwestern University
  • • Frederick B. Carter, Jr. House — historic house in Illinois, United States

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 34m. Total distance: 178.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 113.6 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.99 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 Evanston, 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 33.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 148.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 166.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Evanston, 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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