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Trip from Orion, IL to Bloomington, IL

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

Drive Time

2h 12m

Distance

117.2 mi

189 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 4m ★
6 AM
2h 13m
8 AM
2h 32m
10 AM
2h 20m
12 PM
2h 18m
3 PM
2h 20m
5 PM
2h 31m
8 PM
2h 7m

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 Orion, IL, IL

Orion, IL

Ryan Fatalla

Trip Overview

This 117.2-mile drive from Orion, IL, to Bloomington, IL, is designed for a single day, taking about 2 hours and 12 minutes. You'll spend most of your time on highways, with 92% of the journey on major routes like the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway and I-74. The estimated fuel cost is around $18, making it an affordable trip. Given the relatively short duration and highway focus, this route is ideal for a straightforward day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Both your origin and destination are situated within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel throughout your journey.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

58.6 miles from Orion, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway 62 mi 1h 6m
I 74 30.8 mi 32m
I 474 13.8 mi 14m
Division Street 4.3 mi 6m
West Market Street 2 mi 5m
IL 81 1.7 mi 2m
South Street 0.4 mi <1m
10th Avenue 0.3 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Chicago-Kansas City Expressway — 62 mi, about 1h 6m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Orion, IL and Bloomington, IL.

1

Start on 4th Street

15 ft · 5 sec · 4th Street
2

Turn left onto 10th Avenue

0.3 mi · 1 min · 10th Avenue
3

Turn left onto US 150

4.3 mi · 6 min · Division Street
4

Turn left onto IL 81

0.8 mi · 1 min · IL 81
5

Continue on IL 81

0.4 mi · 38 sec · South Street
6

Continue on IL 81

0.9 mi · 1 min · IL 81
7

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 74 East: Galesburg
8

Merge onto I 74; IL 110

62 mi · 1 hr 6 min · Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
9

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min
Toward I 474 East: Indianapolis
10

Merge onto I 474

14 mi · 14 min · I 474
11

Merge onto I 74

27 mi · 28 min · I 74
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 74

3.8 mi · 4 min · I 74
Toward I 55 South, I 74 East, US 51 South: Saint Louis, Indianapolis
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Exit 160 Toward US 150, IL 9: Pekin Use the left lane.
14

Turn left onto US 150; IL 9

2.0 mi · 5 min · West Market Street
Use the left lane.
15

At end of road, turn left onto US 51 Business

0.1 mi · 20 sec · North East Street
16

Arrive at destination

US 51 Business

Trip Plan

With a total travel time of just over 2 hours, this 117.2-mile route offers plenty of flexibility. You can easily depart in the morning and arrive in Bloomington by midday, or choose a later start. Consider leaving Orion a bit later in the morning to avoid any potential local rush hour traffic. Since there are no specific stops recommended, you can tailor your breaks as needed, perhaps stopping once around the halfway point for fuel or a quick stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 62-mile stretch on the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, to ensure you don't need to find an unscheduled stop.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 58.6 miles from Orion, IL, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62 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 26 miles or 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58.6 miles or 1h 6m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 46m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Orion, 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 Orion, IL

This is one driving day of about 117.2 miles and 2h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Orion, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway for about 62 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Wesley, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Wesley, IL

59 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

Galesburg, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Hanna City, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.6 miles from Orion, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Chicago-Kansas City Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62 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

Coffeehouse in Uptown Normal

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Normal, Illinois

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117.2

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13094526774

Visit website

Signature Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bloomington, Illinois

2.3 mi

Fort Jesse Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Normal, Illinois

3 mi

Coffeehouse in Uptown Normal

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117.2

Normal, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13094526774

Visit website

Signature Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117.2

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13095852588

Visit website

Fort Jesse Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117.2

Normal, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13094515656

Visit website

The 520 Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 83.7

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+13098391416

Visit website

One World

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 75.3

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 7:30 am–8 pm

+13096721522

Visit website

Haddad's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 75.3

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+13096725339

Bloomin Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117.2

Normal, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+13098081071

Visit website

Eggcellent Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 75.3

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+13096431218

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 117.2

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 117.2

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 117.2

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13096641222

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 117.2

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–12 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 117.2

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 117.2

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 117.2

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 117.2

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 117 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | 10th Avenue

Turn left onto 10th Avenue

Navigation decision point

6
110.8 mi into trip | ~2h 2m in | I 74

Keep slight right at fork onto I 74 toward I 55 South, I 74 East, US 51 South: Saint Louis, Indianapolis

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

Toward I 55 South, I 74 East, US 51 South: Sain...
8
114.6 mi into trip | ~2h 6m in

Take the exit toward US 150, IL 9: Pekin

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

Use the left lane. Exit 160 Toward US 150, IL 9: Pekin
5
115 mi into trip | ~2h 7m in | US 150; IL 9 / West Market Street

Turn left onto US 150; IL 9 / West Market Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
117 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | US 51 Business / North East Street

At end of road, turn left onto US 51 Business / North East Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.32 one way

$36.65 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.12 $40.24
premium $4.89 $22.55 $45.11
diesel $5.61 $25.88 $51.75

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 41 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 35.2 0 $12.31 $5.63
Efficient EV 29.3 0 $10.25 $4.69
EV Truck/SUV 46.9 0 $16.41 $7.50

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 kg (66% 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 15, 2026

Origin

Orion, IL

Afternoon in Orion on Sunday

Local time

12:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bloomington, IL

Afternoon in Bloomington on Sunday

Local time

12:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Wesley, IL

59 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

19 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

2h 12m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 117.2-mile trip, as 92% of the route utilizes major interstates. You'll encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch of 62 miles on the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, offering a consistent pace. While primarily interstate driving, the transition to I-74 will maintain a similar, efficient character. This profile suggests a drive characterized by steady speeds and minimal rural road detours.

92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62 mi on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway and I 74. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 10th Avenue.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 2h 12m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (10th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 110.8 miles (I 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.6 miles: 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.

On the drive from Orion, IL to Bloomington, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Indianapolis along the way.

Indianapolis

110.8 mi in | ~2h 2m | via I 74

About the Cities

Arriving in Bloomington, IL

Full guide →

Bloomington, pop. 77,000 (2010 census), is a city in the Midwestern state of Illinois in the United States of America, on the classic Route 66 highway across the country. With neighboring Normal, pop. 52,000 (2010 census), it forms a combined community of about 130,000 known locally as the Twin Cities. Illinois Wesleyan University is in Bloomington, and is not to be confused with Illinois State University in Normal.

Top landmarks

  • • David Davis Mansion — house museum in Bloomington, Illinois
  • • Bloomington Central Business District — historic and central business district in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois,...
  • • George H. Miller House — Bloomington, Illinois, listed on the National Register of Historic Places

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 2h 12m. Total distance: 117.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (92%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 62 miles on Chicago-Kansas City Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (10th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 110.8 miles (I 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Bloomington, IL before heading back.

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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