Origin
Park Ridge, IL
Afternoon in Park Ridge on Friday
Local time
12:31 PM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Park Ridge, IL to Effingham, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Sep 4, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 14m
Distance
223.4 mi
360 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 1m
★
6 AM
4h 14m
8 AM
4h 40m
10 AM
4h 23m
12 PM
4h 21m
3 PM
4h 25m
5 PM
4h 39m
8 PM
4h 6m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Park Ridge, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Effingham, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Park Ridge, IL to Effingham, IL is 223.4 miles and takes about 4h 14m via I 57 and Tri-State Tollway, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, entirely within Illinois, making it a straightforward journey. With 83% of the drive on highways, expect a relatively quick transit. The route is best suited for a single-day trip, minimizing the need for overnight stays. It's a practical option for moving between the northern and central parts of the state.
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
111.7 miles from Park Ridge, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 12m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 183.5 mi | 3h 18m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 28.3 mi | 35m |
| Cicero Avenue | 4.9 mi | 7m |
| US 45 | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| West Touhy Avenue | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| Mile-Long Bridge | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| 167th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East Fayette Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 183.5 mi, about 3h 18m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 12 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~816 veh/hr typical · worst 1,091
Quietest
2 AM
~105 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 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 Park Ridge, IL and Effingham, IL.
1
Start on this road
24 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto North Greenwood Avenue
92 ft
·
6 sec
·
North Greenwood Avenue
3
Turn right onto West Touhy Avenue
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
West Touhy Avenue
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
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Mile-Long Bridge
10
Continue on I 294
8.5 mi
·
10 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 12 B-A
Toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 12A
Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83
4.9 mi
·
7 min
·
Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
14
Turn left onto 167th Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
167th Street
Use the left lane.
15
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80
16
Merge onto I 57
183 mi
·
3 hr 18 min
·
I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 162
Toward US 45: Sigel, Effingham
18
Turn left onto US 45
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
US 45
19
Turn right onto US 40; US 45; IL 33
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East Fayette Avenue
20
Turn right onto South 5th Street
19 ft
·
0 sec
·
South 5th Street
21
Arrive at destination
South 5th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 14m duration, leaving Park Ridge in the morning allows ample time to reach Effingham before evening. The recommended 1 stop suggests breaking up the drive for fuel or a quick break. The longest stretch on I 57 is over 180 miles, so plan your last substantial rest stop before entering that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $35, budget accordingly. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart later if needed, but an earlier start maximizes daylight for the drive.
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 111.7 miles from Park Ridge, IL, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 183.5 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 49 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.7 miles or 2h 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Effingham, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge, IL
This is one driving day of about 223.4 miles and 4h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Park Ridge, 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 57 for about 183.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
112 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 49 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 111.7 miles from Park Ridge, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 183.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 165 decision points cluster between mile 2 and 221 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Merge onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
18.3 mi into trip
|
~24m 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.
8
31.2 mi into trip
|
~40m in
Take the exit toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12 B-A
Toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th...
8
31.4 mi into trip
|
~41m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 12A
Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
6
221 mi into trip
|
~4h 10m in
Take the exit toward US 45: Sigel, Effingham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 162
Toward US 45: Sigel, Effingham
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.64 one way
$69.27 round trip
$3.94/gal
25.4 MPG avg
78 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.32 | $37.98 | $75.96 |
| premium | $4.93 | $43.34 | $86.69 |
| diesel | $5.60 | $49.24 | $98.49 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.70
Tri-state Tollway
(28.3 mi)
$1.70
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
$35
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 67 | 0 | $23.46 | $10.72 |
| Efficient EV | 55.9 | 0 | $19.55 | $8.94 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 89.4 | 1 | $31.28 | $14.30 |
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Destination
Effingham, IL
Afternoon in Effingham on Friday
Local time
12:31 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°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
1 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
4h 14m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 83% of the 223.4 miles on major roads like I 57 and the Tri-State Tollway. You'll encounter a long stretch of 183.5 miles on I 57, indicating sustained cruising. Expect a high volume of exits and potential merges as you navigate through various Illinois locales. Surface roads will become more prominent in the final sections of the drive.
83% 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: 183.5 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in near I 294 / Tri-State Tollway.
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 16 significant decision points across 223.4 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 2 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.3 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 31.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
784 ft
596 ft
Total Climb
343 ft
Total Descent
388 ft
Highest Point
784 ft
~47.9 mi in
Elevation Range
188 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Park Ridge, IL
Full guide →Founded 1873
Park Ridge is a city in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicagoland, just outside of Chicago. It has a lively uptown area that has plenty of local businesses and restaurants. You can watch a film at the historic Pickwick Theatre or have a pool day at Centennial Park. Park Ridge is a great and accessible small town to escape to for a day trip, with lots of fun and exciting activities to fill your schedule.
Top landmarks
- • Pickwick Theatre — movie theatre in Park Ridge, Illinois, United States
- • Park Ridge Youth Campus — former school/orphanage in Park Ridge, Illinois
Arriving in Effingham, IL
Full guide →Effingham is a city in Illinois. Interstates 57 and 70 intersect in Effingham.
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 4h 14m. Total distance: 223.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 183.5 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.70 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 Effingham, 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 2 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.3 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 31.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Effingham, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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