Origin
Pekin, IL
Late night in Pekin on Sunday
Local time
2:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Pekin, IL to Aurora, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 26, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 51m
Distance
144.2 mi
232 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 40m
★
6 AM
2h 51m
8 AM
3h 13m
10 AM
2h 59m
12 PM
2h 57m
3 PM
3h 0m
5 PM
3h 12m
8 PM
2h 45m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pekin, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Aurora, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Pekin, IL to Aurora, IL is 144.2 miles and takes about 2h 51m via I 55 and IL 47, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, making it a straightforward drive between two points in Illinois. With a high percentage of highway driving, you can expect a relatively quick transit. This route is best suited for those looking for an efficient way to get between these locations without much fuss. Consider this your direct connection across the prairie.
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
72.1 miles from Pekin, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 56.4 mi | 1h |
| IL 47 | 32 mi | 38m |
| I 74 | 27 mi | 28m |
| IL 31 | 5.9 mi | 9m |
| I 474 | 4.8 mi | 5m |
| Minkler Road | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| Radio City Drive | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| Ashley Road | 2.8 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 56.4 mi, about 1h
Traffic on I-74
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,645 veh/hr typical · worst 1,898
Quietest
2 AM
~103 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 35 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 Pekin, IL and Aurora, IL.
1
Start on South 8th Street
174 ft
·
3 sec
·
South 8th Street
2
Turn straight onto Ann Eliza Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Ann Eliza Street
3
Turn straight
182 ft
·
3 sec
4
Turn straight onto IL 29
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
North 5th Street
5
Continue on IL 29
0.6 mi
·
50 sec
·
North 8th Street
6
Continue on IL 29
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Radio City Drive
7
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
8
Merge onto I 474
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
I 474
9
Merge onto I 74
27 mi
·
28 min
·
I 74
10
Keep slight left at fork
1.4 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
11
Merge onto I 55; US 51
56 mi
·
1 hr
·
I 55; US 51
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 220
Toward IL 47: Morris, Dwight
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn left onto IL 47
32 mi
·
38 min
·
IL 47
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn right onto Walker Road
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Walker Road
15
Turn left onto Ashley Road
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Ashley Road
16
At end of road, turn right onto IL 126
0.5 mi
·
46 sec
·
East Schoolhouse Road
17
Turn left onto Minkler Road
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Minkler Road
18
Enter roundabout onto Minkler Road
126 ft
·
3 sec
·
Minkler Road
19
Continue on Minkler Road
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Minkler Road
20
Continue on Orchard Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Orchard Road
Use the left lane.
21
Turn right onto US 34
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US 34
Use the right lane.
22
Continue on IL 31
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
IL 31
23
Continue on IL 31
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
IL 31
Use the left lane.
24
Turn left onto West Galena Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
West Galena Boulevard
Use the left lane.
25
Arrive at destination
West Galena Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 51m estimated drive time, this route is easily completed in a single day. To make the most of your time, consider departing Pekin in the morning to avoid potential afternoon traffic. You'll encounter just one recommended stop, so plan your breaks accordingly, perhaps around the halfway point or before transitioning to IL 47. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $22, and it's always wise to top off before heading out. The flexibility of a shorter drive means you can adjust your departure time as needed.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 72.1 miles from Pekin, IL, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.4 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 32 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 72.1 miles or 1h 21m 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 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Aurora, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving 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 Pekin, IL
This is one driving day of about 144.2 miles and 2h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from 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 56.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
72 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 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 72.1 miles from Pekin, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 135 decision points cluster between mile 37.1 and 144.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
37.1 mi into trip
|
~42m 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
5
38.6 mi into trip
|
~45m in
|
I 55; US 51
Merge onto I 55; US 51
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
94.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 45m in
Take the exit toward IL 47: Morris, Dwight
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 220
Toward IL 47: Morris, Dwight
5
131.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m in
|
IL 126 / East Schoolhouse Road
At end of road, turn right onto IL 126 / East Schoolhouse Road
Navigation decision point
6
144.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
|
West Galena Boulevard
Turn left onto West Galena Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.00 one way
$44.00 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
51 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.27 | $24.23 | $48.46 |
| premium | $4.81 | $27.28 | $54.57 |
| diesel | $5.40 | $30.67 | $61.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 50.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 43.3 | 0 | $15.14 | $6.92 |
| Efficient EV | 36.1 | 0 | $12.62 | $5.77 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57.7 | 0 | $20.19 | $9.23 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Destination
Aurora, IL
Late night in Aurora on Sunday
Local time
2:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
62°F
Pontiac, IL
72 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
3 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 51m 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?
You'll be on the highway for about 88% of this 144.2-mile drive. The longest continuous stretch on a major highway is 56.4 miles, which occurs on I 55. Expect to transition from the interstate onto surface roads like IL 47 as you approach your destination. The frequent exits on I 55 will keep you engaged as you cover the initial miles.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 56.4 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 47. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 37.1 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 144.2 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 37.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 38.6 miles (I 55; US 51): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 94.9 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.
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 Pekin, IL to Aurora, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Dwight along the way.
Dwight
94.9 mi in
|
~1h 45m
About the Cities
Starting in Pekin, IL
Full guide →Founded 1829
Top landmarks
- • Carl Herget Mansion — historic house in Illinois, United States
- • Pekin Federal Building — historic government building in Pekin, Illinois
- • St. Louis, Peoria and Northern Railroad Depot — historic train station in Pekin, Tazewell County, Illinois
Arriving in Aurora, IL
Full guide →Founded 1835
Aurora is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, located about 35 miles west of Chicago. It's at the very edge of Chicagoland and, situated on the Fox River, has many opportunities for urban, suburban, and rural recreation. Often overlooked, Aurora in fact has many surprisingly interesting attractions and a downtown unlike that of a typical suburb. It is probably best known for being the setting of the "Wayne's World" movies.
Top landmarks
- • Aurora University — private university in Aurora, Illinois, U.S
- • Hotel Arthur — United States historic place
- • Graham Building — historic building in Aurora, 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 2h 51m. Total distance: 144.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 56.4 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Aurora, 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 37.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 38.6 miles (I 55; US 51): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 94.9 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 Aurora, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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