Origin
Peoria Heights, IL
Afternoon in Peoria Heights on Sunday
Local time
4:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Peoria Heights, 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 35m
Distance
120.7 mi
194 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 25m
★
6 AM
2h 35m
8 AM
2h 56m
10 AM
2h 42m
12 PM
2h 40m
3 PM
2h 43m
5 PM
2h 55m
8 PM
2h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Peoria Heights, IL
Choco Kitty
Aurora, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Peoria Heights, IL to Aurora, IL is 120.7 miles and takes about 2h 35m via I 80, with a fuel budget near $18 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, traversing Illinois for its entirety. The route is primarily highway driving, making it a straightforward option for a quick trip. Given the short duration and manageable mileage, it's well-suited for a same-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.
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
60.3 miles from Peoria Heights, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 13m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 31.7 mi | 34m |
| Illinois Route 71 | 30.2 mi | 44m |
| County Road 1400 East | 17.8 mi | 20m |
| South 4th Street | 9.1 mi | 10m |
| I 180 | 8.9 mi | 9m |
| North State Route 29 | 6.1 mi | 7m |
| North Galena Road | 5.9 mi | 8m |
| IL 31 | 5.9 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 31.7 mi, about 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Peoria Heights, IL and Aurora, IL.
1
Start on North Prospect Road
5 ft
·
4 sec
·
North Prospect Road
2
Turn left onto North Grand View Drive
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
North Grand View Drive
3
Turn left onto East Roosevelt Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Roosevelt Road
4
Turn left onto IL 29
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
North Galena Road
5
Keep slight left at fork
321 ft
·
4 sec
6
Keep slight right at fork
148 ft
·
2 sec
7
Continue on IL 29
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
North Galena Road
8
Continue on IL 29
6.1 mi
·
7 min
·
North State Route 29
9
Continue on IL 29
9.1 mi
·
10 min
·
South 4th Street
10
Continue on IL 29
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Railroad Street
11
Continue on IL 29
18 mi
·
20 min
·
County Road 1400 East
12
Merge onto I 180
8.9 mi
·
9 min
·
I 180
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 80 East: Joliet
14
Merge onto I 80
32 mi
·
34 min
·
I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 93
Toward IL 71: Ottawa, Oswego
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn left onto IL 71
30 mi
·
44 min
·
Illinois Route 71
Use the straight lane.
17
Turn left onto Orchard Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Orchard Road
Use the left lane.
18
Turn right onto US 34
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US 34
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on IL 31
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
IL 31
20
Continue on IL 31
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
IL 31
Use the left lane.
21
Turn left onto West Galena Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
West Galena Boulevard
Use the left lane.
22
Arrive at destination
West Galena Boulevard
Trip Plan
For this 2.5-hour drive, you can easily depart anytime and arrive the same day, making it a flexible option. Consider leaving in the morning to maximize daylight hours, especially if you plan to make any unscheduled stops. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $18, this trip is budget-friendly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you near the end of the 31.7-mile stretch on I 80, ensuring you have enough to reach a gas station if 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 60.3 miles from Peoria Heights, IL, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.7 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 27 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.3 miles or 1h 13m 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 1m
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 Peoria Heights, 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 Peoria Heights, IL
This is one driving day of about 120.7 miles and 2h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Peoria Heights, 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 80 for about 31.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
60 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 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 60.3 miles from Peoria Heights, 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 6.6 and 120.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
6.6 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
50.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 80 East: Joliet
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 80 East: Joliet
8
82.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 37m in
Take the exit toward IL 71: Ottawa, Oswego
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 93
Toward IL 71: Ottawa, Oswego
6
82.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 37m in
|
IL 71 / Illinois Route 71
Turn left onto IL 71 / Illinois Route 71
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
120.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 34m in
|
West Galena Boulevard
Turn left onto West Galena Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.41 one way
$36.83 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.27 | $20.28 | $40.56 |
| premium | $4.81 | $22.84 | $45.68 |
| diesel | $5.40 | $25.67 | $51.35 |
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: 42.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.2 | 0 | $12.67 | $5.79 |
| Efficient EV | 30.2 | 0 | $10.56 | $4.83 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48.3 | 0 | $16.90 | $7.72 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Destination
Aurora, IL
Afternoon in Aurora on Sunday
Local time
4:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
61°F
Coal Hollow, IL
60 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 35m 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?
About 70% of this drive is on highways, with the longest stretch on I 80 covering 31.7 miles. You'll transition from highway cruising to surface roads, specifically Illinois Route 71 and County Road 1400 East, as you approach your destination. Expect a predominantly highway experience with some rural cruising as you leave the interstate.
70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.7 mi on I 80.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and Illinois Route 71. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 13 significant decision points across 120.7 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 6.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 50.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 82.3 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 Peoria Heights, IL to Aurora, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Oswego along the way.
Oswego
82.3 mi in
|
~1h 37m
About the Cities
Starting in Peoria Heights, IL
Full guide →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 35m. Total distance: 120.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 31.7 miles on I 80. 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 6.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 50.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 82.3 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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