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Trip from Peoria, IL to Kankakee, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 25m

Distance

120.5 mi

194 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$19

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 16m ★
6 AM
2h 26m
8 AM
2h 46m
10 AM
2h 33m
12 PM
2h 31m
3 PM
2h 34m
5 PM
2h 45m
8 PM
2h 20m

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 Peoria, IL, IL

Peoria, IL

Wikimedia Commons

city in Kankakee County, Illinois, United States

Kankakee, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 120.5-mile drive from Peoria, IL, to Kankakee, IL, is a straightforward Midwest journey that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 25 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $19, it's an economical option for a day trip. The route primarily utilizes I-55, offering a consistent pace for most of the journey. You'll spend just over half of your travel time on highways, making it a drive that prioritizes efficiency. Since it's a relatively short trip with no recommended stops, you'll have plenty of flexibility in your timing.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

60.2 miles from Peoria, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 53.5 mi 57m
Murray Baker Bridge 33 mi 36m
West Mazon Avenue 11.7 mi 17m
County Road 0 9.7 mi 14m
West Route 17 7.7 mi 11m
West Court Street 1.7 mi 2m
West Station Street 0.5 mi <1m
Court Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 53.5 mi, about 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Peoria, IL and Kankakee, IL.

1

Start on Northeast Jefferson Avenue

84 ft · 5 sec · Northeast Jefferson Avenue
2

Turn right onto Hamilton Boulevard

464 ft · 16 sec · Hamilton Boulevard
3

Turn right onto Northeast Madison Avenue

449 ft · 16 sec · Northeast Madison Avenue
4

Turn right onto Fayette Street

469 ft · 15 sec · Fayette Street
5

Take the ramp onto IL 29

0.2 mi · 25 sec · IL 29
Toward I 74 East, IL 29 South: Bloomington, Pekin
6

Merge onto I 74; IL 29

33 mi · 36 min · Murray Baker Bridge
7

Keep slight left at fork

1.4 mi · 2 min
Toward I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
8

Merge onto I 55; US 51

54 mi · 57 min · I 55; US 51
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
Toward IL 17: Streator, Kankakee
10

Turn right onto IL 17

0.1 mi · 13 sec · East 3200 North Road
11

Continue on IL 17

12 mi · 17 min · West Mazon Avenue
12

Continue on IL 17

7.7 mi · 11 min · West Route 17
13

Continue on IL 17

9.7 mi · 14 min · County Road 0
14

Continue on IL 17

0.5 mi · 46 sec · West Station Street
15

Continue on IL 17

0.3 mi · 32 sec · Court Street
16

Turn slight left onto IL 17

1.7 mi · 2 min · West Court Street
17

Arrive at destination

IL 17

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 25-minute duration, this 120.5-mile trip is perfect for a day excursion from Peoria to Kankakee. You can depart anytime, but leaving mid-morning might allow you to avoid any potential rush hour congestion. With no mandatory stops and a reasonable fuel cost of $19, focus on maintaining a consistent pace. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 53.5 miles on I-55, to ensure you have enough to reach your destination comfortably. Pack snacks and drinks to stay energized for the relatively short journey.

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 60.2 miles from Peoria, IL, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 53.5 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 27 miles or 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 60.2 miles or 1h 7m 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 53m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Peoria, 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, IL

This is one driving day of about 120.5 miles and 2h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Peoria, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 53.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Woodford County, Illinois

Mid-route town

Meal stop

El Paso, IL

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

Danvers, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

El Paso, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 60.2 miles from Peoria, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

Haddad's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Peoria, Illinois

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+13096725339

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bradley, Illinois

2.2 mi

Taj Indian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bradley, Illinois

2.9 mi

Haddad's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+13096725339

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18159351501

Visit website

Taj Indian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+17797015344

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

InCharge Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Morton, Illinois

+13092913039

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Circle K Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Morton, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18335052291

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 8

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 34.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Hamilton Boulevard

Turn right onto Hamilton Boulevard

Navigation decision point

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | Fayette Street

Turn right onto Fayette Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.3 mi into trip | ~0m in | IL 29

Take the ramp onto IL 29 toward I 74 East, IL 29 South: Bloomington, Pekin

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 74 East, IL 29 South: Bloomington, Pek...
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
5
34.8 mi into trip | ~40m 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.84 one way

$37.68 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 42 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $20.68 $41.37
premium $4.89 $23.19 $46.38
diesel $5.61 $26.60 $53.21

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$19

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 36.2 0 $12.65 $5.78
Efficient EV 30.1 0 $10.54 $4.82
EV Truck/SUV 48.2 0 $16.87 $7.71

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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Peoria, IL

Late night in Peoria on Tuesday

Local time

3:46 AM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Kankakee, IL

Late night in Kankakee on Tuesday

Local time

3:46 AM

CDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

68°F

El Paso, 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

20 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 25m 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 mixed drive for this 120.5-mile trip, with 51% of it on highways. The main artery here is I-55, which forms the backbone of the journey and includes the Murray Baker Bridge. You'll encounter one significant uninterrupted stretch of 53.5 miles on I-55, allowing for steady progress. While much of the drive is on high-speed roads, the transition to and from these highways, along with segments like West Mazon Avenue, will offer a change of pace. It's a route that balances efficient highway travel with brief moments on more local thoroughfares.

51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 53.5 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Hamilton Boulevard.

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 25m drive. You will face about 8 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 (Hamilton Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (Fayette Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (IL 29): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

About the Cities

Starting in Peoria, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1680

Peoria is a city in Illinois and the county seat of Peoria County. It serves as a regional hub for the primarily rural and agricultural center of the state. Peoria is a small but diverse city of approximately 115,000 people that anchors a three-county metropolitan area of nearly 400,000.

Top landmarks

  • • Madison Theatre — theater and former movie theater in Peoria, Illinois, United States
  • • Hotel Père Marquette — hotel in downtown Peoria, Illinois
  • • Illinois Waterway Project Office — U.S. Army Core of Engineers facility in Peoria, Illinois

Arriving in Kankakee, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1853

Top landmarks

  • • Kankakee — Amtrak station in the Illinois city
  • • Warren Hickox House — historic house in Illinois, United States
  • • Kankakee County Courthouse — local government building in the 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 2h 25m. Total distance: 120.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (51%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 53.5 miles on I 55. 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 (Hamilton Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (Fayette Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (IL 29): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Kankakee, 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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