Origin
Peoria, IL
Morning in Peoria on Tuesday
Local time
7:13 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Peoria, IL to Marengo, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 3m
Distance
153.6 mi
247 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 52m
★
6 AM
3h 4m
8 AM
3h 27m
10 AM
3h 12m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 13m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 57m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Peoria, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Marengo, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embark on a 153.6-mile journey from Peoria, IL, to Marengo, IL, a drive that will take approximately 3 hours and 3 minutes. This Midwest to Midwest trip is easily manageable as a single-day adventure, with an estimated fuel cost of $24. The route primarily utilizes major highways, offering a straightforward path through Illinois. With only one recommended stop, you can efficiently cover the distance. This highway-focused drive is designed for straightforward travel, making it a practical option for getting from point A to point B without significant detours.
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
76.8 miles from Peoria, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 39 | 62.9 mi | 1h 7m |
| County Road 1400 East | 17.8 mi | 20m |
| I 80 | 17.4 mi | 18m |
| U.S. Grant Memorial Highway | 13.8 mi | 21m |
| South 4th Street | 9.1 mi | 10m |
| I 180 | 8.9 mi | 9m |
| North Galena Road | 7.6 mi | 11m |
| North State Route 29 | 6.1 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
I 39
— 62.9 mi, about 1h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Peoria, IL and Marengo, IL.
1
Start on Northeast Jefferson Avenue
84 ft
·
8 sec
·
Northeast Jefferson Avenue
2
Turn left onto Hamilton Boulevard
466 ft
·
20 sec
·
Hamilton Boulevard
3
Turn left onto Northeast Adams Street
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Northeast Adams Street
4
Continue on IL 29
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
Northeast Adams Street
5
Continue on IL 29
7.1 mi
·
10 min
·
North Galena Road
6
Keep slight left at fork
321 ft
·
4 sec
7
Keep slight right at fork
148 ft
·
2 sec
8
Continue on IL 29
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
North Galena Road
9
Continue on IL 29
6.1 mi
·
7 min
·
North State Route 29
10
Continue on IL 29
9.1 mi
·
10 min
·
South 4th Street
11
Continue on IL 29
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Railroad Street
12
Continue on IL 29
18 mi
·
20 min
·
County Road 1400 East
13
Merge onto I 180
8.9 mi
·
9 min
·
I 180
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 80 East: Joliet
15
Merge onto I 80
17 mi
·
18 min
·
I 80
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 79B
Toward I 39 North, US 51 North: Rockford
17
Merge onto I 39; US 51
61 mi
·
1 hr 5 min
·
I 39; US 51
18
Merge onto I 39; US 20; US 51
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
I 39; US 20; US 51
19
Take the exit onto US 20
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
Exit 122A
Toward US 20 East: Belvedere
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 20
14 mi
·
20 min
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
Exit 122A
Toward US 20 East: Belvedere
21
Continue on US 20
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
West Grant Highway
22
Turn left onto IL 23
108 ft
·
1 sec
·
South State Street
23
Arrive at destination
IL 23
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour duration, this trip is ideal for a single day. Plan to depart in the morning to take advantage of daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. The longest stretch without a major exit is 62.9 miles on I-39, so ensure you have adequate fuel before entering this segment. While only one stop is specifically noted, feel free to take breaks as needed, especially during the interstate portions. With a fuel cost around $24, budgeting is simple for this efficient 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 76.8 miles from Peoria, IL, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.9 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 34 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.8 miles or 1h 32m 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Marengo, 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 153.6 miles and 3h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Peoria, 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 39 for about 62.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
77 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 76.8 miles from Peoria, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 39 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.9 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 135 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 135.1 — 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 left onto Hamilton Boulevard
Navigation decision point
6
10.2 mi into trip
|
~16m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
53.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 7m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 80 East: Joliet
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 80 East: Joliet
6
71.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 39 North, US 51 North: Rockford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 79B
Toward I 39 North, US 51 North: Rockford
6
135.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
|
US 20 / U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 20 / U.S. Grant Memorial Highway toward US 20 East: Belvedere
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 122A
Toward US 20 East: Belvedere
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.01 one way
$48.03 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.37 | $52.73 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.56 | $59.12 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $33.91 | $67.83 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.1 | 0 | $16.13 | $7.37 |
| Efficient EV | 38.4 | 0 | $13.44 | $6.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61.4 | 0 | $21.50 | $9.83 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Marengo, IL
Morning in Marengo on Tuesday
Local time
7:13 AM
CDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
67°F
Washburn, IL
77 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
24 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
3h 3m 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?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 62% of the journey on major roadways like I-39 and I-80. You'll experience a significant 62.9-mile stretch on I-39, offering consistent speed and direct travel. While much of the drive is on interstate, you will also navigate some county roads, introducing brief transitions. The overall feel is one of efficient movement, prioritizing getting you to your destination with minimal fuss. Expect a comfortable and predictable driving experience for the majority of the trip.
62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.9 mi on I 39.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 39 and County Road 1400 East. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Hamilton Boulevard.
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 153.6 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: near the start (Hamilton Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 10.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 53.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
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
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 3h 3m. Total distance: 153.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.9 miles on I 39. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Marengo, 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: near the start (Hamilton Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 10.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 53.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Marengo, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Marengo, IL
More trips to Marengo, IL
Explore more options from Peoria, IL or browse trips ending in Marengo, IL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.