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Trip from Peru, IL to Evanston, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 21m

Distance

110.3 mi

178 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 11m ★
6 AM
2h 21m
8 AM
2h 41m
10 AM
2h 28m
12 PM
2h 26m
3 PM
2h 29m
5 PM
2h 40m
8 PM
2h 15m

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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city in Illinois, United States

Peru, IL

Wikimedia Commons

suburban city in Cook County, Illinois, United States

Evanston, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 110.3-mile drive from Peru, Illinois, to Evanston, Illinois, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with about 70% of the drive utilizing major interstates like I-80 and I-55, as well as the Tri-State Tollway. With an estimated fuel cost of $17, this trip is quite budget-friendly for a day excursion. Given its relatively short duration and direct path through the Midwest, it's an efficient option for getting from point A to point B without needing an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

55.2 miles from Peru, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 2m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 47.3 mi 50m
I 55 26.6 mi 32m
Tri-State Tollway 16.6 mi 20m
Oakton Street 4 mi 7m
East Touhy Avenue 3 mi 5m
West Howard Street 1.7 mi 3m
I 39 1.5 mi 1m
US 6 1.4 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 47.3 mi, about 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Peru, IL and Evanston, IL.

1

Start on US 6

0.9 mi · 1 min · 4th Street
2

Continue on US 6

0.4 mi · 33 sec · 5th Street
3

Continue on US 6

0.6 mi · 1 min · 3rd Street
4

Turn left onto US 6; IL 351

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Joliet Street
5

Turn right onto US 6

1.4 mi · 2 min · US 6
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward US 6: LaSalle, Peru, Ottowa
7

Merge onto I 39; US 51

1.5 mi · 1 min · I 39; US 51
8

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 57 sec
Exit 59A Toward I 80 East: Chicago
9

Merge onto I 80

47 mi · 50 min · I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec
Exit 126B Toward I 55 North: Chicago Use the right lane.
11

Merge onto I 55

27 mi · 32 min · I 55
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Take the exit

1.6 mi · 3 min
Exit 277A Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin Use the right lane.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
14

Merge onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

12 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Exit 42 A-B Toward Touhy Avenue Use the slight right lane.
17

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 42 A-B Toward Touhy Avenue
18

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Exit 42A Toward Touhy Avenue East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue

3.0 mi · 5 min · East Touhy Avenue
20

Turn left onto IL 43

0.5 mi · 50 sec · North Harlem Avenue
Use the left lane.
21

Turn right onto West Howard Street

1.7 mi · 3 min · West Howard Street
22

Turn left onto New Gross Point Road

0.1 mi · 10 sec · New Gross Point Road
23

Continue on Gross Point Road

0.5 mi · 54 sec · Gross Point Road
24

Turn right onto Oakton Street

4.0 mi · 7 min · Oakton Street
25

Turn left onto Asbury Avenue

1.0 mi · 1 min · Asbury Avenue
Use the left lane.
26

Turn right onto Dempster Street

213 ft · 9 sec · Dempster Street
27

Turn uturn

213 ft · 17 sec
28

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

This 2 hour and 21 minute drive is perfect for a single-day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. Since it's a relatively short 110.3-mile journey, you can choose to leave early to beat potential traffic, especially as you approach Evanston. The majority of the drive is on interstates like I-80 and I-55, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge, though the estimated $17 fuel cost suggests it's not a major concern. With no planned stops suggested, you can easily power through, but there are ample opportunities for breaks along the interstate corridors 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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 55.2 miles from Peru, IL, or about 1h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47.3 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 24 miles or 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 55.2 miles or 1h 2m 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 47m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Peru, 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 Peru, IL

This is one driving day of about 110.3 miles and 2h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Peru, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 47.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

village in Downers Grove, Lisle, and York Townships, DuPage County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Downers Grove, IL

55 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

Marseilles, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Joliet, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 55.2 miles from Peru, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Capri Ristorante

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 78.8

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+16304554003

Visit website

Falco's Pizza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Burr Ridge, Illinois

1.4 mi

Ditka's Oakbrook

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

2 mi

Capri Ristorante

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 78.8

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+16304554003

Visit website

Falco's Pizza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 78.8

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16306544644

Visit website

Ditka's Oakbrook

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Expensive mile 86.7

Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16305722200

Visit website

J. Alexander's Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Expensive mile 86.7

Oak Brook, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+16305738180

Visit website

La Mexicana Restaurant & Grocery Store

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 15.8

Ottawa, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+18154334714

Visit website

LongHorn Steakhouse

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 70.9

Bolingbrook, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+16307830684

Visit website

Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe & Banquets

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 78.8

Darien, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13314314000

Visit website

Sushi Ya

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 55.2

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+18157303838

Visit website

PD Coffee Shop

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 110.3

Chicago, Illinois

Prairie Trail Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 78.8

Willowbrook, Illinois

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 53 and 110.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
53 mi into trip | ~59m in

Take the exit toward I 55 North: Chicago

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 126B Toward I 55 North: Chicago
7
80 mi into trip | ~1h 33m in

Take the exit toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 277A Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
7
98.5 mi into trip | ~1h 58m in

Take the exit toward Touhy Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 42 A-B Toward Touhy Avenue
8
99.1 mi into trip | ~1h 59m in

Keep slight right at fork toward Touhy Avenue East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 42A Toward Touhy Avenue East
7
110.3 mi into trip | ~2h 20m in

Turn uturn

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.24 one way

$34.49 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 39 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $18.93 $37.87
premium $4.89 $21.23 $42.45
diesel $5.61 $24.35 $48.71

Estimated Tolls: $0.99

Tri-state Tollway (16.6 mi) $0.99

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

$17

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 38.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 33.1 0 $11.58 $5.29
Efficient EV 27.6 0 $9.65 $4.41
EV Truck/SUV 44.1 0 $15.44 $7.06

Gas CO2

39 kg

EV CO2

13 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 15, 2026

Origin

Peru, IL

Late night in Peru on Sunday

Local time

2:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Evanston, IL

Late night in Evanston on Sunday

Local time

2:48 AM

CDT

Current temp

67°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

15 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

2h 21m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Pullman National Historical Park

Pullman National Historical Park

National Historical Park

In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...

16 mi from route ~40 min detour Free near mile 79.9
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 110.3-mile trip. With 70% of the route on major highways, including I-80 and I-55, you'll experience consistent speeds for significant portions. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 47.3 miles on I-80, offering a solid period of steady driving. While not overly complex, this route prioritizes efficiency over winding backroads, making it a predictable and generally smooth experience for the driver. The transition onto the Tri-State Tollway indicates you're nearing the more urbanized areas of your destination.

70% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 47.3 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 53 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 22 significant decision points across 110.3 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 53 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 80 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 98.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Peru, IL to Evanston, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Touhy Avenue East along the way.

Touhy Avenue East

99.1 mi in | ~1h 59m

About the Cities

Arriving in Evanston, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1836

Evanston is a city in the North Shore region of Illinois along the shores of Lake Michigan. Evanston has many identities: college town, dining destination, cultural center and gateway to the wealthy North Shore, although the city itself is anything but homogeneous in regards to economic status, culture and race. Evanston is named after John Evans, one of the founders of Northwestern University, which ranks among the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Top landmarks

  • • Grosse Point Light — lighthouse in Illinois, United States
  • • Shakespeare Garden — garden on the campus of Northwestern University
  • • Frederick B. Carter, Jr. House — historic house in Illinois, 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 21m. Total distance: 110.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 21m 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 47.3 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.99 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.

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 Evanston, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 53 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 80 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 98.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Evanston, 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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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