Quincy, IL to Frankfort, IL is 245.2 miles and takes about 4h 55m via Avenue of the Saints and I-64, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest region, traversing Illinois for its entirety. Expect a mixed drive that's efficient for getting you from point A to point B without significant detours. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day journey, allowing you to reach your destination with time to spare.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
122.6 miles from Quincy, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Avenue of the Saints
102 mi
2h 2m
I 64
75.1 mi
1h 22m
Ken Gray Expressway
27.1 mi
29m
Gardner Expressway
11.3 mi
19m
Jack Buck Memorial Highway
7 mi
9m
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
5.9 mi
6m
Daniel Boone Expressway
5.7 mi
7m
West Main Street
2.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Avenue of the Saints
— 102 mi, about 2h 2m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 13 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,194 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,111
Quietest
2 AM
~187 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 47 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 Quincy, IL and Frankfort, IL.
1
Start on this road
53 ft·1 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto IL 104
381 ft·35 sec·Broadway Street
3
Continue on IL 104
0.2 mi·25 sec·Broadway Street
4
Turn left onto North 3rd Street
0.4 mi·52 sec·North 3rd Street
5
Continue on IL 57
11 mi·19 min·Gardner Expressway
6
Continue on East 1083rd Lane
0.1 mi·11 sec·East 1083rd Lane
7
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
8
Merge onto I 172; IL 110
1.9 mi·2 min·Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
9
Take the exit onto IL 110
4.0 mi·4 min·Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
10
Continue on I 72; US 36; IL 110
0.9 mi·59 sec·Mark Twain Memorial Bridge
11
Continue on I 72; US 36; MO 110
1.4 mi·1 min·V.F.W. Memorial Highway
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward US 61: New London, Palmyra
13
Keep slight left at fork
277 ft·9 sec
Toward US 61 South: New London
14
Turn slight left onto US 61
0.1 mi·17 sec·McMasters Avenue
15
Continue on US 61
0.7 mi·1 min·Avenue of the Saints
16
Continue on US 61
1.6 mi·2 min·McMasters Avenue
17
Continue on US 61
101 mi·2 hr 1 min·Avenue of the Saints
Use the right lane.
18
Continue on I 64; US 40
5.7 mi·7 min·Daniel Boone Expressway
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on I 64; US 40
7.0 mi·9 min·Jack Buck Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 55; I 64; US 40
0.4 mi·37 sec·Congressman William L. Clay Sr. Bridge
Use the straight lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55; I 64; US 40
2.3 mi·3 min·I 55; I 64; US 40
Toward I 55 North, I 64 East, US 40 East: Chicago, Loiusville, IndianapolisUse the straight lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64; IL 3
75 mi·1 hr 22 min·I 64; IL 3
Exit 3Toward I 64 East, IL 3 North: LouisvilleUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
27 mi·29 min·Ken Gray Expressway
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward IL 149: West Frankfort, Zeigler
25
Enter roundabout onto IL 149
0.2 mi·16 sec·West Main Street
26
Continue on IL 149
2.3 mi·3 min·West Main Street
27
Turn left onto North Benton Road
0.1 mi·36 sec·North Benton Road
28
Turn right onto East Saint Louis Street
98 ft·4 sec·East Saint Louis Street
29
Arrive at destination
East Saint Louis Street
Trip Plan
For this 4h 55m drive, leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Frankfort, IL, without feeling rushed. With only one stop recommended, plan it around the halfway point or when you feel the need to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 102-mile stretch on the Avenue of the Saints, as services might be more spaced out. Since this is a single-day trip covering 245.2 miles, you have the flexibility to depart later in the day if needed, but an earlier start is generally best for a relaxed arrival.
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 122.6 miles from Quincy, IL, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102 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 54 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.6 miles or 2h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Frankfort, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Quincy, 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 Quincy, IL
This is one driving day of about 245.2 miles and 4h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Quincy, 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 Avenue of the Saints for about 102 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 20.8 and 242.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
20.8 mi into trip|~32m in
Take the exit toward US 61: New London, Palmyra
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 61: New London, Palmyra
6
20.9 mi into trip|~32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 61 South: New London
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 61 South: New London
8
137.8 mi into trip|~2h 55m in|I 55; I 64; US 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55; I 64; US 40 toward I 55 North, I 64 East, US 40 East: Chicago, Loiusville, Indianapolis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 55 North, I 64 East, US 40 East: Chica...
9
140.1 mi into trip|~2h 58m in|I 64; IL 3
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64; IL 3 toward I 64 East, IL 3 North: Louisville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3
Toward I 64 East, IL 3 North: Louisville
5
242.3 mi into trip|~4h 50m in
Take the exit toward IL 149: West Frankfort, Zeigler
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward IL 149: West Frankfort, Zeigler
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.21 one way
$72.42 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$39.98
$79.95
premium
$4.72
$45.53
$91.05
diesel
$4.80
$46.30
$92.60
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.6
0
$25.75
$11.77
Efficient EV
61.3
0
$21.46
$9.81
EV Truck/SUV
98.1
1
$34.33
$15.69
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Quincy, IL
Afternoon
in Quincy on Sunday
Local time
12:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
93°F
Mostly Sunny
W 8 mph14% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:50AM CDT until July 19 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 3:04AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Destination
Frankfort, IL
Afternoon
in Frankfort on Sunday
Local time
12:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 3 to 9 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:50AM CDT until July 19 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 3:04AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
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
1 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
4h 55m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a mixed experience, with 52% of it being highway driving. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on the Avenue of the Saints, which can provide a more engaging driving experience than pure interstate travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 102 miles on this same road. As you progress, the route transitions between these main arteries, offering a varied pace that keeps the drive from becoming monotonous. It's a practical route that balances efficiency with moments of less intense travel.
52% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 102 mi on Avenue of the Saints.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20.8 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 245.2 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 20.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 137.8 miles (I 55; I 64; US 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
895 ft407 ft
Total Climb
753 ft
Total Descent
844 ft
Highest Point
895 ft
~52.5 mi in
Elevation Range
488 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Quincy, IL and Frankfort, IL, road signs point toward Palmyra, Loiusville and Indianapolis.
Quincy is a small city of 40,000 in Adams County, Western Illinois. It is near the westernmost point in Illinois on the Mississippi River, and is home to some of the most impressive historic architecture in the region.
Top landmarks
•Downtown Quincy Historic District — historic district in Illinois, United States
•South Side German Historic District — historic district in Illinois, United States
•Quincy East End Historic District — historic district in Illinois, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 55m. Total distance: 245.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 102 miles on Avenue of the Saints. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 22 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Frankfort, 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. There are 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 20.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 137.8 miles (I 55; I 64; US 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Frankfort, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
