This 259.2-mile drive from Richwoods, IL to Naperville, IL is a solid option for a single-day road trip, taking approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes. You'll primarily navigate via I-57 and IL-130, with a portion on East 1050th Avenue, making it a highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $41, this journey through the Midwest is straightforward and efficient. The route is designed for a single day, so you won't need to worry about overnight stays. It's a practical drive for those looking to cover ground without too many detours.
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
129.6 miles from Richwoods, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 2m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
128.3 mi
2h 17m
IL 130
34.1 mi
50m
East 1050th Avenue
19 mi
28m
US 45
18.2 mi
25m
Veterans Memorial Tollway
18.1 mi
20m
East 1050th Ave
5.3 mi
8m
Illinois Route 16
5.3 mi
7m
East Ogden Avenue
5.1 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 128.3 mi, about 2h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richwoods, IL and Naperville, IL.
1
Start on East 700th Avenue
158 ft·12 sec·East 700th Avenue
2
Turn left onto North 2100th Street
0.2 mi·50 sec·North 2100th Street
3
Turn right onto East 675th Avenue
0.7 mi·2 min·East 675th Avenue
4
Continue on East 720th Avenue
0.6 mi·2 min·East 720th Avenue
5
Turn left onto North 2000th Street
0.1 mi·32 sec·North 2000th Street
6
Turn right onto East 700th Avenue
1.4 mi·5 min·East 700th Avenue
7
Turn right onto IL 33
3.5 mi·6 min·1850E
8
Turn left onto IL 33
0.6 mi·59 sec·East Franklin Street
9
Keep slight right at fork onto IL 33
0.2 mi·24 sec·West Washington Street
10
Continue on IL 33
5.3 mi·8 min·East 1050th Ave
11
Continue on IL 33
2.7 mi·5 min·East Main Street
12
Continue on IL 33
6.9 mi·10 min·East 1050th Avenue
13
Continue on IL 33
0.6 mi·57 sec·W Main St
14
Continue on IL 33
0.5 mi·44 sec·East Main Street
15
Continue on IL 33
12 mi·18 min·East 1050th Avenue
16
Turn right onto IL 130
34 mi·50 min·IL 130
Use the right lane.
17
Turn left onto IL 16
2.5 mi·4 min·Lincoln Avenue
18
Continue on IL 16
5.3 mi·7 min·Illinois Route 16
19
Continue on IL 16
0.4 mi·38 sec·Charleston Avenue East
20
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I-57 North: Champaign
21
Merge onto I 57
128 mi·2 hr 17 min·I 57
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi·42 sec
Exit 318Toward Bourbonnais Parkway
23
Turn left onto Bourbonnais Parkway
0.6 mi·1 min·Bourbonnais Parkway
24
Turn right onto US 45; US 52
18 mi·25 min·US 45; US 52
25
Turn left onto West Steger Road
0.2 mi·54 sec·West Steger Road
26
Turn right onto Wolf Road
2.3 mi·4 min·Wolf Road
27
Turn left onto US 30
3.8 mi·5 min·Lincoln Highway
28
Continue on US 30
0.3 mi·26 sec·East Maple Street
29
Continue on US 30
442 ft·10 sec·West Lincoln Highway
30
Turn right onto North Cedar Road
2.4 mi·5 min·North Cedar Road
31
Turn left onto US 6
0.2 mi·18 sec·Maple Road
32
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·57 sec
Toward I 355 Toll North: West SuburbsUse the right lane.
33
Merge onto I 355
18 mi·20 min·Veterans Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
Exit 20BToward US 34: Ogden AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Keep slight left at fork
76 ft·4 sec
Toward US 34: LisleUse the left lane.
36
Turn left onto US 34
5.1 mi·10 min·East Ogden Avenue
37
Turn right onto North Washington Street
50 ft·1 sec·North Washington Street
38
Arrive at destination
North Washington Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 43-minute duration, starting your drive from Richwoods in the morning is advisable to make good time. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps utilizing one of the service areas along I-57. The estimated fuel cost of $41 makes budgeting straightforward, but it’s always wise to have a little extra. Pay attention to the transition points between I-57, IL-130, and East 1050th Avenue, as these mark the most significant changes in road character on this 259.2-mile route to Naperville.
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 129.6 miles from Richwoods, IL, or about 3h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.3 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 57 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 129.6 miles or 3h 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 4h 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Naperville, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Richwoods, 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 Richwoods, IL
This is one driving day of about 259.2 miles and 5h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Richwoods, 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 57 for about 128.3 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 206.6 and 254.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
206.6 mi into trip|~4h 25m in
Take the exit toward Bourbonnais Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 318
Toward Bourbonnais Parkway
5
235.1 mi into trip|~5h 10m in
Take the ramp toward I 355 Toll North: West Suburbs
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 355 Toll North: West Suburbs
5
235.7 mi into trip|~5h 11m in|I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway
Merge onto I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
253.8 mi into trip|~5h 32m in
Take the exit toward US 34: Ogden Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 20B
Toward US 34: Ogden Avenue
8
254.1 mi into trip|~5h 32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 34: Lisle
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward US 34: Lisle
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$40.52 one way
$81.05 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg91 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$44.49
$88.99
premium
$4.89
$49.88
$99.76
diesel
$5.61
$57.23
$114.46
Estimated Tolls: $1.27
Veterans Memorial Tollway
(18.1 mi)$1.27
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
$41
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 90.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
77.8
0
$27.22
$12.44
Efficient EV
64.8
0
$22.68
$10.37
EV Truck/SUV
103.7
1
$36.29
$16.59
Gas CO2
91 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Richwoods, IL
Late night
in Richwoods on Sunday
Local time
2:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Naperville, IL
Late night
in Naperville on Sunday
Local time
2:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°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
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
5h 43m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 241.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 259.2-mile trip, with 72% of your journey on main roads like I-57. This means you'll experience stretches of consistent speed and efficient travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 128.3 miles on I-57, offering a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. While the profile suggests a focus on major roads, keep an eye out for the transitions onto IL-130 and East 1050th Avenue, which might offer a slight change in pace before you reach Naperville.
72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.3 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and IL 130. You will hit about 23 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 206.6 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 259.2 miles you will encounter 23 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 206.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 235.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 235.7 miles (I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Naperville is a bedroom community in the Chicagoland area. In 2008, Money magazine ranked Naperville third on its list of the 100 best places to live in the United States.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 43m. Total distance: 259.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 128.3 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.27 in tolls one way, starting with Veterans Memorial 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.
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 Naperville, 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 206.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 235.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 235.7 miles (I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Naperville, IL before the return drive.
