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Trip from Rock Island, IL to Aurora, 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 43m

Distance

137.5 mi

221 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 32m ★
6 AM
2h 43m
8 AM
3h 4m
10 AM
2h 51m
12 PM
2h 48m
3 PM
2h 52m
5 PM
3h 3m
8 PM
2h 37m

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 and the county seat of Rock Island County, Illinois, United States

Rock Island, IL

Wikimedia Commons

city on tripoints of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties in Illinois, United States

Aurora, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 137.5-mile drive from Rock Island, IL to Aurora, IL is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes. The majority of your journey will be on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), making it a straightforward commute through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, this route is budget-friendly for a quick getaway or a necessary transit. You'll encounter a mixed driving profile, so be prepared for both faster highway speeds and potentially some local road navigation. Given its relatively short duration and straightforward path, this trip is ideal for a spontaneous excursion or a planned day trip without the need for an overnight stay.

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

68.8 miles from Rock Island, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 25m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway 72.7 mi 1h 18m
I 88 43.8 mi 46m
John Deere Road 10.6 mi 15m
5th Avenue 2.4 mi 5m
I 74 2.3 mi 2m
North Lake Street 2.2 mi 4m
7th Avenue 0.9 mi 2m
IL 56 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway — 72.7 mi, about 1h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Rock Island, IL and Aurora, IL.

1

Start on US 67

0.1 mi · 32 sec · 15th Street
2

Turn left onto 5th Avenue

1.6 mi · 3 min · 5th Avenue
3

Continue on IL 92

0.2 mi · 32 sec · 38th Street
4

Turn left onto IL 92

0.5 mi · 1 min · 7th Avenue
5

Continue on IL 92

0.4 mi · 1 min · 5th Avenue
6

Continue on IL 92

0.3 mi · 54 sec · 5th Avenue
7

Turn straight onto IL 92

0.3 mi · 52 sec · 6th Avenue
8

Turn right onto 14th Street

329 ft · 14 sec · 14th Street
9

Turn left onto 7th Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · 7th Avenue
10

Turn right onto 19th Street

67 ft · 1 sec · 19th Street
11

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 43 sec
12

Merge onto I 74; US 6

2.3 mi · 2 min · I 74; US 6
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward IL 5 East
14

Merge onto IL 5

11 mi · 15 min · John Deere Road
15

Keep slight left at fork onto IL 5; IL 92

0.3 mi · 23 sec · IL 5; IL 92
16

Continue on I 88; IL 92

44 mi · 46 min · I 88; IL 92
17

Continue on I 88; IL 110

73 mi · 1 hr 18 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
18

Take the exit onto IL 56

0.6 mi · 1 min · IL 56
Exit 117 Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn right onto IL 31

0.4 mi · 52 sec · South Lincolnway Street
20

Continue on IL 31

2.2 mi · 4 min · North Lake Street
21

Turn right onto West Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 9 sec · West Galena Boulevard
22

Arrive at destination

West Galena Boulevard

Trip Plan

For this straightforward 2-hour and 43-minute drive, starting your trip in the morning is a good idea to avoid potential rush hour traffic in the Aurora area. With only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility to decide when and where to pull over for a break or to refuel, keeping your estimated fuel cost at $23. Since the longest stretch on the highway is over 70 miles, consider taking a short break before embarking on that segment to ensure you're alert. Pay attention to signage as you transition from potentially local roads like John Deere Road onto the main tollway system to ensure a smooth entry.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68.8 miles from Rock Island, IL, or about 1h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.7 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 30 miles or 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 68.8 miles or 1h 25m 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 12m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Rock Island, 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 Rock Island, IL

This is one driving day of about 137.5 miles and 2h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Rock Island, 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 Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway for about 72.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

human settlement in Scott County, Iowa, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Le Claire, IA

69 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

Dayton, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Sterling, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 68.8 miles from Rock Island, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.7 miles.

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

Mantra Indian Cuisine & Spirits

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Davenport, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15634245500

Visit website

Alano Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Davenport, Iowa

1.9 mi

Avenue Family Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Moline, Illinois

2.3 mi

Mantra Indian Cuisine & Spirits

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Davenport, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15634245500

Visit website

Alano Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Davenport, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–12 pm

+15633262808

Avenue Family Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Moline, Illinois

+13095815490

Visit website

El Pueblo Mexican Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Silvis, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–7:30 pm

+13097556391

Riverfront Grille

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Rock Island, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+13097885635

Visit website

Subway

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv

Silvis, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+13097960996

Visit website

Ganzo's Mexican Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Davenport, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15634457833

Visit website

El Compita Mexican Restaurant Bar And Grill In Kimberly

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Davenport, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15632145018

Visit website

DeKalb Oasis

0.1 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

Road Ranger

0.3 mi from route

Rest Area

1.2 mi from route

Rest Area

1.6 mi from route

Road Ranger

2.1 mi from route

Mississippi Rapids Rest Area (Eastbound only)

2.5 mi from route

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 134.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | 5th Avenue

Turn left onto 5th Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
3.5 mi into trip | ~9m in | 14th Street

Turn right onto 14th Street

Navigation decision point

4
3.6 mi into trip | ~9m in | 7th Avenue

Turn left onto 7th Avenue

Navigation decision point

4
6.6 mi into trip | ~13m in

Take the exit toward IL 5 East

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward IL 5 East
8
134.3 mi into trip | ~2h 35m in | IL 56

Take the exit onto IL 56 toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 117 Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.50 one way

$42.99 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $23.60 $47.20
premium $4.89 $26.46 $52.92
diesel $5.61 $30.36 $60.72

Estimated Tolls: $4.36

Reagan Memorial Tollway (72.7 mi) $4.36

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

$22

Tolls

$4

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 48.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 41.3 0 $14.44 $6.60
Efficient EV 34.4 0 $12.03 $5.50
EV Truck/SUV 55 0 $19.25 $8.80

Gas CO2

48 kg

EV CO2

16 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

Rock Island, IL

Morning in Rock Island on Tuesday

Local time

8:19 AM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Aurora, IL

Morning in Aurora on Tuesday

Local time

8:19 AM

CDT

Current temp

65°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

2 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 43m 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 driving experience on this 137.5-mile route, with 34% of it being highway driving. You'll spend a significant portion on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), which allows for consistent speeds. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 72.7 miles on this tollway, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. While much of the drive is efficient highway travel, the 'mixed drive' profile suggests you might also navigate some local roads, particularly at the beginning and end of your journey, possibly utilizing routes like John Deere Road. This blend means you'll experience periods of steady progress interspersed with potentially more varied road conditions.

34% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 72.7 mi on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway.

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 around 0.1 miles in near 5th Avenue.

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 43m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (5th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.5 miles (14th Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.6 miles (7th Avenue): Navigation decision point.

About the Cities

Starting in Rock Island, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1841

Rock Island is one of the Quad Cities in Western Illinois. Downtown Rock Island has art galleries and theaters, nightclubs and coffee shops, and restaurants of all flavors. Golf courses, parks, a casino, botanical center, marina, historic tours, bike paths, and festivals offer entertainment opportunities.

Top landmarks

  • • Lock and Dam No. 15 — lock and dam on the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois and Davenpor...
  • • Black Hawk State Historic Site — state park in Illinois, USA
  • • Black Hawk Museum and Lodge — historic building in Rock Island, Illinois, USA

Arriving in Aurora, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1835

Aurora is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, located about 35 miles west of Chicago. It's at the very edge of Chicagoland and, situated on the Fox River, has many opportunities for urban, suburban, and rural recreation. Often overlooked, Aurora in fact has many surprisingly interesting attractions and a downtown unlike that of a typical suburb. It is probably best known for being the setting of the "Wayne's World" movies.

Top landmarks

  • • Aurora University — private university in Aurora, Illinois, U.S
  • • Hotel Arthur — United States historic place
  • • Graham Building — historic building in Aurora, 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 2h 43m. Total distance: 137.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (34%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 72.7 miles on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $4.36 in tolls one way, starting with Reagan 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.

Yes — we found about 7 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.

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: at 0.1 miles (5th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.5 miles (14th Street): Navigation decision point; at 3.6 miles (7th Avenue): Navigation decision point.

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