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Trip from Rockford, IL to Bolingbrook, 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

1h 49m

Distance

86.3 mi

139 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 41m ★
6 AM
1h 49m
8 AM
2h 5m
10 AM
1h 55m
12 PM
1h 53m
3 PM
1h 56m
5 PM
2h 4m
8 PM
1h 44m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Rockford, IL, IL

Rockford, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 86.3-mile drive from Rockford, IL, to Bolingbrook, IL, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 49 minutes. It's a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion, requiring no overnight stays. The route utilizes major roadways like the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, I-355, and I-290, making for a generally efficient journey. With an estimated fuel cost of around $13, this Midwest to Midwest drive is budget-friendly. You'll find the drive to be a mixed bag, offering a practical way to travel between these two Illinois cities without significant detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

43.1 miles from Rockford, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway 49.5 mi 53m
I 355 15.3 mi 19m
I 290 5.7 mi 7m
IL 53 4.4 mi 7m
West State Street 3.4 mi 6m
Charles Street 2.8 mi 5m
Hobson Road 1.2 mi 1m
South Alpine Road 1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Jane Addams Memorial Tollway — 49.5 mi, about 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Rockford, IL and Bolingbrook, IL.

1

Start on West State Street

3.4 mi · 6 min · West State Street
2

Turn right onto South Alpine Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · South Alpine Road
3

Continue on South Alpine Road

359 ft · 14 sec · South Alpine Road
4

Turn right

87 ft · 3 sec
5

Turn right onto Charles Street

2.8 mi · 5 min · Charles Street
6

Turn right onto South Mall Drive

388 ft · 19 sec · South Mall Drive
7

Turn left onto Harrison Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Harrison Avenue
8

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 29 sec
9

Merge onto I 39; US 51

0.2 mi · 11 sec · I 39; US 51
10

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 90 East: Chicago
11

Merge onto I 90

20 mi · 21 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90

30 mi · 31 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 68A-B Toward I 290, IL 53: Chicago, West Suburbs Use the slight right lane.
14

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Exit 68A Toward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West Suburbs Use the slight right lane.
15

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 33 sec · this road
Exit 68A Toward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West Suburbs
16

Merge onto I 290; IL 53

5.7 mi · 7 min · I 290; IL 53
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 355

15 mi · 19 min · I 355
Exit 7 Toward I 355 South Tollway: Joliet Use the slight left lane.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 17 Toward 63rd Street, Hobson Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Turn right onto 63rd Street

0.1 mi · 12 sec · 63rd Street
20

Continue on Hobson Road

1.2 mi · 1 min · Hobson Road
21

Turn left onto IL 53

4.4 mi · 7 min · IL 53
Use the left lane.
22

Arrive at destination

IL 53

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of under two hours, this drive offers a lot of flexibility. You can depart at your convenience, but aim to avoid peak rush hour traffic if possible, especially as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. There are no specific recommended stops built into this route, so you can plan your own breaks as needed. Keep in mind the longest stretch is nearly 50 miles, so ensure you have adequate fuel before setting out, especially since the estimated fuel cost is only $13. This is a drive where you can easily adjust your timing based on your schedule.

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 43.1 miles from Rockford, IL, or about 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 49.5 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 19 miles or 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 43.1 miles or 53m 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 29m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Rockford, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Rockford, IL

This is one driving day of about 86.3 miles and 1h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Rockford, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway for about 49.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

village in Cook County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Schaumburg, IL

43 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

Belvidere, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

East Dundee, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 43.1 miles from Rockford, 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.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 28.6 and 80.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
28.6 mi into trip | ~38m in | I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
58.4 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in

Take the exit toward I 290, IL 53: Chicago, West Suburbs

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 68A-B Toward I 290, IL 53: Chicago, West Suburbs
9
58.8 mi into trip | ~1h 11m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West Suburbs

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 68A Toward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West S...
8
65.1 mi into trip | ~1h 19m in | I 355

Keep slight left at fork onto I 355 toward I 355 South Tollway: Joliet

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 7 Toward I 355 South Tollway: Joliet
8
80.4 mi into trip | ~1h 38m in

Take the exit toward 63rd Street, Hobson Road

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 17 Toward 63rd Street, Hobson Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.49 one way

$26.98 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $14.81 $29.63
premium $4.89 $16.61 $33.22
diesel $5.61 $19.05 $38.11

Estimated Tolls: $3.46

Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (49.5 mi) $3.46

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

$13

Tolls

$3

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 30.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.9 0 $9.06 $4.14
Efficient EV 21.6 0 $7.55 $3.45
EV Truck/SUV 34.5 0 $12.08 $5.52

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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 16, 2026

Origin

Rockford, IL

Late night in Rockford on Tuesday

Local time

3:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bolingbrook, IL

Late night in Bolingbrook on Tuesday

Local time

3:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms

W 10 to 15 mph 33% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 7:58AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 7:30AM CDT until April 17 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

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

8 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

1h 49m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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...

23 mi from route ~59 min detour Free near mile 80.3
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
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 journey that is predominantly highway driving, with 30% of the route being on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 49.5 miles along the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. This drive offers a mixed profile, meaning you'll experience both faster highway sections and potentially some slower-paced segments as you navigate through different road types. The character of the road is primarily functional, designed for efficient travel between points rather than for scenic exploration.

30% 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: 49.5 mi on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 28.6 miles in near I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 86.3 miles you will encounter 15 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 28.6 miles (I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Rockford, IL to Bolingbrook, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Suburbs along the way.

Suburbs

58.4 mi in | ~1h 9m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 49m. Total distance: 86.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (30%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 49.5 miles on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $3.46 in tolls one way, starting with Jane Addams 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.

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 Bolingbrook, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 28.6 miles (I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 58.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Bolingbrook, 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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