Rolling Meadows, IL to York, IL is 254.3 miles and takes about 5h 29m via I 57 and I 74, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest region, primarily traversing Illinois. You'll spend most of your time on major interstate highways, making for a straightforward and efficient journey. With a recommended drive time of one day, this route is ideal for a quick trip or as part of a larger Midwest adventure.
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
127.2 miles from Rolling Meadows, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 33m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
105.4 mi
1h 54m
I 74
32.4 mi
35m
South Main Street
30.4 mi
45m
Georgetown Road
29.6 mi
44m
Tri-State Tollway
18.2 mi
23m
I 290
9.3 mi
12m
IL 53
7.5 mi
9m
Cicero Avenue
4.9 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 105.4 mi, about 1h 54m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~865 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~101 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 5 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 Rolling Meadows, IL and York, IL.
1
Start on Bluebird Lane
253 ft·12 sec·Bluebird Lane
2
Turn right onto Campbell Street
0.7 mi·2 min·Campbell Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto Rohlwing Road
0.2 mi·38 sec·Rohlwing Road
4
Turn right onto Kirchoff Road
0.1 mi·21 sec·Kirchoff Road
5
Turn left
0.2 mi·34 sec
Toward IL 53 South
6
Merge onto IL 53
0.5 mi·39 sec·IL 53
7
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 53
7.0 mi·9 min·IL 53
Toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 290
9.3 mi·12 min·I 290
Toward I 290 East: ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 294
0.4 mi·47 sec·Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
1.0 mi·2 min·Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
12
Merge onto I 294
137 ft·1 sec·Tri-State Tollway
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
3.5 mi·4 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi·1 min·Mile-Long Bridge
16
Continue on I 294
8.5 mi·10 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 12 B-AToward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 12AToward IL 50 South: Cicero AvenueUse the straight lane.
19
Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83
4.9 mi·7 min·Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
20
Turn left onto 167th Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·167th Street
Use the left lane.
21
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80
22
Merge onto I 57
105 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Exit 240Toward Market Street
24
Turn left
96 ft·5 sec
25
Turn left onto Market Street
3.2 mi·4 min·Market Street
26
Turn right onto East Marketview Drive
0.3 mi·39 sec·East Marketview Drive
27
Turn left onto North Neil Street
0.3 mi·41 sec·North Neil Street
28
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·34 sec
29
Merge onto I 74
32 mi·35 min·I 74
30
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 150, IL 1
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·35 sec
Toward US 150 East, IL 1 South: Georgetown Road
32
Turn straight onto US 150; IL 1
14 mi·20 min·Georgetown Road
33
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.9 mi·2 min·North State Street
34
Continue on US 150; IL 1
6.1 mi·9 min·Georgetown Road
35
Continue on US 150; IL 1
0.3 mi·28 sec·1575 E US 36
36
Continue on US 150; IL 1
10 mi·14 min·Georgetown Road
37
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.4 mi·3 min·IL Route 1
38
Turn right onto US 150; IL 1
512 ft·8 sec·West Elliot Street
39
Turn left onto US 150; IL 1
1.7 mi·2 min·North Central Avenue
40
Continue on IL 1
0.1 mi·11 sec·Vandalia Way
41
Turn straight onto IL 1
30 mi·45 min·South Main Street
42
Turn sharp left onto East 150th Road
1.9 mi·7 min·East 150th Road
43
Continue on West Broadway Street
0.2 mi·1 min·West Broadway Street
44
Turn left onto North York Street
0.1 mi·27 sec·North York Street
45
Arrive at destination
North York Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 29m estimated drive time, leaving in the morning will allow you to complete this trip within daylight hours. The route includes only one recommended stop, but with 254.3 miles total, you can easily add more if needed for stretching or meals. Pay attention to the transition off I 74 onto South Main Street, as this marks the end of the highway portion and a shift to local roads. Budget around $45 for fuel, and consider topping up your tank before departing Rolling Meadows to ensure you have ample fuel for the 105.4-mile segment on I 57.
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 127.2 miles from Rolling Meadows, IL, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.4 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 56 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.2 miles or 2h 33m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near York, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rolling Meadows, 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 Rolling Meadows, IL
This is one driving day of about 254.3 miles and 5h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Rolling Meadows, 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 105.4 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 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 37.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
1.8 mi into trip|~4m in|IL 53
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 53 toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
7
8.8 mi into trip|~13m in|I 290
Keep slight right at fork onto I 290 toward I 290 East: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 290 East: Chicago
8
18.1 mi into trip|~26m in
Take the exit toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
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 15A
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
8
37.5 mi into trip|~51m in
Take the exit toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street
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 12 B-A
Toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th...
8
37.7 mi into trip|~52m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 12A
Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.55 one way
$75.11 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$41.46
$82.92
premium
$4.72
$47.22
$94.43
diesel
$4.80
$48.02
$96.03
Estimated Tolls: $1.09
Tri-state Tollway
(18.2 mi)$1.09
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
$38
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.3
0
$26.70
$12.21
Efficient EV
63.6
0
$22.25
$10.17
EV Truck/SUV
101.7
1
$35.60
$16.28
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 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
Rolling Meadows, IL
Night
in Rolling Meadows on Monday
Local time
9:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Partly Cloudy
WSW 10 mph2% 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
York, IL
Night
in York on Monday
Local time
9:47 PM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 6 to 12 mph22% 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
14 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
5h 29m 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...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 35.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 61% of the 254.3 miles spent on interstates like I 57 and I 74. You'll encounter a 105.4-mile stretch on I 57 without needing to exit. The transition to surface roads, specifically South Main Street, will likely feel like a significant change from the high-speed interstate cruising, potentially bringing more local traffic and lower speed limits as you near your destination.
61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
45 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 105.4 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and I 74. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in near IL 53.
Driving Effort10/10
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 31 significant decision points across 254.3 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 1.8 miles (IL 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.8 miles (I 290): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
781 ft451 ft
Total Climb
383 ft
Total Descent
646 ft
Highest Point
781 ft
~54.5 mi in
Elevation Range
330 ft
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 Rolling Meadows, IL to York, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Indiana along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 29m. Total distance: 254.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 105.4 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.09 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.
Yes — we found about 26 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 York, 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 26 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles (IL 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.8 miles (I 290): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at York, IL before the return drive.
