Origin
Southern View, IL
Morning in Southern View on Sunday
Local time
9:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Southern View, IL to Evanston, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 15m
Distance
215.6 mi
347 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 3m
★
6 AM
4h 16m
8 AM
4h 42m
10 AM
4h 25m
12 PM
4h 22m
3 PM
4h 26m
5 PM
4h 41m
8 PM
4h 8m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Southern View, IL
Gildo Cancelli
Evanston, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 215.6-mile drive from Southern View, IL, to Evanston, IL, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 15 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated around $33. The route primarily utilizes I-55 and the Tri-State Tollway, making it a high-speed transit through the Midwest. With 84% of the drive on highways, this trip is designed for efficient travel, and you'll likely find it works best as a day trip without needing an overnight stop. The focus is on covering distance, so plan for rest breaks accordingly.
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
107.8 miles from Southern View, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 182.1 mi | 3h 20m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 16.6 mi | 20m |
| Oakton Street | 4 mi | 7m |
| East Touhy Avenue | 3 mi | 5m |
| East Stevenson Drive | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| West Howard Street | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| Asbury Avenue | 1 mi | 1m |
| North Harlem Avenue | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 182.1 mi, about 3h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Southern View, IL and Evanston, IL.
1
Start on East Cordelia Street
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
East Cordelia Street
2
Turn right onto South 5th Street
0.1 mi
·
25 sec
·
South 5th Street
3
Turn left onto East Saint Joseph Street
0.3 mi
·
49 sec
·
East Saint Joseph Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn left onto South 6th Street Road
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
South 6th Street Road
5
Turn right onto East Stevenson Drive
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
East Stevenson Drive
Use the right lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
7
Merge onto I 55; I 72; US 36
32 mi
·
34 min
·
I 55; I 72; US 36
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi
·
31 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
121 mi
·
2 hr 14 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
1.6 mi
·
3 min
Exit 277A
Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
Use the right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
12
Merge onto I 294
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 42A
Toward Touhy Avenue East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
East Touhy Avenue
18
Turn left onto IL 43
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
North Harlem Avenue
Use the left lane.
19
Turn right onto West Howard Street
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
West Howard Street
20
Turn left onto New Gross Point Road
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
New Gross Point Road
21
Continue on Gross Point Road
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
·
Gross Point Road
22
Turn right onto Oakton Street
4.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Oakton Street
23
Turn left onto Asbury Avenue
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Asbury Avenue
Use the left lane.
24
Turn right onto Dempster Street
213 ft
·
9 sec
·
Dempster Street
25
Turn uturn
213 ft
·
17 sec
26
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour, 15-minute duration, this 215.6-mile trip is very manageable as a day trip. To make the most of your drive, consider leaving early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. With the longest stretch being over 180 miles on I-55, plan for one or two well-timed breaks to stretch your legs and refuel. The estimated fuel cost of $33 is a helpful budget point, and remember that tolls are likely a factor on the Tri-State Tollway portion, so be prepared for that. Enjoy the efficiency of this highway-centric route.
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 107.8 miles from Southern View, IL, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 182.1 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 47 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.8 miles or 2h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Evanston, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Southern View, 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 Southern View, IL
This is one driving day of about 215.6 miles and 4h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Southern View, 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 55 for about 182.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
108 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 107.8 miles from Southern View, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 182.1 miles.
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 225 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 204.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
East Saint Joseph Street
Turn left onto East Saint Joseph Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
35.1 mi into trip
|
~42m in
|
I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
8
64.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m in
|
I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
7
185.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 27m in
Take the exit toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 277A
Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
8
204.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 54m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Touhy Avenue East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 42A
Toward Touhy Avenue East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.71 one way
$67.41 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
75 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $37.01 | $74.02 |
| premium | $4.89 | $41.49 | $82.98 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $47.60 | $95.20 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.99
Tri-state Tollway
(16.6 mi)
$0.99
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
$34
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 64.7 | 0 | $22.64 | $10.35 |
| Efficient EV | 53.9 | 0 | $18.87 | $8.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 86.2 | 1 | $30.18 | $13.80 |
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Destination
Evanston, IL
Morning in Evanston on Sunday
Local time
9:36 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°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
11 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
4h 15m 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.
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
National Monument
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 7.4
View on nps.gov
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 185.9
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 84% of the 215.6 miles spent on major roads like I-55 and the Tri-State Tollway. This means you'll encounter a consistent, albeit sometimes monotonous, driving environment for much of the 4-hour-plus journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll navigate is a significant 182.1 miles on I-55, so settle in for some extended highway time. While it's primarily an interstate experience, you will transition to local roads like Oakton Street as you approach your destination in Evanston.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 182.1 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near East Saint Joseph Street.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 22 significant decision points across 215.6 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 0.3 miles (East Saint Joseph Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 35.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 64.5 miles (I 55): 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Southern View, IL and Evanston, IL, road signs point toward Peoria and Touhy Avenue East.
Peoria
64.5 mi in
|
~1h 13m
|
via I 55
Touhy Avenue East
204.4 mi in
|
~3h 54m
About the Cities
Arriving in Evanston, IL
Full guide →Founded 1836
Evanston is a city in the North Shore region of Illinois along the shores of Lake Michigan. Evanston has many identities: college town, dining destination, cultural center and gateway to the wealthy North Shore, although the city itself is anything but homogeneous in regards to economic status, culture and race. Evanston is named after John Evans, one of the founders of Northwestern University, which ranks among the most prestigious universities in the United States.
Top landmarks
- • Grosse Point Light — lighthouse in Illinois, United States
- • Shakespeare Garden — garden on the campus of Northwestern University
- • Frederick B. Carter, Jr. House — historic house in Illinois, United States
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 4h 15m. Total distance: 215.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 182.1 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.99 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.
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 Evanston, 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 0.3 miles (East Saint Joseph Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 35.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 64.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Evanston, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
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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