This 110.6-mile journey from Streator, IL to Evanston, IL is a straightforward drive perfect for a single day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes. You'll primarily navigate major interstates, with the Tri-State Tollway being a significant part of your route. With a fuel cost estimated at $17, this trip offers a budget-friendly way to travel within the Midwest. The drive is a mixed experience, offering a generally efficient path between these two Illinois locations. Given its manageable length, it’s an ideal candidate for a day excursion 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
55.3 miles from Streator, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 80
32.8 mi
35m
I 55
26.6 mi
32m
Tri-State Tollway
16.6 mi
20m
1st Avenue
12.5 mi
21m
Oakton Street
4 mi
7m
East Touhy Avenue
3 mi
5m
US 6
2.3 mi
3m
West Howard Street
1.7 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 32.8 mi, about 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Streator, IL and Evanston, IL.
1
Start on IL 18
49 ft·8 sec·East Main Street
2
Turn left onto IL 23
0.1 mi·18 sec·South Bloomington Street
3
Turn left onto East Bridge Street
368 ft·14 sec·East Bridge Street
4
Turn left onto IL 23
1.1 mi·2 min·South Park Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Turn straight onto IL 23
1.2 mi·2 min·North Bloomington Street
6
Continue on IL 23
12 mi·21 min·1st Avenue
7
Turn straight onto IL 23
0.1 mi·17 sec·West Moore Street
8
Continue on IL 23
0.7 mi·1 min·East 17th Road
9
Continue on IL 23; IL 71
0.1 mi·23 sec·Columbus Street
10
Turn right onto East Main Street
0.8 mi·1 min·East Main Street
11
Turn slight left onto Green Street
0.4 mi·42 sec·Green Street
12
Continue on North 2753rd Road
0.6 mi·1 min·North 2753rd Road
13
Turn left
0.2 mi·26 sec
14
Turn right onto US 6; IL 71
2.3 mi·3 min·US 6; IL 71
15
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I 80 East: Joliet
16
Merge onto I 80
33 mi·35 min·I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 126BToward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the right lane.
18
Merge onto I 55
27 mi·32 min·I 55
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Take the exit
1.6 mi·3 min
Exit 277AToward I 294 Tollway North: WisconsinUse the right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
21
Merge onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
12 mi·15 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy AvenueUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy Avenue
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 42AToward Touhy Avenue EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
3.0 mi·5 min·East Touhy Avenue
27
Turn left onto IL 43
0.5 mi·50 sec·North Harlem Avenue
Use the left lane.
28
Turn right onto West Howard Street
1.7 mi·3 min·West Howard Street
29
Turn left onto New Gross Point Road
0.1 mi·10 sec·New Gross Point Road
30
Continue on Gross Point Road
0.5 mi·54 sec·Gross Point Road
31
Turn right onto Oakton Street
4.0 mi·7 min·Oakton Street
32
Turn left onto Asbury Avenue
1.0 mi·1 min·Asbury Avenue
Use the left lane.
33
Turn right onto Dempster Street
213 ft·9 sec·Dempster Street
34
Turn uturn
213 ft·17 sec
35
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 110.6-mile trip, departing in the morning is advisable to avoid potential midday traffic, especially as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. You'll have one recommended stop, so plan for a break around the halfway point or when you feel the need. Keep in mind that much of this route involves toll roads, so have your payment method ready. The fuel cost is estimated at $17, so factor that into your budget. Since this is a relatively short drive at just over two hours, you have flexibility to depart at a time that suits you best without feeling rushed.
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 55.3 miles from Streator, IL, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.8 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 24 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 55.3 miles or 1h 14m 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
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 Streator, 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 Streator, IL
This is one driving day of about 110.6 miles and 2h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Streator, 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 80 for about 32.8 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 53.3 and 110.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
53.3 mi into trip|~1h 11m in
Take the exit toward I 55 North: Chicago
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 126B
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
7
80.3 mi into trip|~1h 45m 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
7
98.7 mi into trip|~2h 10m in
Take the exit toward Touhy Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
8
99.3 mi into trip|~2h 11m 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
7
110.5 mi into trip|~2h 33m in
Turn uturn
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.29 one way
$34.58 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg39 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$18.98
$37.97
premium
$4.89
$21.28
$42.57
diesel
$5.61
$24.42
$48.84
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
$17
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 38.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
33.2
0
$11.61
$5.31
Efficient EV
27.7
0
$9.68
$4.42
EV Truck/SUV
44.2
0
$15.48
$7.08
Gas CO2
39 kg
EV CO2
13 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
Streator, IL
Late night
in Streator on Tuesday
Local time
3:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Evanston, IL
Late night
in Evanston on Tuesday
Local time
3:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
60°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
7 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
2h 33m 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.
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 80.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive that is predominantly on highways, with 56% of the route utilizing major interstate roads. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 32.8 miles on I-80, offering a period of consistent travel. This is a mixed drive, meaning you'll transition between the faster pace of interstates like I-80 and I-55, and potentially some local road sections as you approach your destination. The character of the drive is largely functional, designed for efficient transit rather than scenic exploration, allowing you to cover ground steadily.
56% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 32.8 mi on I 80.
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 53.3 miles in.
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 24 significant decision points across 110.6 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 53.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 98.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Streator, IL to Evanston, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Touhy Avenue East along the way.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 33m. Total distance: 110.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (56%). 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 32.8 miles on I 80. 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.
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 53.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 98.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Evanston, IL before heading back.
