This 217.2-mile drive from Sullivan, Illinois, to Des Plaines, Illinois, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 16 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-57 and the Tri-State Tollway, you'll spend about 80% of your time on major highways, making for an efficient trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $34, this route through the heart of the Midwest is designed for getting you to your destination without much fuss. It's a practical option if you're looking for a direct route within Illinois.
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
108.6 miles from Sullivan, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
159.2 mi
2h 52m
Tri-State Tollway
32.5 mi
40m
IL 121
14.4 mi
21m
Charleston Avenue
3 mi
5m
Dewitt Avenue
2 mi
3m
South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi
3m
North 19th Street
0.5 mi
<1m
Henry Avenue
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 159.2 mi, about 2h 52m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~928 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,278
Quietest
2 AM
~107 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 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 Sullivan, IL and Des Plaines, IL.
1
Start on West Harrison Street
100 ft·9 sec·West Harrison Street
2
Turn left onto North Main Street
0.1 mi·25 sec·North Main Street
3
Turn right onto IL 121
14 mi·21 min·IL 121
4
Continue on IL 121
2.0 mi·3 min·Dewitt Avenue
5
Turn right onto US 45; IL 121
0.5 mi·59 sec·North 19th Street
6
At end of road, turn left onto US 45; IL 16; IL 121
3.0 mi·5 min·Charleston Avenue
Toward US 45 South, IL 121 South, IL 16 East: Neoga, Toledo, Charleston
7
Turn right
0.3 mi·48 sec
Toward I-57 North: Champaign
8
Merge onto I 57
159 mi·2 hr 52 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 349-350Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, WisconsinUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
1.8 mi·3 min
Exit 349Toward I 294 Toll North: WisconsinUse the straight / slight left lanes.
11
Merge onto I 294
21 mi·25 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
12 mi·15 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy AvenueUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy Avenue
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward Touhy Avenue WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 42BToward Touhy Avenue WestUse the right lane.
17
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
325 ft·7 sec·East Touhy Avenue
18
Turn slight right
339 ft·9 sec
19
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi·3 min·South Des Plaines River Road
20
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
0.1 mi·24 sec·Henry Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
Henry Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 16-minute duration, this 217.2-mile trip is well-suited for a single-day excursion, so you can depart at your leisure. Plan for one stop, perhaps around the halfway point, to refuel and stretch your legs. The majority of your drive will be on major highways like I-57 and the Tri-State Tollway, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 159.2-mile stretch on I-57. The estimated $34 fuel cost is a good budget to keep in mind for this all-Illinois adventure.
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 108.6 miles from Sullivan, IL, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 159.2 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 48 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.6 miles or 2h 8m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Des Plaines, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sullivan, 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 Sullivan, IL
This is one driving day of about 217.2 miles and 4h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Sullivan, 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 159.2 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 17 and 215 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
17 mi into trip|~26m in|US 45; IL 16; IL 121 / Charleston Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto US 45; IL 16; IL 121 / Charleston Avenue toward US 45 South, IL 121 South, IL 16 East: Neoga, Toledo, Charleston
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 45 South, IL 121 South, IL 16 East: N...
8
179.6 mi into trip|~3h 25m in
Take the exit toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin
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 349-350
Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevar...
8
179.9 mi into trip|~3h 26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 349
Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
7
214.2 mi into trip|~4h 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
215 mi into trip|~4h 11m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Touhy Avenue West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 42B
Toward Touhy Avenue West
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.67 one way
$67.35 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$36.92
$73.85
premium
$4.93
$42.14
$84.28
diesel
$5.60
$47.88
$95.76
Estimated Tolls: $1.95
Tri-state Tollway
(32.5 mi)$1.95
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
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
EV Charging Along Route
28 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Champaign, IL - West Kirby Avenue - Tesla Supercharger
Champaign, IL
Tesla
12 DCFC
Bradley, IL - Tesla Supercharger
Bradley, IL
Tesla
12 DCFC
Champaign Town Center Blvd
Champaign, IL
RED_E
10 DCFC
Gilman, IL Rechargery Relay - US-24
Gilman, IL
IONNA
10 DCFC
Champaign, IL - Tesla Supercharger
Champaign, IL
Tesla
8 DCFC
Gilman, IL - Tesla Supercharger
Gilman, IL
Tesla
8 DCFC
Meijer 146 (Champaign, IL)
Champaign, IL
Electrify America
6 DCFC
Champaign, IL Rechargery Relay @ Circle K - N Mattis Ave
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.2
0
$22.81
$10.43
Efficient EV
54.3
0
$19.01
$8.69
EV Truck/SUV
86.9
1
$30.41
$13.90
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% 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 Aug 31, 2026
Origin
Sullivan, IL
Night
in Sullivan on Friday
Local time
11:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
94°F
Sunny
SSW 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 31 at 1:05PM CDT until September 3 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 31 at 1:05PM CDT until September 3 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Des Plaines, IL
Night
in Des Plaines on Friday
Local time
11:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 15 mph53% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 31 at 1:05PM CDT until September 3 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued August 31 at 1:05PM CDT until September 3 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA 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
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
4h 16m 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...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 179.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 217.2-mile trip, with 80% of the drive on major roads like I-57 and the Tri-State Tollway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 159.2 miles on I-57, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. This profile suggests a route optimized for speed and efficiency rather than winding backroads, offering a smooth, albeit potentially monotonous, journey for much of its 4-hour duration.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 159.2 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17 miles in near US 45; IL 16; IL 121 / Charleston Avenue.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 217.2 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 17 miles (US 45; IL 16; IL 121 / Charleston Avenue): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
782 ft601 ft
Total Climb
369 ft
Total Descent
412 ft
Highest Point
782 ft
~93.1 mi in
Elevation Range
181 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sullivan, IL and Des Plaines, IL, road signs point toward Toledo, Charleston and Wisconsin.
St. Louis Area is the region around St. Louis, Missouri. It borders St. Louis Metro East (Illinois) along the Mississippi River. Within Missouri, it borders Southeast Missouri, Central Missouri, and Northeast Missouri.
Des Plaines is in Chicagoland. It is an inner-ring, northwest suburb of Chicago with two distinct portions: a suburban northern portion reminiscient of other, nearby northwest suburbs (including Niles, Park Ridge, and Mount Prospect), as well as a built-up southern portion with the businesses, hotels, and other amenities of the O'Hare Airport corridor (much like Rosemont, Chicago's O'Hare neighborhood, and Elk Grove Village).
Top landmarks
•McDonald's #1 Store Museum — former McDonald's spot
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 16m. Total distance: 217.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 159.2 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.95 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 Des Plaines, 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 17 miles (US 45; IL 16; IL 121 / Charleston Avenue): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 179.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — 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 Des Plaines, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
