Origin
Swansea, IL
Night in Swansea on Saturday
Local time
11:43 PM
CDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Swansea, IL to Elk Grove, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 37m
Distance
292.8 mi
471 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 24m
★
6 AM
5h 37m
8 AM
6h 4m
10 AM
5h 46m
12 PM
5h 44m
3 PM
5h 48m
5 PM
6h 2m
8 PM
5h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Swansea, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Elk Grove, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 292.8-mile drive from Swansea, Illinois, to Elk Grove, Illinois, is a straightforward Midwest journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to be on the road for approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes, with a fuel cost estimated around $46. The route primarily utilizes I-55, Kingery Highway, and North Illinois Street, making it a highly highway-focused experience. Given its manageable distance and duration, this trip is well-suited for a one-day adventure, allowing you flexibility with your departure and arrival times. You'll be traveling entirely within Illinois, traversing familiar Midwestern landscapes.
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
146.4 miles from Swansea, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 259.2 mi | 4h 43m |
| Kingery Highway | 15.5 mi | 23m |
| North Illinois Street | 8.4 mi | 13m |
| Busse Road | 3.1 mi | 5m |
| Vandalia Street | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| South Morrison Avenue | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| Touhy Avenue | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| North Belt West | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 259.2 mi, about 4h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Swansea, IL and Elk Grove, IL.
1
Start on IL 161
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
North Belt West
2
Turn left onto IL 159
8.4 mi
·
13 min
·
North Illinois Street
3
Continue on IL 159
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South Morrison Avenue
4
Continue on IL 159
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Vandalia Street
5
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I 55 North, I 70 East
6
Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
I 55; I 70; US 40
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
108 mi
·
1 hr 56 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
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
118 mi
·
2 hr 10 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 274
Toward IL 83: Kingery Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road North
Use the right lane.
13
Continue on IL 83
16 mi
·
23 min
·
Kingery Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on IL 83
3.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Busse Road
Use the left lane.
15
Turn right onto Touhy Avenue
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Touhy Avenue
16
Turn right onto IL 72
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
East Higgins Road
17
Turn right onto South Elmhurst Road
349 ft
·
7 sec
·
South Elmhurst Road
18
Arrive at destination
South Elmhurst Road
Trip Plan
With a total duration under six hours, this route offers excellent flexibility for a one-day trip. Consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight hours and minimize potential traffic as you near Elk Grove. You'll have one recommended stop, so plan it strategically along the 259.2-mile stretch of I-55. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $46, and ensure you're topped off before embarking on the longest segment of the drive. The primary roads are well-maintained, but be mindful of the transition from I-55 to Kingery Highway and North Illinois Street as you approach your destination.
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 146.4 miles from Swansea, IL, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 259.2 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 64 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.4 miles or 2h 45m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elk Grove, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Swansea, 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 Swansea, IL
This is one driving day of about 292.8 miles and 5h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Swansea, 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 259.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
146 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 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 146.4 miles from Swansea, 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 259.2 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 125 decision points cluster between mile 124.8 and 272.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
124.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 22m 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
154.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m 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
272.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 4m in
Take the exit toward IL 83: Kingery Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 274
Toward IL 83: Kingery Road
8
272.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road
8
272.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 5m in
Keep slight right at fork toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward IL 83 North: Kingery Road North
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.78 one way
$91.55 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
102 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $50.26 | $100.52 |
| premium | $4.89 | $56.35 | $112.69 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $64.65 | $129.29 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$46
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 87.8 | 1 | $30.74 | $14.05 |
| Efficient EV | 73.2 | 0 | $25.62 | $11.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 117.1 | 1 | $40.99 | $18.74 |
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Elk Grove, IL
Night in Elk Grove on Saturday
Local time
11:43 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Bloomington, IL
146 mi in
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
27 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
5h 37m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 89% of the journey taking place on high-speed roads. You'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 259.2 miles on I-55, which forms the backbone of this trip. While much of the route involves efficient interstate travel, the inclusion of Kingery Highway and North Illinois Street suggests a transition to more local roads as you approach your destination. Be prepared for a consistent pace for the majority of the drive, punctuated by the shift in road type toward the end.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 259.2 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Kingery Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 124.8 miles in near I 55.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 292.8 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 124.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 154.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 272.3 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Swansea, IL and Elk Grove, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City and Peoria.
Springfield
17 mi in
|
~25m
|
via I 55
Kansas City
17 mi in
|
~25m
|
via I 55
Peoria
154.2 mi in
|
~2h 53m
|
via I 55
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 37m. Total distance: 292.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 259.2 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Elk Grove, 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 124.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 154.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 272.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Elk Grove, IL before the return drive.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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