Origin
Vernon, IL
Morning in Vernon on Tuesday
Local time
7:13 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Vernon, IL to Peoria, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 4m
Distance
152.8 mi
246 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 53m
★
6 AM
3h 4m
8 AM
3h 27m
10 AM
3h 12m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 14m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 57m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Vernon, IL
Mike Tyurin
Peoria, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Vernon, IL to Peoria, IL is 152.8 miles and takes about 3h 4m via I 155, I 55, and West Springfield Road, with a fuel budget near $24 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, specifically crossing Illinois. Expect a predominantly highway experience for most of the drive, making it a straightforward trip. With just one recommended stop and a duration under four hours, this route is ideal for a same-day excursion, allowing for plenty of flexibility.
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
76.4 miles from Vernon, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 37m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 155 | 32 mi | 34m |
| I 55 | 30 mi | 32m |
| West Springfield Road | 15.7 mi | 18m |
| South Superior Street | 15.1 mi | 17m |
| County Road 875 East | 11.1 mi | 12m |
| US 51 | 10.9 mi | 12m |
| IL 29 | 7.4 mi | 10m |
| I 74 | 7 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
I 155
— 32 mi, about 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Vernon, IL and Peoria, IL.
1
Start on this road
122 ft
·
11 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto West Broadway Street
147 ft
·
12 sec
·
West Broadway Street
3
Turn left onto US 51
11 mi
·
12 min
·
US 51
4
Turn left onto US 40; US 51; IL 185
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
·
US 40; US 51; IL 185
5
Turn right onto US 40; US 51; IL 185
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Kennedy Boulevard
6
Continue on US 51
11 mi
·
12 min
·
County Road 875 East
7
Continue on US 51
15 mi
·
17 min
·
South Superior Street
8
Continue on US 51
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
County Road 2400 East
9
Continue on US 51
0.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Fair Avenue
10
Continue on US 51
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
South Poplar Street
11
Turn left onto IL 16
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
West 2nd Street
12
Turn right onto South State Street
0.2 mi
·
52 sec
·
South State Street
13
Turn left onto IL 29
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
West Washington Street
14
Continue on IL 29
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
N 2000 East Road
15
Continue on IL 29
5.1 mi
·
7 min
·
State Route 29
16
Continue on East Park Street
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
East Park Street
17
Turn right onto IL 29
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
North Webster Street
18
Continue on IL 29
16 mi
·
18 min
·
West Springfield Road
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on IL 29
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
IL 29
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on IL 29
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
IL 29
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on IL 29
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
·
IL 29
Use the straight lane.
22
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I 55 North, I 72 East
23
Merge onto I 55; I 72; US 36
30 mi
·
32 min
·
I 55; I 72; US 36
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 155
32 mi
·
34 min
·
I 155
Exit 127
Toward I 155 North: Peoria, Hartsburg
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
26
Merge onto I 74
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 74
27
Keep slight right at fork onto I 74
6.0 mi
·
7 min
·
I 74
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
28
Take the exit onto IL 29
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
IL 29
Toward IL 29 North: Downtown Peoria
29
Continue on Spalding Avenue
452 ft
·
20 sec
·
Spalding Avenue
30
Turn left onto IL 29
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Northeast Jefferson Avenue
31
Arrive at destination
Northeast Jefferson Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of just over 3 hours, you can comfortably depart Vernon, IL at any time of day and still reach Peoria, IL well before evening. Plan for one stop along the way to break up the drive; the longest stretch without a break is 32 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when leaving the interstates, as services might be more spaced out on the surface roads. The fuel cost is estimated at $24, so ensure you have adequate funds or a full tank before departing.
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 76.4 miles from Vernon, IL, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32 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 34 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.4 miles or 1h 37m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Peoria, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Vernon, 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 Vernon, IL
This is one driving day of about 152.8 miles and 3h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Vernon, 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 155 for about 32 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
76 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 76.4 miles from Vernon, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 155 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 144.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West Broadway Street
Turn right onto West Broadway Street
Navigation decision point
5
42.6 mi into trip
|
~52m in
|
IL 29 / West Washington Street
Turn left onto IL 29 / West Washington Street
Navigation decision point
5
82 mi into trip
|
~1h 45m in
Take the exit toward I 55 North, I 72 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 55 North, I 72 East
7
112.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 18m in
|
I 155
Keep slight left at fork onto I 155 toward I 155 North: Peoria, Hartsburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 127
Toward I 155 North: Peoria, Hartsburg
5
144.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 52m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 74 West: Peoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.89 one way
$47.78 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.23 | $52.46 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.40 | $58.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $33.74 | $67.47 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 45.8 | 0 | $16.04 | $7.33 |
| Efficient EV | 38.2 | 0 | $13.37 | $6.11 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61.1 | 0 | $21.39 | $9.78 |
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 kg (66% 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
Peoria, IL
Morning in Peoria on Tuesday
Local time
7:13 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
71°F
Rochester, IL
76 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
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
3h 4m 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.
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 84.3
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
For 61% of this route, you'll be on the highway, covering a longest stretch of 32 miles on I 155. The transition from highway cruising to surface roads will occur as you approach your destination. Expect to encounter a good number of exits and merges as you navigate the interstates for a significant portion of the drive.
61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 32 mi on I 155.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 155 and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West Broadway Street.
Driving Effort
8/10
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 152.8 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: near the start (West Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 42.6 miles (IL 29 / West Washington Street): Navigation decision point; at 82 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
693 ft
481 ft
Total Climb
360 ft
Total Descent
376 ft
Highest Point
693 ft
~141.9 mi in
Elevation Range
211 ft
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.
On the drive from Vernon, IL to Peoria, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Hartsburg along the way.
Hartsburg
112.5 mi in
|
~2h 18m
|
via I 155
About the Cities
Arriving in Peoria, IL
Full guide →Founded 1680
Peoria is a city in Illinois and the county seat of Peoria County. It serves as a regional hub for the primarily rural and agricultural center of the state. Peoria is a small but diverse city of approximately 115,000 people that anchors a three-county metropolitan area of nearly 400,000.
Top landmarks
- • Madison Theatre — theater and former movie theater in Peoria, Illinois, United States
- • Hotel Père Marquette — hotel in downtown Peoria, Illinois
- • Illinois Waterway Project Office — U.S. Army Core of Engineers facility in Peoria, Illinois
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 3h 4m. Total distance: 152.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 32 miles on I 155. 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 Peoria, 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: near the start (West Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 42.6 miles (IL 29 / West Washington Street): Navigation decision point; at 82 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Peoria, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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