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Trip from Washington Park, IL to Peoria, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h

Distance

162.6 mi

262 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 49m ★
6 AM
3h 1m
8 AM
3h 23m
10 AM
3h 9m
12 PM
3h 6m
3 PM
3h 10m
5 PM
3h 22m
8 PM
2h 54m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Washington Park, IL, IL

Washington Park, IL

Quang Vuong

Downtown Peoria, IL, IL

Peoria, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 162.6-mile drive from Washington Park, Illinois, to Peoria, Illinois, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours to complete. The vast majority of this journey, 98%, is on highways, making it a straightforward and efficient route. With a fuel cost estimated at $25, this is an economical option for exploring the Midwest. You'll spend most of your time on I-55, I-155, and I-74, with the longest uninterrupted stretch spanning 120 miles on I-55. This highway-focused drive offers a practical way to travel between these two Illinois cities.

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

81.3 miles from Washington Park, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 120 mi 2h 10m
I 155 32 mi 34m
I 74 7 mi 8m
Kingshighway 1.7 mi 3m
IL 111 0.2 mi <1m
IL 29 0.2 mi <1m
Northeast Jefferson Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
Spalding Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 120 mi, about 2h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Washington Park, IL and Peoria, IL.

1

Start on North Park Drive

62 ft · 4 sec · North Park Drive
2

Turn right onto IL 111

1.7 mi · 3 min · Kingshighway
3

Turn left onto IL 111

373 ft · 12 sec · Collinsville Road
4

Turn slight right onto IL 111

0.2 mi · 35 sec · IL 111
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 34 sec
6

Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40

12 mi · 13 min · I 55; I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
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 left at fork onto I 155

32 mi · 34 min · I 155
Exit 127 Toward I 155 North: Peoria, Hartsburg
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
10

Merge onto I 74

1.0 mi · 1 min · I 74
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 74

6.0 mi · 7 min · I 74
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
12

Take the exit onto IL 29

0.2 mi · 23 sec · IL 29
Toward IL 29 North: Downtown Peoria
13

Continue on Spalding Avenue

452 ft · 20 sec · Spalding Avenue
14

Turn left onto IL 29

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Northeast Jefferson Avenue
15

Arrive at destination

Northeast Jefferson Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour duration and 162.6-mile distance, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. You can depart Washington Park at your convenience, but an early morning start will give you ample time to reach Peoria without feeling rushed. Plan for one stop, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs and refuel if needed, though the $25 fuel cost suggests you might not need to fill up entirely. The longest stretch of 120 miles on I-55 means you can settle in for a good portion of the drive. Keep an eye on your GPS as you transition between I-55, I-155, and I-74 to ensure you're on the correct interstate for Peoria.

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 81.3 miles from Washington Park, IL, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 120 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 36 miles or 41m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 81.3 miles or 1h 30m 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 26m

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 Washington Park, 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 Washington Park, IL

This is one driving day of about 162.6 miles and 3h.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Washington Park, 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 120 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Grandview, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Grandview, IL

81 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

Carlinville, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Grandview, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.3 miles from Washington Park, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 120 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · around the midpoint

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Springfield, Illinois

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset · 1h 43m in / 1h 18m to go 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+12175445144

Visit website

Haddad's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Peoria, Illinois

1.2 mi

Krekel's Custard & Hamburgers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Grandview, Illinois

1.9 mi

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+12175445144

Visit website

Haddad's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm

+13096725339

Krekel's Custard & Hamburgers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Grandview, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12175254952

Visit website

Mr Gyros

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12175232817

Arby's

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Troy, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+16186671082

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Litchfield, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+12173245855

Visit website

Taco Gringo South

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12176702905

Visit website

Chatham Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Chatham, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12176971101

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

East Peoria, Illinois

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Peoria, Illinois

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: 5 am–12 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Peoria, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13094948850

Visit website

InCharge Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Morton, Illinois

+13092913039

Visit website

Chevrolet Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Morton, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18003239935

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 2 and 154.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp

Navigation decision point

5
2.3 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 55; I 70; US 40

Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
14.4 mi into trip | ~18m in | I 55

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springf...
7
122.3 mi into trip | ~2h 15m 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
154.2 mi into trip | ~2h 49m 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

$25.42 one way

$50.84 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.91 $55.82
premium $4.89 $31.29 $62.58
diesel $5.61 $35.90 $71.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 56.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 48.8 0 $17.07 $7.80
Efficient EV 40.7 0 $14.23 $6.50
EV Truck/SUV 65 0 $22.76 $10.41

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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

Washington Park, IL

Morning in Washington Park on Tuesday

Local time

7:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Peoria, IL

Morning in Peoria on Tuesday

Local time

7:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

75°F

Grandview, IL

81 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

3 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

3h 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

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 ~8 min detour Free near mile 95.3
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for this 162.6-mile trip. With 98% of the route on interstates, you'll experience consistent speeds and minimal traffic disruptions. The longest continuous segment is a substantial 120 miles on I-55, allowing for extended periods of steady travel. While largely characterized by high-speed cruising, the transition onto I-155 and then I-74 will guide you towards your destination. This route prioritizes efficient travel over varied scenery, keeping you on fast-paced roads for nearly the entire duration.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 120 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 155. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 162.6 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.3 miles (I 55; I 70; US 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Washington Park, IL and Peoria, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City and Hartsburg.

Springfield

14.4 mi in | ~18m | via I 55

Kansas City

14.4 mi in | ~18m | via I 55

Hartsburg

122.3 mi in | ~2h 15m | 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. Total distance: 162.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 120 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 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: at 2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 2.3 miles (I 55; I 70; US 40): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.0 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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