Origin
Willow Springs, IL
Morning in Willow Springs on Tuesday
Local time
9:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Willow Springs, 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
2h 53m
Distance
152.3 mi
245 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 43m
★
6 AM
2h 54m
8 AM
3h 16m
10 AM
3h 2m
12 PM
2h 59m
3 PM
3h 3m
5 PM
3h 15m
8 PM
2h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Willow Springs, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Peoria, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 152.3-mile drive from Willow Springs, IL to Peoria, IL takes approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes, making it a perfect one-day trip. The route is heavily highway-focused, with 97% of the journey on major roads. With an estimated fuel cost of $24, this is an economical option for exploring more of the Midwest. You'll primarily travel on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-74, offering a straightforward and efficient path. This direct route is well-suited for a single day's travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing 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
76.1 miles from Willow Springs, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Adlai Stevenson Expressway | 114.8 mi | 2h 8m |
| I 74 | 33.4 mi | 36m |
| La Grange Road | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Archer Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| IL 29 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Northeast Jefferson Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Spalding Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Hilton Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
— 114.8 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Willow Springs, IL and Peoria, IL.
1
Start on Hilton Street
63 ft
·
4 sec
·
Hilton Street
2
Turn right onto IL 171
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
·
Archer Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 12 North, US 20 North, US 45 North: La Grange Road
4
Merge onto US 12; US 20; US 45
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
La Grange Road
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 55 South
7
Merge onto I 55
115 mi
·
2 hr 8 min
·
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
Use the slight right lane.
9
Continue on I 74
27 mi
·
29 min
·
I 74
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 74
6.0 mi
·
7 min
·
I 74
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
11
Take the exit onto IL 29
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
IL 29
Toward IL 29 North: Downtown Peoria
12
Continue on Spalding Avenue
452 ft
·
20 sec
·
Spalding Avenue
13
Turn left onto IL 29
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Northeast Jefferson Avenue
14
Arrive at destination
Northeast Jefferson Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour and 53-minute duration, departing in the morning is ideal to maximize your time in Peoria. With only one recommended stop and a highway-dominated profile, you have flexibility in pacing. The estimated fuel cost is $24, so ensure your tank is full before departing Willow Springs. A practical tip for this route is to utilize the Adlai Stevenson Expressway for the longest uninterrupted stretch, as it's designed for sustained travel. Keep an eye on your GPS for any traffic alerts, especially as you approach larger metropolitan areas.
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 76.1 miles from Willow Springs, IL, or about 1h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 114.8 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 34 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.1 miles or 1h 28m 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 22m
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 Willow Springs, 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 Willow Springs, IL
This is one driving day of about 152.3 miles and 2h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Willow Springs, 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 Adlai Stevenson Expressway for about 114.8 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 76.1 miles from Willow Springs, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Adlai Stevenson Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 114.8 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 105 decision points cluster between mile 2.7 and 152.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.7 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 55 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 55 South
5
3.1 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
I 55 / Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Merge onto I 55 / Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
117.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 15m in
Take the exit toward I 74 West: Peoria
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
5
145.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 45m in
|
I 74
Keep slight right at fork onto I 74 toward I 74 West: Peoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
5
152.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
|
IL 29 / Northeast Jefferson Avenue
Turn left onto IL 29 / Northeast Jefferson Avenue
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.81 one way
$47.62 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
53 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.14 | $52.29 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.31 | $58.62 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $33.63 | $67.25 |
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: 53.3 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 | 45.7 | 0 | $15.99 | $7.31 |
| Efficient EV | 38.1 | 0 | $13.33 | $6.09 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 60.9 | 0 | $21.32 | $9.75 |
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
9:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
67°F
Reading, 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
4 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
2h 53m 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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
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 experience on this route, with 97% of the drive taking place on major expressways. The majority of your time will be spent on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-74. You'll encounter one significant stretch of uninterrupted driving that lasts for 114.8 miles on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway. While not designed for scenic vistas, this profile ensures a consistent and efficient pace for your journey, minimizing time spent on slower local roads.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 114.8 mi on Adlai Stevenson Expressway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I 74. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.7 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 152.3 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 2.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 3.1 miles (I 55 / Adlai Stevenson Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 117.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Starting in Willow Springs, IL
Full guide →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 2h 53m. Total distance: 152.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 114.8 miles on Adlai Stevenson Expressway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 2.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 3.1 miles (I 55 / Adlai Stevenson Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 117.9 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 Peoria, IL before heading back.
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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