Woodridge, IL to Godfrey, IL is 265.8 miles and takes about 5 hours via 75th Street, I 355, and Veterans Memorial Tollway, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward trip entirely within Illinois, heading south through the Midwest. With a drive time under six hours and a modest fuel cost, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion. It offers a practical way to travel between these two points without significant detours or complex navigation.
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
132.9 miles from Woodridge, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
127.4 mi
2h 17m
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
111.5 mi
2h 2m
State Route 140
9.6 mi
13m
IL 255
7.9 mi
9m
Veterans Memorial Tollway
2.5 mi
3m
East Bethalto Drive
1.8 mi
3m
75th Street
0.8 mi
1m
East State Street
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 127.4 mi, about 2h 17m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,743 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,333
Quietest
2 AM
~157 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 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 Woodridge, IL and Godfrey, IL.
1
Start on Woodridge Drive
0.2 mi·46 sec·Woodridge Drive
2
Turn right onto 75th Street
0.8 mi·1 min·75th Street
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I 355 Toll South: JolietUse the right lane.
4
Merge onto I 355
2.5 mi·3 min·Veterans Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 12AToward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Joliet Road SouthUse the slight left lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 55
112 mi·2 hr 2 min·Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
65 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, SpringfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
63 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward IL 140: Alton, Greenville
12
Turn right onto IL 140
0.7 mi·1 min·East State Street
13
Continue on IL 140
9.6 mi·13 min·State Route 140
14
Continue on IL 140
1.8 mi·3 min·East Bethalto Drive
15
Continue on IL 111; IL 140
0.3 mi·31 sec·East MacArthur Drive
16
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward IL 255 North: Godfrey
17
Merge onto IL 255
7.9 mi·9 min·IL 255
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 19Toward Humbert Road
19
Turn left onto Humbert Road
0.5 mi·52 sec·Humbert Road
20
Turn right onto Pearl Street
0.3 mi·42 sec·Pearl Street
21
Turn left onto Isabel Drive
0.2 mi·50 sec·Isabel Drive
22
Keep slight right at fork onto Isabel Street
150 ft·6 sec·Isabel Street
23
Arrive at destination
Isabel Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour drive, starting your trip in the morning from Woodridge, IL, will allow ample time to reach Godfrey, IL, comfortably within daylight hours. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $42, you can plan for a relatively uninterrupted journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the route predominantly uses surface roads, which can sometimes mean less frequent service areas compared to interstate travel. This relatively short distance means you have flexibility to depart a little later if needed, but a prompt start ensures a relaxed arrival.
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 132.9 miles from Woodridge, IL, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.4 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 58 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 132.9 miles or 2h 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 4h
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Godfrey, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Woodridge, 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 Woodridge, IL
This is one driving day of about 265.8 miles and 5h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 58 miles from Woodridge, 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 127.4 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 116.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1 mi into trip|~2m in
Take the ramp toward I 355 Toll South: Joliet
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 355 Toll South: Joliet
8
3.9 mi into trip|~6m in
Take the exit toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
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 12A
Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
7
4.2 mi into trip|~6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Joliet Road South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Joliet Road South
7
4.6 mi into trip|~7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
8
116.2 mi into trip|~2h 10m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
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 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.34 one way
$88.68 round trip
$4.24/gal25.4 MPG avg93 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.62
$48.38
$96.76
premium
$5.25
$54.97
$109.94
diesel
$6.28
$65.68
$131.35
Estimated Tolls: $0.18
Veterans Memorial Tollway
(2.5 mi)$0.18
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
$44
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.7
0
$27.91
$12.76
Efficient EV
66.5
0
$23.26
$10.63
EV Truck/SUV
106.3
1
$37.21
$17.01
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Woodridge, IL
Late night
in Woodridge on Thursday
Local time
5:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Clear
SSW 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Godfrey, IL
Late night
in Godfrey on Thursday
Local time
5:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
40°F
Clear
SE 1 mph0% chanceLive forecast
43°F
Athens, IL
133 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
2 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 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.
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 174.2
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This 265.8-mile drive is primarily on surface roads, with no highway driving percentage indicated. You'll start on 75th Street and transition to I 355 and Veterans Memorial Tollway, but the bulk of your travel will be on local streets. Expect a consistent pace with frequent intersections and potential for local traffic, especially as you approach your destination. The longest stretch without a significant interruption is not specified, suggesting a need to be mindful of your surroundings and potential stops.
96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 127.4 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Adlai Stevenson Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 265.8 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 1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 3.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
768 ft527 ft
Total Climb
426 ft
Total Descent
545 ft
Highest Point
768 ft
~113.9 mi in
Elevation Range
241 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Woodridge, IL and Godfrey, IL, road signs point toward Springfield and Greenville.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h. Total distance: 265.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 127.4 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.18 in tolls one way, starting with Veterans Memorial 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 28 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 Godfrey, 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 28 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 3.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Godfrey, IL before the return drive.
