Welcome Inn Restaurant & Lounge
Near the start, right off the route
Milan, Illinois
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+13097871500
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 38m
Distance
135.7 mi
218 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Andalusia, IL
Arenda Vermeulen
Rockford, IL
Wikimedia Commons
This 135.7-mile drive from Andalusia, Illinois, to Rockford, Illinois, is a straightforward journey through the Midwest, easily manageable as a one-day trip. Expect to spend about 2 hours and 38 minutes on the road, covering the distance with a fuel cost estimated at $21. The route primarily utilizes major highways, including I-88 and I-39, making for a generally efficient travel experience. With only one recommended stop, you can anticipate a smooth and direct trip, perfect for a quick getaway or a convenient transit between these two Illinois locations.
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
67.8 miles from Andalusia, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 38m. Total distance: 135.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (54%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
The drive features a mixed profile, with 54% of the journey on highways, suggesting a good balance between faster travel and potentially more varied scenery. You'll experience a significant stretch of 43.8 miles on I-88, offering an uninterrupted period of highway driving. This route likely presents a familiar interstate feel for much of its length, characteristic of travel across Illinois. The transition between road types should be smooth, allowing for a consistent pace throughout the 2-hour and 38-minute travel time.
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.2 miles in.
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 15 significant decision points across 135.7 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 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 14.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 103.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Take the exit toward I 74 West, US 6 West: Moline
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward IL 5 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Take the exit toward I 39 North, US 51 North: Rockford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Take the exit toward IL 2: Rockford, Dixon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 88 | 43.8 mi | 46m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway | 34.8 mi | 37m |
| I 39 | 21.5 mi | 23m |
| John Deere Road | 10.4 mi | 15m |
| I 280 | 6.5 mi | 6m |
| U.S. Grant Memorial Highway | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| 78th Avenue West | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| South Main Street | 3.7 mi | 6m |
Step-by-step road directions between Andalusia, IL and Rockford, IL.
Start on 2nd Street East
Turn right onto IL 92
Continue on IL 92
Turn left onto IL 92
Take the exit
Merge onto I 280
Take the exit
Merge onto US 6
Take the exit
Merge onto IL 5
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 5; IL 92
Continue on I 88; IL 92
Continue on I 88; IL 110
Take the exit
Merge onto I 39; US 51
Take the exit
Merge onto US 20
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Turn straight onto IL 2
Turn right onto West State Street
Arrive at destination
For this 135.7-mile trip, leaving in the morning will allow you to arrive in Rockford with ample time to explore or settle in. The relatively short duration of 2 hours and 38 minutes means you have flexibility; you can depart when convenient. Consider making your single planned stop around the halfway point to refuel or stretch your legs, perhaps before or after the 43.8-mile stretch on I-88. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $21, and it's always wise to top off before a longer leg on the highway.
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.
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 30 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 67.8 miles or 1h 21m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rockford, IL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Andalusia, 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 Andalusia, IL
This is one driving day of about 135.7 miles and 2h 38m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 67.8 mi from Andalusia, IL · 1h 21m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
68 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.
A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 67.8 miles from Andalusia, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Rockford, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Rockford, IL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Milan, Illinois
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+13097871500
Taco John's
Milan, Illinois
Riverfront Grille
Rock Island, Illinois
Near the start, right off the route
Milan, Illinois
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+13097871500
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Milan, Illinois
Hours: 7 am–11 pm
+13099482018
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Rock Island, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–12 pm
+13097885635
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Silvis, Illinois
Hours: 9 am–9 pm
+13097960996
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Silvis, Illinois
Hours: 11:30 am–7:30 pm
+13097556391
Near the start, ~9 min detour
Moline, Illinois
+13095815490
Visit websiteNear the start, ~11 min detour
Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+13097955052
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Prophetstown, Illinois
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+18155379959
Near the end, ~12 min detour
Rockford, Illinois
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+18153979112
Visit websiteNear the start, ~11 min detour
Hampton, Illinois
Hours: 10 am–1 pm
+13097553077
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Regular Gas
$21.22 one way
$42.43 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.29 | $46.59 |
| premium | $4.89 | $26.11 | $52.23 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.96 | $59.92 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.09
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
$21
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.7 | 0 | $14.25 | $6.51 |
| Efficient EV | 33.9 | 0 | $11.87 | $5.43 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 54.3 | 0 | $19.00 | $8.68 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Andalusia on Friday
Local time
2:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Destination
Afternoon in Rockford on Friday
Local time
2:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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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