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Trip from Andalusia, IL to Rockford, IL

Compiled 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

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 28m ★
6 AM
2h 39m
8 AM
3h 0m
10 AM
2h 46m
12 PM
2h 44m
3 PM
2h 47m
5 PM
2h 59m
8 PM
2h 32m

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

Downtown Andalusia, IL, IL

Andalusia, IL

Arenda Vermeulen

Downtown Rockford, IL, IL

Rockford, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

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 .

Who Is This Route For?

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.

Drive Character

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.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 88 is the longest continuous segment at about 43.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 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.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
13.2 mi into trip | ~17m in

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

Exit 18B Toward I 74 West, US 6 West: Moline
5
14.1 mi into trip | ~18m in

Take the exit toward IL 5 East

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 4B Toward IL 5 East
6
103.9 mi into trip | ~1h 59m in

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

Exit 78B Toward I 39 North, US 51 North: Rockford
5
125.8 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in

Take the exit toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford
5
131.6 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in

Take the exit toward IL 2: Rockford, Dixon

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward IL 2: Rockford, Dixon

Main Roads

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
Longest stretch: I 88 — 43.8 mi, about 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Andalusia, IL and Rockford, IL.

1

Start on 2nd Street East

69 ft · 5 sec · 2nd Street East
2

Turn right onto IL 92

0.6 mi · 49 sec · 6th Avenue East
3

Continue on IL 92

4.5 mi · 6 min · 78th Avenue West
4

Turn left onto IL 92

1.1 mi · 1 min · Centennial Expressway
5

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 280 East
6

Merge onto I 280

6.5 mi · 6 min · I 280
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 52 sec
Exit 18B Toward I 74 West, US 6 West: Moline
8

Merge onto US 6

0.6 mi · 42 sec · US 6
9

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 4B Toward IL 5 East
10

Merge onto IL 5

10 mi · 15 min · John Deere Road
11

Keep slight left at fork onto IL 5; IL 92

0.3 mi · 23 sec · IL 5; IL 92
12

Continue on I 88; IL 92

44 mi · 46 min · I 88; IL 92
13

Continue on I 88; IL 110

35 mi · 37 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 78B Toward I 39 North, US 51 North: Rockford
15

Merge onto I 39; US 51

22 mi · 23 min · I 39; US 51
16

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 2 min
Toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford
17

Merge onto US 20

4.7 mi · 5 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward IL 2: Rockford, Dixon
19

Keep slight right at fork

281 ft · 6 sec
20

Turn straight onto IL 2

3.7 mi · 6 min · South Main Street
21

Turn right onto West State Street

148 ft · 4 sec · West State Street
22

Arrive at destination

West State Street

Trip Plan

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 67.8 miles from Andalusia, IL, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43.8 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 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.

Before You Leave

+

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.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Andalusia, 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 88 for about 43.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Dayton, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Dayton, IL

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.

Pacing Suggestions

Dayton, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Sterling, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67.8 miles from Andalusia, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Rockford, IL

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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Welcome Inn Restaurant & Lounge

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Milan, Illinois

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.7

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+13097871500

Visit website

Taco John's

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Milan, Illinois

0.6 mi

Riverfront Grille

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Rock Island, Illinois

1.3 mi

Welcome Inn Restaurant & Lounge

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.7

Milan, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+13097871500

Visit website

Taco John's

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 9.7

Milan, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+13099482018

Visit website

Riverfront Grille

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 9.7

Rock Island, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+13097885635

Visit website

Subway

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv mile 19.4

Silvis, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+13097960996

Visit website

El Pueblo Mexican Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 19.4

Silvis, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–7:30 pm

+13097556391

Avenue Family Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.4

Moline, Illinois

+13095815490

Visit website

El Barril Mexican Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13097955052

Visit website

Prophet Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 48.5

Prophetstown, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18155379959

Midway Village Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 126

Rockford, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18153979112

Visit website

The Logger House

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 19.4

Hampton, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–1 pm

+13097553077

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.22 one way

$42.43 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO2
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

Reagan Memorial Tollway (34.8 mi) $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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Andalusia, IL

Afternoon in Andalusia on Friday

Local time

2:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Rockford, IL

Afternoon in Rockford on Friday

Local time

2:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

2h 38m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Andalusia, IL to Rockford, IL covers 135.7 miles and takes about 2h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 88, Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, I 39. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 67.8 miles from Andalusia, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.22 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

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.

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.

The route from Andalusia, IL to Rockford, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

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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