This 352.3-mile drive from Bremen, IL to Arlington Heights, IL is designed for a single day, taking approximately 6 hours and 57 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-55 and Veterans Memorial Tollway, this route is heavily focused on highway travel, making it a straightforward journey through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $55, it's a manageable trip for a day's adventure. The longest uninterrupted stretch of 253.5 miles on I-55 means you can cover a significant portion of the distance efficiently before needing to navigate other roads. This drive is a practical option for getting from point A to point B without significant detours.
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
176.2 miles from Bremen, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 35m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 57m. Total distance: 352.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 57m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for 82% of this 352.3-mile trip, as you'll spend most of your time on I-55 and Veterans Memorial Tollway. The predominant character is that of efficient interstate travel, allowing for steady progress. The longest stretch, a substantial 253.5 miles on I-55, offers a consistent driving rhythm. While the majority of the route is high-speed highway, transitions onto IL 159 will introduce a slight change in pace, though the overall feel remains geared towards covering distance quickly. This is a drive where maintaining speed and covering miles is the primary objective.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 55 is the longest continuous segment at about 253.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 159. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 70.5 miles in near I 55.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 352.3 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 70.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 178.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 207.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
70.5 mi into trip|~1h 41m 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
178.4 mi into trip|~3h 37m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
8
207.8 mi into trip|~4h 9m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
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 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
8
320.2 mi into trip|~6h 12m in
Take the exit toward I 355 Toll: Northwest Suburbs, Southwest Suburbs
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 269
Toward I 355 Toll: Northwest Suburbs, Southwest...
7
349.5 mi into trip|~6h 50m in
Take the exit toward East Euclid Avenue, Third District, Circuit Court
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.
Toward East Euclid Avenue, Third District, Circ...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bremen, IL and Arlington Heights, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City, Peoria and Southwest Suburbs.
Springfield
70.5 mi in|~1h 41m|via I 55
Kansas City
70.5 mi in|~1h 41m|via I 55
Peoria
207.8 mi in|~4h 9m|via I 55
Southwest Suburbs
320.2 mi in|~6h 12m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
253.5 mi
4h 35m
IL 159
20.1 mi
30m
Veterans Memorial Tollway
19.2 mi
24m
South State Street
17.7 mi
22m
North Illinois Street
9.8 mi
15m
Lehmen Drive
7.8 mi
8m
IL 150
6.1 mi
10m
I 290
5.6 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 253.5 mi, about 4h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bremen, IL and Arlington Heights, IL.
1
Start on Chester Road
0.2 mi·34 sec·Chester Road
2
Turn slight right onto IL 150
6.1 mi·10 min·IL 150
3
Turn right onto IL 3
0.5 mi·32 sec·East Holmes Street
4
Continue on IL 3
7.8 mi·8 min·Lehmen Drive
5
Continue on IL 3
18 mi·22 min·South State Street
6
Continue on IL 159
20 mi·30 min·IL 159
7
Enter roundabout onto IL 159
177 ft·4 sec·North Illinois Street
8
Continue on IL 159
9.8 mi·15 min·North Illinois Street
9
Continue on IL 159
1.3 mi·1 min·South Morrison Avenue
10
Continue on IL 159
2.8 mi·4 min·Vandalia Street
11
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·54 sec
Toward I 55 North, I 70 East
12
Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40
3.8 mi·4 min·I 55; I 70; US 40
13
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
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
112 mi·2 hr 3 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, PeoriaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 269Toward I 355 Toll: Northwest Suburbs, Southwest SuburbsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
1.2 mi·2 min
Toward I 355 North: Northwest Suburbs
18
Merge onto I 355
19 mi·24 min·Veterans Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 290
5.6 mi·6 min·I 290
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 53
2.7 mi·3 min·IL 53
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward East Euclid Avenue, Third District, Circuit CourtUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn slight right onto Euclid Avenue
2.5 mi·5 min·Euclid Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
23
Arrive at destination
East Euclid Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 6-hour, 57-minute duration, this trip is feasible as a single-day drive, but consider an early start to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you approach Arlington Heights. You'll have one recommended stop, and the longest stretch without exits is 253.5 miles on I-55, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly. The estimated fuel cost is around $55, so factor that into your budget. A practical tip for this route is to be aware of the transition from the open I-55 to the Veterans Memorial Tollway, as tolling will begin, and traffic patterns may change.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 176.2 miles from Bremen, IL, or about 3h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 253.5 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 78 miles or 1h 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 176.2 miles or 3h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington Heights, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bremen, 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 Bremen, IL
This is one driving day of about 352.3 miles and 6h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 78 miles from Bremen, 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 253.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 176.2 mi from Bremen, IL
· 3h 35m into the drive
The midpoint is around 176.2 miles from Bremen, 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 253.5 miles.
Arriving in Arlington Heights, IL
The final approach into Arlington Heights, 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 Arlington Heights, IL.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
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
Steven's Restaurant
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Woodridge, Illinois
Near the end, short detour
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
$10 to $20
mile 327.1
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 145.8
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...
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
Free
near mile 328
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$55.08 one way
$110.16 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg123 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$60.47
$120.95
premium
$4.89
$67.80
$135.59
diesel
$5.61
$77.78
$155.57
Estimated Tolls: $1.35
Veterans Memorial Tollway
(19.2 mi)$1.35
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
$55
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 123.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
105.7
1
$36.99
$16.91
Efficient EV
88.1
1
$30.83
$14.09
EV Truck/SUV
140.9
1
$49.32
$22.55
Gas CO2
123 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 17, 2026
Origin
Bremen, IL
Evening
in Bremen on Friday
Local time
6:06 PM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Arlington Heights, IL
Evening
in Arlington Heights on Friday
Local time
6:06 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°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
27 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
6h 57m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Bremen, IL to Arlington Heights, IL covers 352.3 miles and takes about 6h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, IL 159, Veterans Memorial Tollway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 176.2 miles from Bremen, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $55.08 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 352.3 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 70.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 178.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 207.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Bremen, IL and Arlington Heights, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City, Peoria and Southwest Suburbs.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
