Traveling from Brookfield to Bloomington covers 121.9 miles, making this a straightforward journey that fits perfectly into a single day. You can expect to spend about 2 hours and 30 minutes behind the wheel, primarily navigating via the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, I-55 Business, and Joliet Road. With an estimated fuel cost of $18, it is an economical trip that avoids the need for an overnight stay. Since both locations are situated in the Illinois Midwest, the transition between them is seamless and familiar. Whether you are heading out for business or a change of scenery, this route is highly efficient for those looking to reach their destination without unnecessary detours.
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
60.9 miles from Brookfield, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 15m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 30m. Total distance: 121.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a highway-focused drive, with 93% of your time spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a steady rhythm early on, as the longest uninterrupted stretch covers 108.7 miles along the Adlai Stevenson Expressway. Because the majority of the route is interstate-based, you should anticipate a consistent driving experience rather than technical, winding backroads. While the pace is fast, the transition from the suburban outskirts of Brookfield toward the more open landscapes approaching Bloomington keeps the drive feeling productive. Expect a functional, direct commute that prioritizes speed and reliability over scenic meandering.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Adlai Stevenson Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 108.7 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
796 ft540 ft
Total Climb
384 ft
Total Descent
209 ft
Highest Point
796 ft
~121.9 mi in
Elevation Range
256 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I 55 Business. You will hit about 16 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in near 47th Street.
Driving Effort6/10
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 121.9 miles you will encounter 16 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 1.3 miles (47th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles (South East Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 115.2 miles (I 55 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.3 mi into trip|~3m in|47th Street
At end of road, turn right onto 47th Street
Navigation decision point
6
1.8 mi into trip|~4m in|South East Avenue
Turn left onto South East Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
115.2 mi into trip|~2h 16m in|I 55 Business
Take the exit onto I 55 Business toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, Central Illinois Regional Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 167
Toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, C...
6
119.2 mi into trip|~2h 23m in
Take the exit toward IL 9 West: Pekin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward IL 9 West: Pekin
6
121 mi into trip|~2h 27m in|US 150 / North Clinton Street
Turn left onto US 150 / North Clinton Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Brookfield, IL to Bloomington, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Illinois Regional Airport along the way.
Step-by-step road directions between Brookfield, IL and Bloomington, IL.
1
Start on Grant Avenue
101 ft·6 sec·Grant Avenue
2
Turn right onto Maple Avenue
1.3 mi·3 min·Maple Avenue
3
At end of road, turn right onto 47th Street
0.5 mi·1 min·47th Street
4
Turn left onto South East Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·South East Avenue
Use the left lane.
5
Turn right onto East Plainfield Road
0.6 mi·1 min·East Plainfield Road
6
Turn left onto US 12; US 20; US 45
1.0 mi·2 min·South La Grange Road
7
Turn right onto Joliet Road
1.9 mi·3 min·Joliet Road
8
Keep slight left at fork onto Joliet Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Joliet Road
Toward I 55 South
9
Merge onto I 55
109 mi·2 hr 1 min·Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit onto I 55 Business
3.1 mi·5 min·I 55 Business
Exit 167Toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, Central Illinois Regional AirportUse the slight right lane.
11
Continue on I 55 Business
0.9 mi·1 min·North Veterans Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi·22 sec
Toward IL 9 West: PekinUse the right lane.
13
Turn straight onto IL 9
1.6 mi·3 min·East Empire Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
14
Turn left onto US 150
0.3 mi·50 sec·North Clinton Street
Use the left lane.
15
Turn right onto East Mulberry Street
0.3 mi·59 sec·East Mulberry Street
16
Turn left onto North Prairie Street
275 ft·14 sec·North Prairie Street
17
Turn right onto East Douglas Street
504 ft·23 sec·East Douglas Street
18
Turn right onto US 51 Business
0.1 mi·15 sec·North East Street
19
Arrive at destination
US 51 Business
Trip Plan
Planning for this 2.5-hour trip is simple, though accounting for one planned stop is a smart way to break up the monotony of the expressway. Since the route is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway is always wise. Keep your $18 fuel budget in mind when planning your fill-up, as local prices may fluctuate between the suburban start and the more rural stretches. Aim to pace yourself by taking your single break midway through the 108.7-mile highway stretch to ensure you stay alert. Using I-55 Business for the final leg of your journey will help you transition smoothly into Bloomington as you near your final destination.
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 60.9 miles from Brookfield, IL, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 108.7 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 27 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.9 miles or 1h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bloomington, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brookfield, 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 Brookfield, IL
This is one driving day of about 121.9 miles and 2h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Brookfield, 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 108.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 60.9 mi from Brookfield, IL
· 1h 15m into the drive
The midpoint is around 60.9 miles from Brookfield, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Adlai Stevenson Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 108.7 miles.
Arriving in Bloomington, IL
The final approach into Bloomington, 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 Bloomington, 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.
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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 4.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.06 one way
$38.12 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg43 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$20.92
$41.85
premium
$4.89
$23.46
$46.92
diesel
$5.61
$26.91
$53.83
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
36.6
0
$12.80
$5.85
Efficient EV
30.5
0
$10.67
$4.88
EV Truck/SUV
48.8
0
$17.07
$7.80
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (67% 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
Brookfield, IL
Morning
in Brookfield on Friday
Local time
6:21 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bloomington, IL
Morning
in Bloomington on Friday
Local time
6:21 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
Gardner, IL
61 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 30m 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 Brookfield, IL to Bloomington, IL covers 121.9 miles and takes about 2h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Adlai Stevenson Expressway, I 55 Business, Joliet Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 60.9 miles from Brookfield, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.06 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 121.9 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.3 miles (47th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles (South East Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 115.2 miles (I 55 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Brookfield, IL to Bloomington, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Illinois Regional Airport along the way.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 540 ft to 796 ft elevation with about 384 ft of total climbing.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Pullman National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
Elevation is sampled from
USGS 3DEP.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
