Burgess, IL to Evanston, IL is 206.7 miles and takes about 4h 19m via IL 110, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Illinois, traversing the Midwest region. Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of your journey. With a recommended one-day trip, this route is well-suited for a straightforward drive between these two Illinois locations. Consider this route if you're looking for efficiency and a direct path.
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
103.4 miles from Burgess, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
IL 110
135 mi
2h 28m
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
16.1 mi
17m
Tri-State Tollway
9.9 mi
13m
IL 17
7.2 mi
10m
US 150
6.4 mi
9m
US 67
5.4 mi
8m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
4.7 mi
5m
Oakton Street
4 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
IL 110
— 135 mi, about 2h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burgess, IL and Evanston, IL.
1
Start on 41st Avenue
0.1 mi·33 sec·41st Avenue
2
Turn straight onto 235th Street
0.1 mi·32 sec·235th Street
3
Turn left onto 40th Avenue
2.6 mi·10 min·40th Avenue
4
Turn left onto US 67
5.4 mi·8 min·US 67
5
Turn right onto IL 17
7.2 mi·10 min·IL 17
6
Continue on IL 17
3.7 mi·5 min·West Main Street
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 150
6.4 mi·9 min·US 150
8
Turn right onto IL 81
0.8 mi·1 min·IL 81
9
Continue on IL 81
0.4 mi·38 sec·South Street
10
Continue on IL 81
1.2 mi·1 min·IL 81
11
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I 74 West: Moline, Rock Island
12
Merge onto I 74; IL 110
9.8 mi·10 min·Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
13
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 110
6.3 mi·6 min·Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
Toward I 80 West: Des Moines
14
Take the exit onto IL 110
135 mi·2 hr 28 min·IL 110
Exit 4BToward I 88 East, IL 92 East: Sterling, Rock FallsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110
4.7 mi·5 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 139Toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, RockfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 294 Toll North: O'Hare International Airport, Milwaukee
18
Merge onto I 294
9.9 mi·13 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy AvenueUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy Avenue
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 42AToward Touhy Avenue EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
3.0 mi·5 min·East Touhy Avenue
23
Turn left onto IL 43
0.5 mi·50 sec·North Harlem Avenue
Use the left lane.
24
Turn right onto West Howard Street
1.7 mi·3 min·West Howard Street
25
Turn left onto New Gross Point Road
0.1 mi·10 sec·New Gross Point Road
26
Continue on Gross Point Road
0.5 mi·54 sec·Gross Point Road
27
Turn right onto Oakton Street
4.0 mi·7 min·Oakton Street
28
Turn left onto Asbury Avenue
1.0 mi·1 min·Asbury Avenue
Use the left lane.
29
Turn right onto Dempster Street
213 ft·9 sec·Dempster Street
30
Turn uturn
213 ft·17 sec
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given this is a single-day trip of just over 4 hours, you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Burgess, IL in the morning should allow ample time to reach Evanston, IL before dark. The longest stretch without a significant change in road is 135 miles on IL 110, so plan your fuel stops accordingly. While there's only one recommended stop, the relatively short duration means you can easily adjust your plans on the fly. Keep an eye on traffic conditions as you near the Chicago metropolitan area, especially on the Tri-State Tollway.
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 103.4 miles from Burgess, IL, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 135 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 45 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.4 miles or 2h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Evanston, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Burgess, 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 Burgess, IL
This is one driving day of about 206.7 miles and 4h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Burgess, 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 IL 110 for about 135 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 44.4 and 206.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
44.4 mi into trip|~1h 6m in|IL 110
Take the exit onto IL 110 toward I 88 East, IL 92 East: Sterling, Rock Falls
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 4B
Toward I 88 East, IL 92 East: Sterling, Rock Fa...
8
184.1 mi into trip|~3h 41m in
Take the exit toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rockford
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 139
Toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rock...
7
194.9 mi into trip|~3h 56m in
Take the exit toward Touhy Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
8
195.5 mi into trip|~3h 57m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Touhy Avenue East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 42A
Toward Touhy Avenue East
7
206.7 mi into trip|~4h 18m in
Turn uturn
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.32 one way
$64.63 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$35.48
$70.96
premium
$4.89
$39.78
$79.56
diesel
$5.61
$45.64
$91.27
Estimated Tolls: $0.88
Tri-state Tollway
(9.9 mi)$0.60
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(4.7 mi)$0.28
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
$32
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
62
0
$21.70
$9.92
Efficient EV
51.7
0
$18.09
$8.27
EV Truck/SUV
82.7
1
$28.94
$13.23
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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
Burgess, IL
Afternoon
in Burgess on Saturday
Local time
2:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Evanston, IL
Afternoon
in Evanston on Saturday
Local time
2:22 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
51°F
Aurora, IL
103 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
16 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 19m 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.
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...
21 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 185.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway-focused, with 83% of the drive taking place on major roadways like the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway and the Tri-State Tollway. You'll encounter a substantial stretch of 135 miles on IL 110, offering a consistent pace. The character of the drive is largely dictated by these expressways, suggesting a consistent speed and a focus on covering distance efficiently. While primarily highway, be aware that transitions between these major roads will occur as you approach your destination.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 135 mi on IL 110.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on IL 110 and Chicago-Kansas City Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 44.4 miles in near IL 110.
Driving Effort10/10
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 23 significant decision points across 206.7 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 44.4 miles (IL 110): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 194.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Burgess, IL and Evanston, IL, road signs point toward Rock Island, Rock Falls, Rockford, Milwaukee and Touhy Avenue East.
Evanston is a city in the North Shore region of Illinois along the shores of Lake Michigan. Evanston has many identities: college town, dining destination, cultural center and gateway to the wealthy North Shore, although the city itself is anything but homogeneous in regards to economic status, culture and race.
Evanston is named after John Evans, one of the founders of Northwestern University, which ranks among the most prestigious universities in the United States.
Top landmarks
•Grosse Point Light — lighthouse in Illinois, United States
•Shakespeare Garden — garden on the campus of Northwestern University
•Frederick B. Carter, Jr. House — historic house in Illinois, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 19m. Total distance: 206.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 135 miles on IL 110. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.88 in tolls one way, starting with Tri-state 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.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Evanston, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 44.4 miles (IL 110): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 194.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Evanston, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
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.
