Origin
Carol Stream, IL
Evening in Carol Stream on Sunday
Local time
5:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Carol Stream, IL to Arlington Heights, IL
Drive Time
34m
Distance
21.6 mi
35 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 32m
★
6 AM
0h 35m
8 AM
0h 41m
10 AM
0h 37m
12 PM
0h 36m
3 PM
0h 37m
5 PM
0h 40m
8 PM
0h 33m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Carol Stream, IL
Nikola Dumanovic
Arlington Heights, IL
Dominik Gryzbon
Trip Overview
Spanning just 21.6 miles, this quick trip between Carol Stream and Arlington Heights is a straightforward commute across the Illinois suburbs. You can expect to reach your destination in about 34 minutes, making this an ideal day trip that requires no overnight stay. With a modest fuel budget of $3, this route is highly economical for a short drive within the Midwest. You will navigate a mix of thoroughfares, including I-290, East North Avenue, and the Veterans Memorial Tollway. Because the entire journey is relatively brief, you have the flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule rather than worrying about long-haul logistics.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
10.8 miles from Carol Stream, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 18m into the drive .
Drive Character
This drive offers a mixed-road experience, balancing local surface streets with segments of highway travel. Approximately 38% of your journey will be spent on highways, providing a change of pace from the slower suburban sections. Your longest uninterrupted stretch is a 5.6-mile run on I-290, which serves as the primary high-speed portion of the trip. As you transition from local roads like East North Avenue onto the tollway system, the character of the drive shifts from typical suburban traffic to more consistent highway speeds. It is a functional drive that requires your attention as you move through these interconnected Illinois corridors.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 290 is the longest continuous segment at about 5.6 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 0.2 miles in near Aztec Drive.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 21.6 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 0.2 miles (Aztec Drive): Navigation decision point; at 6.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 6.5 miles (I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Aztec Drive
At end of road, turn right onto Aztec Drive
Navigation decision point
6
6.1 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Turn left toward I 355 Toll North: Northwest Suburbs
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 355 Toll North: Northwest Suburbs
5
6.5 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway
Merge onto I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
16.1 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
IL 53
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 53
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
18.8 mi into trip
|
~28m 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 Along This Route
On the drive from Carol Stream, IL to Arlington Heights, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Third District along the way.
Third District
18.8 mi in
|
~28m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 290 | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| East North Avenue | 4.3 mi | 7m |
| Veterans Memorial Tollway | 4 mi | 4m |
| IL 53 | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| Euclid Avenue | 2.5 mi | 5m |
| North Avenue | 1 mi | 1m |
| Kuhn Road | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| West Thunderbird Trail | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 290
— 5.6 mi, about 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carol Stream, IL and Arlington Heights, IL.
1
Start on West Thunderbird Trail
0.2 mi
·
54 sec
·
West Thunderbird Trail
2
At end of road, turn right onto Aztec Drive
160 ft
·
12 sec
·
Aztec Drive
3
Turn left onto Thunderbird Trail
202 ft
·
14 sec
·
Thunderbird Trail
4
Turn left onto Kuhn Road
0.4 mi
·
59 sec
·
Kuhn Road
5
Turn left onto IL 64
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Avenue
Use the none lane.
6
Continue on IL 64
4.3 mi
·
7 min
·
East North Avenue
Use the left / uturn / none lanes.
7
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Toward I 355 Toll North: Northwest Suburbs
Use the left lane.
8
Merge onto I 355
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Veterans Memorial Tollway
Use the none lane.
9
Merge onto I 290
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
I 290
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 53
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
IL 53
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Toward East Euclid Avenue, Third District, Circuit Court
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Turn slight right onto Euclid Avenue
2.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Euclid Avenue
Use the left / none / right lanes.
13
Arrive at destination
East Euclid Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this route is a short 34-minute hop, you don't need to worry about complex pacing or scheduled rest stops. While you won't need to refuel mid-trip given the $3 estimated cost, it is always wise to ensure you have enough gas before merging onto the Veterans Memorial Tollway to avoid unnecessary roadside stress. If you are sensitive to traffic, try to avoid peak commuting hours, as the mix of local roads and highways can become congested. Because there are zero required stops on this 21.6-mile trek, take advantage of the flexibility to leave whenever it suits your plans. Keep a mobile payment method or toll transponder ready for the tollway segments to ensure a smooth transition between roads.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 10.8 miles from Carol Stream, IL, or about 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 5.6 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 21.6 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 10.8 miles or 18m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 27m
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 Carol Stream, 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 Carol Stream, IL
This is one driving day of about 21.6 miles and 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Carol Stream, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 290 for about 5.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 10.8 mi from Carol Stream, IL · 18m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
11 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 21.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 10.8 miles from Carol Stream, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$3.28 one way
$6.56 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
8 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $3.62 | $7.23 |
| premium | $4.80 | $4.08 | $8.16 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $4.80 | $9.60 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.28
Veterans Memorial Tollway
(4 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
$3
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$29–$54
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 7.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 63% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 6.5 | 0 | $2.27 | $1.04 |
| Efficient EV | 5.4 | 0 | $1.89 | $0.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 8.6 | 0 | $3.02 | $1.38 |
Gas CO2
8 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (63% 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.
Destination
Arlington Heights, IL
Evening in Arlington Heights on Sunday
Local time
5:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
45°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
1 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
34m 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 Carol Stream, IL to Arlington Heights, IL covers 21.6 miles and takes about 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 290, East North Avenue, Veterans Memorial Tollway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 10.8 miles from Carol Stream, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.28 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 21.6 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 0.2 miles (Aztec Drive): Navigation decision point; at 6.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 6.5 miles (I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Carol Stream, IL to Arlington Heights, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Third District along the way.
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Return Trip
Arlington Heights, IL to Carol Stream, ILPlan the drive back the other way.
21.9 mi
35m
Continue From Arlington Heights, IL
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