Origin
Chicago, IL
Afternoon in Chicago on Sunday
Local time
4:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Chicago, IL to Belleville, IL
Drive Time
5h 34m
Distance
292.7 mi
471 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 21m
★
6 AM
5h 35m
8 AM
6h 1m
10 AM
5h 44m
12 PM
5h 41m
3 PM
5h 45m
5 PM
6h 0m
8 PM
5h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
Belleville, IL
Mike Tyurin
Trip Overview
Traveling from Chicago to Belleville covers 292.7 miles, typically taking about 5 hours and 34 minutes of driving time. Since this route is entirely within Illinois, you will remain within the Midwest region for the duration of your journey. It is easily manageable as a single-day trip, though you should budget approximately $43 for fuel to complete the trek. By utilizing the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-55, you can expect a straightforward transit across the state. This drive is ideal for those who prefer an efficient, highway-focused route over backroad exploration. Whether you are heading south for business or a visit, the direct nature of this path makes it a reliable choice for a one-day commitment.
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
146.4 miles from Chicago, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 49m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience, as 95% of this 292.7-mile journey consists of highway driving. You will spend the majority of your time on I-55, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 142.7 miles that defines the character of the trip. The transition from the dense urban infrastructure of Chicago onto the open interstate creates a shift from stop-and-go traffic to a steady, rhythmic cruising pace. As you approach the Belleville area, the final leg of your journey shifts onto North Illinois Street. While the route is largely a practical, straightforward haul, the heavy reliance on major expressways ensures you maintain consistent momentum throughout the day.
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.
I 55 is the longest continuous segment at about 142.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Adlai Stevenson Expressway. 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 West Cermak Road.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 292.7 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 0.2 miles (West Cermak Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.2 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
West Cermak Road
At end of road, turn right onto West Cermak Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
8
0.7 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 55: Saint Louis, Lake Shore Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55: Saint Louis, Lake Shore Drive
8
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 55 South: St Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 53B
Toward I 55 South: St Louis
8
136.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
|
I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
7
201 mi into trip
|
~3h 48m in
|
I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Chicago, IL to Belleville, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.
Springfield
136.1 mi in
|
~2h 38m
|
via I 55
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 142.7 mi | 2h 34m |
| Adlai Stevenson Expressway | 128.7 mi | 2h 26m |
| North Illinois Street | 9.3 mi | 14m |
| Stevenson Expressway | 5.6 mi | 7m |
| Vandalia Street | 3 mi | 4m |
| South Morrison Avenue | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| Adlai E Stevenson Expressway | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| West Cermak Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 142.7 mi, about 2h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago, IL and Belleville, IL.
1
Start on this road
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto West Cermak Road
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
West Cermak Road
Use the none lane.
3
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
South Halsted Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue
285 ft
·
5 sec
·
South Canalport Avenue
Use the none lane.
5
Turn slight right
110 ft
·
4 sec
6
Take the ramp
455 ft
·
11 sec
Toward I 90 East, I 94 East
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 55: Saint Louis, Lake Shore Drive
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 53B
Toward I 55 South: St Louis
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 55
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Stevenson Expressway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 55
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
Adlai E Stevenson Expressway
11
Continue on I 55
129 mi
·
2 hr 26 min
·
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
65 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
78 mi
·
1 hr 23 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 15A
Toward IL 159 South: Collinsville
15
Continue on IL 159
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Vandalia Street
16
Continue on IL 159
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South Morrison Avenue
17
Continue on IL 159
9.3 mi
·
14 min
·
North Illinois Street
18
Turn left onto East F Street
59 ft
·
2 sec
·
East F Street
19
Arrive at destination
East F Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak Chicago traffic on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, as congestion can quickly add time to your 5-hour and 34-minute estimate. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel, keeping your $43 budget in mind when selecting your service stations. Because the drive is a single-day commitment, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace based on how you feel behind the wheel. Since your longest stretch spans 142.7 miles on I-55, ensure you are well-rested before heading out to stay alert during that extended period on the interstate. Keeping a steady speed will help you maintain efficiency as you navigate across the state.
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 146.4 miles from Chicago, IL, or about 2h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.7 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 80 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.4 miles or 2h 49m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belleville, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL
This is one driving day of about 292.7 miles and 5h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Chicago, 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 142.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 146.4 mi from Chicago, IL · 2h 49m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
146 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 146.4 miles from Chicago, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 142.7 miles.
Arriving in Belleville, IL
The final approach into Belleville, 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 Belleville, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.46 one way
$88.92 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
102 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $49.01 | $98.02 |
| premium | $4.80 | $55.26 | $110.51 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $65.03 | $130.06 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 87.8 | 1 | $30.73 | $14.05 |
| Efficient EV | 73.2 | 0 | $25.61 | $11.71 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 117.1 | 1 | $40.98 | $18.73 |
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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.
Destination
Belleville, IL
Afternoon in Belleville on Sunday
Local time
4:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
53°F
Bloomington, IL
146 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
24 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
5h 34m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Chicago, IL to Belleville, IL covers 292.7 miles and takes about 5h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, Adlai Stevenson Expressway, North Illinois Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 146.4 miles from Chicago, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.46 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
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 11 significant decision points across 292.7 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 0.2 miles (West Cermak Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Chicago, IL to Belleville, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.
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