Trip from Chicago, IL to Riverton, IL

Drive Time

3h 45m

Distance

192.8 mi

310 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 33m ★
6 AM
3h 45m
8 AM
4h 11m
10 AM
3h 54m
12 PM
3h 52m
3 PM
3h 55m
5 PM
4h 9m
8 PM
3h 38m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown chicago-il

Chicago, IL

Otoniel Alvarado

Downtown Riverton, IL, IL

Riverton, IL

Mike Tyurin

Trip Overview

Traveling from Chicago to Riverton covers 192.8 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes of driving time. Because this journey is entirely within Illinois, you will remain in the Midwest for the duration of your trip. With a fuel budget of approximately $29, this route is efficient and well-suited for a single-day excursion. You will spend the vast majority of your time on major corridors like the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-55. While you could easily complete this drive in one go, planning for at least one stop is recommended to break up the travel. It is a straightforward, practical route for anyone looking to traverse the state quickly.

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

96.4 miles from Chicago, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a focused, highway-heavy experience, as 95% of your trip takes place on high-speed roads. The route features a significant, uninterrupted 128.7-mile stretch along the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, which dictates the steady pace of the journey. Because you are primarily utilizing the Stevenson Expressway and I-55, the driving personality is consistent and efficient rather than technical or winding. You will find that the road maintains a predictable rhythm, allowing you to settle into a steady flow for the majority of the nearly four-hour duration. Prepare for a classic Midwest interstate drive where the primary goal is covering ground effectively.

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.
Adlai Stevenson Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 128.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I 55. 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 13 significant decision points across 192.8 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 0.4 miles (South Halsted Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

These 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.
6
0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | South Halsted Street

Turn left onto South Halsted Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left 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

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Chicago, IL to Riverton, 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
Adlai Stevenson Expressway 128.7 mi 2h 26m
I 55 47.8 mi 51m
Stevenson Expressway 5.6 mi 7m
South Williamsville Road 5.4 mi 7m
North 7th Street 1 mi 2m
Valor Parkway 0.5 mi 1m
Old Route 66 0.5 mi 1m
North Main Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Adlai Stevenson Expressway — 128.7 mi, about 2h 26m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chicago, IL and Riverton, 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

48 mi · 51 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward IL 123: Williamsville
14

Keep slight left at fork

365 ft · 11 sec
Toward IL 123: Williamsville
15

Turn slight left onto IL 123

0.4 mi · 41 sec · County Highway 2
16

Turn right onto Old Route 66

0.5 mi · 1 min · Old Route 66
17

Continue on Valor Parkway

0.5 mi · 1 min · Valor Parkway
18

Turn right onto South Williamsville Road

5.4 mi · 7 min · South Williamsville Road
Use the right lane.
19

Continue on CR 5A; CR 31

0.4 mi · 55 sec · North Main Street
20

Continue on County Highway 5A

0.3 mi · 41 sec · County Highway 5A
21

Continue on North 7th Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · North 7th Street
22

Turn right onto East Lincoln Street

25 ft · 0 sec · East Lincoln Street
Use the none lane.
23

Arrive at destination

East Lincoln Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 3 hour and 45 minute trip, aim to depart early to avoid potential traffic congestion near the Chicago metro area. Since you have a planned stop, use that time to stretch your legs and refuel, keeping your $29 fuel budget in mind as you plan your stops along I-55. Because the drive is relatively short, you have the flexibility to reach Riverton by early afternoon without feeling rushed. Keep a close eye on your mileage during the 128.7-mile stretch on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway to ensure you stay alert despite the steady pace. Checking traffic reports before you leave the city will help you navigate the initial highway segment with ease.

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 96.4 miles from Chicago, IL, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.7 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 96.4 miles or 1h 53m 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 1m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Riverton, 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 192.8 miles and 3h 45m.

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 Adlai Stevenson Expressway for about 128.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 96.4 mi from Chicago, IL · 1h 53m into the drive

Downtown Normal, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Normal, IL

96 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

Normal, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Normal, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 96.4 miles from Chicago, 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 128.7 miles.

Arriving in Riverton, IL

The final approach into Riverton, 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 Riverton, 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

$29.28 one way

$58.57 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $32.28 $64.57
premium $4.80 $36.40 $72.79
diesel $5.64 $42.83 $85.67

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 67.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 57.8 0 $20.24 $9.25
Efficient EV 48.2 0 $16.87 $7.71
EV Truck/SUV 77.1 0 $26.99 $12.34

Gas CO2

67 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (66% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Chicago, IL

Evening in Chicago on Sunday

Local time

6:06 PM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Riverton, IL

Evening in Riverton on Sunday

Local time

6:06 PM

CDT

Current temp

55°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

9 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

3h 45m 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 Chicago, IL to Riverton, IL covers 192.8 miles and takes about 3h 45m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Adlai Stevenson Expressway, I 55, Stevenson Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 96.4 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 $29.28 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 192.8 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 0.4 miles (South Halsted Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Chicago, IL to Riverton, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Riverton, IL to Chicago, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

192 mi 3h 44m

Explore more options from Chicago, IL or browse trips ending in Riverton, IL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.

Explore maps for Chicago, IL or Riverton, IL on MapSof.net.