Origin
Cicero, IL
Night in Cicero on Tuesday
Local time
11:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cicero, IL to East Saint Louis, IL
Data updated 3 hours ago
Drive Time
5h 22m
Distance
286.9 mi
462 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 9m
★
6 AM
5h 22m
8 AM
5h 49m
10 AM
5h 32m
12 PM
5h 29m
3 PM
5h 33m
5 PM
5h 48m
8 PM
5h 14m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
East Saint Louis, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 286.9-mile journey from Cicero, IL to East Saint Louis, IL is a straightforward drive, estimated to take about 5 hours and 22 minutes. Designed as a single-day trip, you can comfortably complete it within one day, making it ideal for a quick transit between these Midwest locations. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 98% of the drive on major roads, and you can anticipate a fuel cost of around $45. This is a practical, no-fuss trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently.
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
143.5 miles from Cicero, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 44m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for the vast majority of this trip, as 98% of the drive utilizes major roadways like I 55 and the Adlai Stevenson Expressway. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 154.1 miles on I 55, meaning there are long periods of consistent driving. While the profile is largely interstate, you will transition onto South Central Avenue towards the end, offering a slight shift in road character as you approach your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 154.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Adlai Stevenson Expressway. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 131.2 miles in near I 55.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 286.9 miles you will encounter 14 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 131.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 285.3 miles (I 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
131.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m 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 straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
7
196 mi into trip
|
~3h 41m 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 straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
8
285.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 18m in
|
I 70
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70 toward I 70 West: Kansas City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 3B; 3C
Toward I 70 West: Kansas City
8
285.3 mi into trip
|
~5h 18m in
Take the exit toward Exchange Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 3C
Toward Exchange Avenue
6
285.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 20m in
|
North 9th Street
Enter roundabout onto North 9th Street
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
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 Cicero, IL to East Saint Louis, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.
Springfield
131.2 mi in
|
~2h 31m
|
via I 55
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 154.1 mi | 2h 47m |
| Adlai Stevenson Expressway | 127.8 mi | 2h 24m |
| South Central Avenue | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| North 9th Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| South Laramie Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| West 31st Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Exchange Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| North 10th Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 154.1 mi, about 2h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cicero, IL and East Saint Louis, IL.
1
Start on South Laramie Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Laramie Avenue
2
Turn right onto West 31st Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West 31st Street
3
Turn left onto South Central Avenue
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
South Central Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 55 South
5
Merge onto I 55
128 mi
·
2 hr 24 min
·
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
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 straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
89 mi
·
1 hr 37 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70
248 ft
·
6 sec
·
I 70
Exit 3B; 3C
Toward I 70 West: Kansas City
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 3C
Toward Exchange Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
10
Turn left onto Exchange Avenue
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Exchange Avenue
11
Turn right onto North 9th Street
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
North 9th Street
12
Enter roundabout onto North 9th Street
118 ft
·
1 sec
·
North 9th Street
13
Continue on North 9th Street
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
North 9th Street
14
Enter roundabout onto North 9th Street
127 ft
·
2 sec
·
North 9th Street
15
Continue on North 9th Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North 9th Street
16
Turn left onto Saint Louis Avenue
366 ft
·
15 sec
·
Saint Louis Avenue
17
Turn left onto North 10th Street
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
North 10th Street
18
Arrive at destination
0 ft
·
North 10th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 22-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning will allow you ample time to reach East Saint Louis without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in choosing where to rest or refuel, though keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is wise, especially during the 154.1-mile stretch on I 55. Plan to depart Cicero after morning rush hour to maximize your highway time. Keep in mind the estimated $45 fuel cost when budgeting for this efficient, one-day transit.
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 143.5 miles from Cicero, IL, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 154.1 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 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 143.5 miles or 2h 44m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Saint Louis, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cicero, 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 Cicero, IL
This is one driving day of about 286.9 miles and 5h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Cicero, 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 154.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 143.5 mi from Cicero, IL · 2h 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
143 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 143.5 miles from Cicero, 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 154.1 miles.
Arriving in East Saint Louis, IL
The final approach into East Saint Louis, 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 East Saint Louis, 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
$44.85 one way
$89.71 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
100 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $49.25 | $98.49 |
| premium | $4.89 | $55.21 | $110.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $63.34 | $126.69 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 86.1 | 1 | $30.12 | $13.77 |
| Efficient EV | 71.7 | 0 | $25.10 | $11.48 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 114.8 | 1 | $40.17 | $18.36 |
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% 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
East Saint Louis, IL
Night in East Saint Louis on Tuesday
Local time
11:51 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
53°F
Bloomington, IL
143 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
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
5h 22m 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 Cicero, IL to East Saint Louis, IL covers 286.9 miles and takes about 5h 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, Adlai Stevenson Expressway, South Central Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 143.5 miles from Cicero, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.85 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 286.9 miles you will encounter 14 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 131.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 196 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 285.3 miles (I 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Cicero, IL to East Saint Louis, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.
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