Origin
Coal Valley, IL
Late night in Coal Valley on Friday
Local time
5:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Coal Valley, IL to Aurora, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 33m
Distance
133.5 mi
215 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 23m
★
6 AM
2h 33m
8 AM
2h 54m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 38m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 53m
8 PM
2h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Coal Valley, IL
Braeson Holland
Aurora, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel from Coal Valley to Aurora, expect a straightforward 133.5-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 33 minutes. This trip is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, as it is efficient enough to complete without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $20 for fuel to cover the distance across the Illinois landscape. The route primarily utilizes IL 110 and the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, making it a reliable choice for those prioritizing speed. Since both locations are situated within the Midwest, the transition between regions is seamless and familiar. Overall, this is a practical drive that gets you from the Quad Cities area to the Aurora region with minimal fuss.
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
66.8 miles from Coal Valley, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 33m. Total distance: 133.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 92% of your time spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a long, consistent rhythm during the 116.7-mile stretch on IL 110, which serves as the backbone of your journey. While the route involves navigating 69th Avenue briefly, the experience remains dominated by the efficiency of the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway. Expect a steady, predictable pace rather than a winding or technical drive. Behind the wheel, you will find the road character to be functional and direct, ideal for drivers who prefer keeping a steady cruise speed throughout the majority of the trip.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
IL 110 is the longest continuous segment at about 116.7 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
931 ft
584 ft
Total Climb
372 ft
Total Descent
320 ft
Highest Point
931 ft
~95.4 mi in
Elevation Range
346 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on IL 110 and 69th Avenue. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 1st Street.
Driving Effort
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from Coal Valley, IL to Aurora, IL is easy. At 2h 33m with 92% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.7 miles (US 6 / East 1st Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 8.3 miles: Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
1st Street
Turn right onto 1st Street
Navigation decision point
3
1.7 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
US 6 / East 1st Avenue
Turn right onto US 6 / East 1st Avenue
Navigation decision point
4
8.3 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the ramp
Navigation decision point
6
13.6 mi into trip
|
~20m 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. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 4B
Toward I 88 East, IL 92 East: Sterling, Rock Fa...
8
130.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 25m in
|
IL 56
Take the exit onto IL 56 toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East
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 117
Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East
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 Coal Valley, IL to Aurora, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Rock Falls along the way.
Rock Falls
13.6 mi in
|
~20m
|
via IL 110
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| IL 110 | 116.7 mi | 2h 5m |
| 69th Avenue | 6 mi | 8m |
| Chicago-Kansas City Expressway | 5.1 mi | 5m |
| North Lake Street | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| 1st Street | 1.7 mi | 4m |
| East 1st Avenue | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| IL 56 | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| South Lincolnway Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
IL 110
— 116.7 mi, about 2h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Coal Valley, IL and Aurora, IL.
1
Start on US 150
47 ft
·
4 sec
·
East 23rd Avenue
2
Turn right onto 1st Street
1.7 mi
·
4 min
·
1st Street
3
Turn right onto US 6
0.6 mi
·
56 sec
·
East 1st Avenue
4
Continue on US 6
6.0 mi
·
8 min
·
69th Avenue
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
6
Merge onto I 80; IL 110
5.1 mi
·
5 min
·
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
7
Take the exit onto IL 110
117 mi
·
2 hr 5 min
·
IL 110
Exit 4B
Toward I 88 East, IL 92 East: Sterling, Rock Falls
8
Take the exit onto IL 56
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
IL 56
Exit 117
Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn right onto IL 31
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
South Lincolnway Street
10
Continue on IL 31
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
North Lake Street
11
Turn right onto West Galena Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
West Galena Boulevard
12
Arrive at destination
West Galena Boulevard
Trip Plan
To keep your drive smooth, plan for at least one stop during your 133.5-mile trek to break up the time behind the wheel. Because this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to leave whenever it best suits your schedule, though avoiding peak traffic hours is always a smart move. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge as you transition between the highway segments, ensuring you have the $20 estimated for gas ready to go. My best tip is to utilize that single planned stop to stretch your legs during the transition off the longest 116.7-mile stretch of IL 110. This approach ensures you arrive in Aurora feeling refreshed rather than fatigued from the highway grind.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 66.8 miles from Coal Valley, IL, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116.7 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 29 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66.8 miles or 1h 17m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Aurora, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Coal Valley, 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 Coal Valley, IL
This is one driving day of about 133.5 miles and 2h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Coal Valley, 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 116.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 66.8 mi from Coal Valley, IL · 1h 17m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
67 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 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 66.8 miles from Coal Valley, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before IL 110 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 116.7 miles.
Arriving in Aurora, IL
The final approach into Aurora, 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 Aurora, 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
$20.87 one way
$41.74 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $22.92 | $45.83 |
| premium | $4.89 | $25.69 | $51.38 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.48 | $58.95 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 46.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.1 | 0 | $14.02 | $6.41 |
| Efficient EV | 33.4 | 0 | $11.68 | $5.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 53.4 | 0 | $18.69 | $8.54 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Destination
Aurora, IL
Late night in Aurora on Friday
Local time
5:39 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°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
2h 33m 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 Coal Valley, IL to Aurora, IL covers 133.5 miles and takes about 2h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are IL 110, 69th Avenue, Chicago-Kansas City 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 66.8 miles from Coal Valley, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.87 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
The drive from Coal Valley, IL to Aurora, IL is easy. At 2h 33m with 92% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (1st Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.7 miles (US 6 / East 1st Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 8.3 miles: Navigation decision point.
On the drive from Coal Valley, IL to Aurora, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Rock Falls along the way.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 584 ft to 931 ft elevation with about 372 ft of total climbing.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Elevation is sampled from USGS 3DEP. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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