Origin
Crestwood, IL
Afternoon in Crestwood on Sunday
Local time
3:08 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Crestwood, IL to Arlington Heights, IL
Drive Time
6h 42m
Distance
353.2 mi
568 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$54
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 30m
★
6 AM
6h 42m
8 AM
7h 6m
10 AM
6h 50m
12 PM
6h 48m
3 PM
6h 52m
5 PM
7h 5m
8 PM
6h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Crestwood, IL
Choco Kitty
Arlington Heights, IL
Dominik Gryzbon
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel from Crestwood to Arlington Heights, expect a substantial 353.2-mile journey that takes approximately 6 hours and 42 minutes to complete. Because this is a highway-focused drive, you will spend most of your time on major routes like I-57, the Ken Gray Expressway, and the Tri-State Tollway. While the trip is technically feasible as a one-day push, be prepared for a long day behind the wheel. Budgeting about $54 for fuel will cover your transit costs between these two Illinois locations. Since both points are situated within the Midwest, the regional character remains consistent throughout the trek.
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
176.6 miles from Crestwood, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 18m into the drive .
Drive Character
This route is defined by its efficiency, with 86% of your time spent on high-speed highways. You will settle into a rhythmic, interstate-heavy drive, highlighted by a significant 185.5-mile stretch along I-57 that serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of the trip. Expect a practical, no-nonsense experience designed for getting from point A to point B as directly as possible. The transition between these roads requires focus, as you navigate major arterial infrastructure that carries you steadily toward your destination. It is a straightforward, functional drive that prioritizes steady progress over technical maneuvering.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 57 is the longest continuous segment at about 185.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 123.3 miles in near I 57.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 353.2 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 123.3 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 308.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 309.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
123.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 20m in
|
I 57
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
8
308.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 42m in
Take the exit toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin
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 349-350
Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevar...
8
309.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
Exit 349
Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
8
342 mi into trip
|
~6h 24m in
Take the exit toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Rockford, River Road
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 40
Toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International A...
7
342.2 mi into trip
|
~6h 25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chi...
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Crestwood, IL to Arlington Heights, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Wisconsin along the way.
Wisconsin
308.8 mi in
|
~5h 42m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 185.5 mi | 3h 21m |
| Ken Gray Expressway | 117.9 mi | 2h 7m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 31.1 mi | 39m |
| Jane Addams Memorial Tollway | 6.3 mi | 6m |
| South Arlington Heights Road | 3.1 mi | 6m |
| Power Plant Road | 2.7 mi | 6m |
| Lake Egypt Road | 1 mi | 2m |
| McKinney Chapel Road | 0.5 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 185.5 mi, about 3h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Crestwood, IL and Arlington Heights, IL.
1
Start on Pinewood Drive
385 ft
·
19 sec
·
Pinewood Drive
2
Turn right onto Ridgeway
283 ft
·
18 sec
·
Ridgeway
3
Turn left onto McKinney Chapel Road
255 ft
·
11 sec
·
McKinney Chapel Road
4
Continue on McKinney Chapel Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
McKinney Chapel Road
5
Turn right onto Power Plant Road
2.7 mi
·
6 min
·
Power Plant Road
6
At end of road, turn left onto Lake Egypt Road
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Lake Egypt Road
7
Turn left onto IL 37
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
IL 37
8
At end of road, turn right onto IL 148
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
IL 148
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
10
Merge onto I 57
50 mi
·
54 min
·
Ken Gray Expressway
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
67 mi
·
1 hr 12 min
·
Ken Gray Expressway
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57
185 mi
·
3 hr 21 min
·
I 57
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 349-350
Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
1.8 mi
·
3 min
Exit 349
Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
15
Merge onto I 294
21 mi
·
25 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
10 mi
·
13 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 40
Toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Rockford, River Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chicago
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 90 Toll West: Rockford
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 90
0.2 mi
·
12 sec
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
6.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the none lane.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 70
Toward Arlington Heights Road
Use the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork
498 ft
·
12 sec
Use the right lane.
24
Turn straight onto North Arlington Heights Road
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
North Arlington Heights Road
25
Continue on South Arlington Heights Road
3.1 mi
·
6 min
·
South Arlington Heights Road
Use the none lane.
26
Turn left onto East Euclid Avenue
48 ft
·
1 sec
·
East Euclid Avenue
27
Arrive at destination
East Euclid Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 6 hour and 42 minute duration, timing your departure to avoid peak congestion on the Tri-State Tollway is essential for maintaining your pace. Aim to complete the trip with at least one planned stop, as this is the minimum recommended to keep you alert during the 353.2-mile haul. Since the drive is heavily reliant on highway travel, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the long 185.5-mile segment on I-57 to ensure you don't run low between service areas. Embracing a single-day schedule offers the flexibility to reach Arlington Heights by evening, but stay mindful of your fatigue levels throughout the journey.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 176.6 miles from Crestwood, IL, or about 3h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 185.5 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 176.6 miles or 3h 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 5h 25m
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 Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, IL
This is one driving day of about 353.2 miles and 6h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Crestwood, 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 57 for about 185.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 176.6 mi from Crestwood, IL · 3h 18m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
177 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 176.6 miles from Crestwood, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 185.5 miles.
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.
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
$53.65 one way
$107.29 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
124 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $59.14 | $118.28 |
| premium | $4.80 | $66.68 | $133.35 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $78.47 | $156.94 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.30
Tri-state Tollway
(31.1 mi)
$1.87
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
(6.1 mi)
$0.43
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
$54
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 123.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 106 | 1 | $37.09 | $16.95 |
| Efficient EV | 88.3 | 1 | $30.90 | $14.13 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 141.3 | 1 | $49.45 | $22.60 |
Gas CO2
124 kg
EV CO2
41 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
Arlington Heights, IL
Afternoon in Arlington Heights on Sunday
Local time
3:08 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
30 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
6h 42m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Crestwood, IL to Arlington Heights, IL covers 353.2 miles and takes about 6h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, Ken Gray Expressway, Tri-State Tollway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 176.6 miles from Crestwood, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $53.65 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 22 significant decision points across 353.2 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 123.3 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 308.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 309.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Crestwood, IL to Arlington Heights, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Wisconsin along the way.
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Return Trip
Arlington Heights, IL to Crestwood, ILPlan the drive back the other way.
351.8 mi
6h 41m
Continue From Arlington Heights, IL
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