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Trip from Danville, IL to Aurora, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 31m

Distance

138.9 mi

224 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 20m ★
6 AM
3h 32m
8 AM
3h 57m
10 AM
3h 40m
12 PM
3h 38m
3 PM
3h 42m
5 PM
3h 55m
8 PM
3h 24m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in and the county seat of Vermilion County, Illinois, United States

Danville, IL

Wikimedia Commons

city on tripoints of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties in Illinois, United States

Aurora, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Danville, IL to Aurora, IL covers 138.9 miles and takes about 3h 31m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 136, I 55, North 1400 East Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed highway & surface. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 39.3 miles on US 136. At current regular gas prices, budget about $21.72 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

69.5 miles from Danville, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 136 39.3 mi 58m
I 55 18.6 mi 20m
North 1400 East Road 9.8 mi 14m
County Road North 303 West 8.9 mi 15m
State Route 113 7.7 mi 11m
Lincoln Highway 7.5 mi 11m
North 2100 E Road 6.8 mi 10m
North Vermilion Street 6.3 mi 9m
Longest stretch: US 136 — 39.3 mi, about 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Danville, IL and Aurora, IL.

1

Start on US 136

13 ft · 7 sec · East Main Street
2

Turn left onto North Vermilion Street

6.3 mi · 9 min · North Vermilion Street
Use the left lane.
3

Continue on US 136; IL 1

39 mi · 58 min · US 136; IL 1
4

Turn left onto US 24; IL 1

2.7 mi · 6 min · East Walnut Street
5

Turn right onto IL 1

1.0 mi · 1 min · North 2100 East Road
6

Continue on IL 1

6.8 mi · 10 min · North 2100 E Road
7

Turn left onto US 52

2.0 mi · 3 min · East 2600 North Road
8

Continue on US 52

5.0 mi · 7 min · County Road 2600 N
9

Turn right onto US 45; US 52

5.2 mi · 7 min · County Road 1400 East
10

Continue on US 45; US 52

9.8 mi · 14 min · North 1400 East Road
11

Turn left onto US 45; US 52

0.5 mi · 49 sec · South East Avenue
12

Turn slight left onto US 45; US 52

0.4 mi · 44 sec · West Water Street
13

Turn right onto South Wall Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Wall Street
14

Continue on IL 113

1.5 mi · 2 min · North Wall Street
15

Continue on IL 113

8.9 mi · 15 min · County Road North 303 West
16

Continue on IL 113

7.7 mi · 11 min · State Route 113
17

Turn right onto West River Road

3.1 mi · 4 min · West River Road
18

Turn left onto IL 53

256 ft · 9 sec · West Baltimore Street
19

Turn right onto CH 29

1.6 mi · 2 min · Stripmine Road
20

Turn right onto IL 129

0.4 mi · 33 sec · Washington Street
21

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 55 sec
22

Merge onto I 55

19 mi · 20 min · I 55
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 257 Toward US 30: Joliet, Aurora Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Keep slight left at fork

135 ft · 5 sec
Use the left lane.
25

Turn left onto US 30

2.5 mi · 5 min · Joliet Road
Use the right lane.
26

Turn slight right onto US 30; IL 59; US 66 Hist

1.2 mi · 2 min · North Division Street
Use the right lane.
27

Turn left onto US 30

1.0 mi · 1 min · 143rd Street
Use the left lane.
28

Turn right onto US 30

7.5 mi · 11 min · Lincoln Highway
Use the right lane.
29

Continue on Hill Avenue

2.4 mi · 4 min · Hill Avenue
Use the left lane.
30

Continue on East Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 21 sec · East Galena Boulevard
31

Turn right onto North Ohio Street

0.1 mi · 21 sec · North Ohio Street
Use the left lane.
32

Turn left onto East New York Street

1.5 mi · 2 min · East New York Street
Use the left lane.
33

Turn left onto IL 31

417 ft · 14 sec · North Lake Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
34

Turn right onto West Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 9 sec · West Galena Boulevard
35

Arrive at destination

West Galena Boulevard

Trip Plan

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 69.5 miles from Danville, IL, or about 1h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 39.3 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 31 miles or 46m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 69.5 miles or 1h 46m 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 52m

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 Danville, 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 Danville, IL

This is one driving day of about 138.9 miles and 3h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Danville, 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 US 136 for about 39.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Bourbonnais, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bourbonnais, IL

69 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

Hoopeston, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Otto, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 69.5 miles from Danville, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Watseka Table Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Watseka, Illinois

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 49.6

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18154322727

Visit website

Rosemary Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Joliet, Illinois

1.4 mi

La Potosina

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Watseka, Illinois

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shorewood, Illinois

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 119.1

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18156304235

Visit website

Kafé De Kasa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Crest Hill, Illinois

2.7 mi

Kafe De Kasa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Shorewood, Illinois

1.8 mi

Watseka Table Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 49.6

Watseka, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18154322727

Visit website

Rosemary Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.1

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18157824094

Visit website

La Potosina

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 49.6

Watseka, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18154324500

Visit website

Sushi Ya

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 119.1

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+18157303838

Visit website

Happy Place Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.1

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18156661447

Visit website

Mimi's Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 99.2

Wilmington, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+17798756475

Visit website

Urban Kitchen

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119.1

Crest Hill, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18157826417

Visit website

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 79.4

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18159351501

Visit website

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 119.1

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18156304235

Visit website

Kafé De Kasa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 119.1

Crest Hill, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18156303694

Visit website

Kafe De Kasa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 119.1

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17792421902

Visit website

Ten Drops Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 129

Plainfield, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–5 pm

+16306962137

Visit website

Bonny's Bistro

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 119.1

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18476271095

Visit website

Emmys Cafe & Gaming

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 99.2

Braidwood, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+18153905133

Brick & Ivy Coffee Co.

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 109.1

Channahon, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+12176638389

Visit website

The Wine Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 99.2

Wilmington, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+18154769009

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 137.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | North Vermilion Street

Turn left onto North Vermilion Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
122.1 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in

Take the exit toward US 30: Joliet, Aurora

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 257 Toward US 30: Joliet, Aurora
6
122.4 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
126.1 mi into trip | ~3h 10m in | US 30 / 143rd Street

Turn left onto US 30 / 143rd Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
137.1 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in | North Ohio Street

Turn right onto North Ohio Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.72 one way

$43.43 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 49 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $23.84 $47.69
premium $4.89 $26.73 $53.46
diesel $5.61 $30.67 $61.33

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 48.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 41.7 0 $14.58 $6.67
Efficient EV 34.7 0 $12.15 $5.56
EV Truck/SUV 55.6 0 $19.45 $8.89

Gas CO2

49 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (67% 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 as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Danville, IL

Afternoon in Danville on Saturday

Local time

12:36 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Aurora, IL

Afternoon in Aurora on Saturday

Local time

12:36 PM

CDT

Current temp

43°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

W 15 to 20 mph 91% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 1:32AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 17 at 11:24PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

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

31 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

3h 31m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

138.9 mi in 3h 31m — 47% highway, the rest on surface roads. Biggest road: US 136.

47% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 39.3 mi on US 136.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 21 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North Vermilion Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 138.9 miles you will encounter 21 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: near the start (North Vermilion Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 122.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Aurora, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1835

Aurora is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, located about 35 miles west of Chicago. It's at the very edge of Chicagoland and, situated on the Fox River, has many opportunities for urban, suburban, and rural recreation. Often overlooked, Aurora in fact has many surprisingly interesting attractions and a downtown unlike that of a typical suburb. It is probably best known for being the setting of the "Wayne's World" movies.

Top landmarks

  • • Aurora University — private university in Aurora, Illinois, U.S
  • • Hotel Arthur — United States historic place
  • • Graham Building — historic building in Aurora, Illinois

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 31m. Total distance: 138.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 39.3 miles on US 136. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Aurora, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (North Vermilion Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 122.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Aurora, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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