Origin
Des Plaines, IL
Afternoon in Des Plaines on Sunday
Local time
3:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Des Plaines, IL to Johnston City, IL
Drive Time
6h 6m
Distance
326.4 mi
525 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$50
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 54m
★
6 AM
6h 7m
8 AM
6h 32m
10 AM
6h 15m
12 PM
6h 13m
3 PM
6h 17m
5 PM
6h 31m
8 PM
5h 59m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Des Plaines, IL
Tom Fisk
Johnston City, IL
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Traveling from Des Plaines to Johnston City covers 326.4 miles across the state of Illinois. You can expect a drive time of approximately 6 hours and 6 minutes, making it a manageable journey for a single day behind the wheel. The route relies heavily on major arteries like the Tri-State Tollway and I-57, keeping the navigation straightforward. With a fuel budget of roughly $50, the trip is relatively cost-effective for a solo driver or a small group. Whether you are heading south for business or a change of scenery, this highway-focused path provides a direct connection between the northern and southern reaches of the Midwest.
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
163.2 miles from Des Plaines, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 8m into the drive .
Drive Character
This journey is defined by its efficiency, with 88% of the travel taking place on high-speed highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on the interstate, including a significant 254.2-mile stretch directly on I-57. As you transition from the Chicago suburbs onto the Ken Gray Expressway and beyond, the character of the road remains consistent and fast-paced. Expect a straightforward, interstate-heavy experience that prioritizes speed over winding backroads. It is a classic Midwestern transit route that allows you to cover substantial distance quickly.
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.
I 57 is the longest continuous segment at about 254.2 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 0.1 miles in near South Des Plaines River Road.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 326.4 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 0.1 miles (South Des Plaines River Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 13.8 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
South Des Plaines River Road
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
13.8 mi into trip
|
~19m in
|
I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
18.6 mi into trip
|
~25m in
|
I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
31.5 mi into trip
|
~41m in
Take the exit toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street
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 12 B-A
Toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th...
8
31.7 mi into trip
|
~41m in
Keep slight left at fork toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 12A
Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 254.2 mi | 4h 34m |
| Ken Gray Expressway | 32.7 mi | 35m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 28.3 mi | 35m |
| Cicero Avenue | 4.9 mi | 7m |
| South Des Plaines River Road | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| West Broadway Boulevard | 1 mi | 2m |
| Mile-Long Bridge | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Washington Avenue | 0.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 254.2 mi, about 4h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines, IL and Johnston City, IL.
1
Start on Henry Avenue
0.1 mi
·
25 sec
·
Henry Avenue
2
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
South Des Plaines River Road
Use the none lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Toward I 294 South: Indiana
4
Merge onto I 294
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the none lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the none lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Mile-Long Bridge
8
Continue on I 294
8.5 mi
·
10 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 12 B-A
Toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 12A
Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83
4.9 mi
·
7 min
·
Cicero Avenue
Use the none lane.
12
Turn left onto 167th Street
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
167th Street
Use the left lane.
13
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80
14
Merge onto I 57
188 mi
·
3 hr 23 min
·
I 57
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57
66 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 57
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
33 mi
·
35 min
·
Ken Gray Expressway
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward Johnston City, Herrin
18
Turn left onto Herrin Road
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
Herrin Road
19
Continue on West Broadway Boulevard
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Broadway Boulevard
20
Turn left onto Washington Avenue
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
Washington Avenue
21
At end of road, turn left onto East 9th Street
49 ft
·
4 sec
·
East 9th Street
22
Turn right onto Washington Avenue
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
Washington Avenue
23
Arrive at destination
Washington Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 6-hour trek, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the route is entirely within Illinois, you can maintain a consistent pace, but keep in mind that traffic near the start in Des Plaines can fluctuate. Aim to leave during off-peak hours to avoid potential congestion on the Tri-State Tollway. Because I-57 accounts for the bulk of your time, ensure your vehicle is prepped for a long, sustained highway run. A smart tip for this specific drive is to keep your fuel stops flexible, as the long 254.2-mile stretch on I-57 means you should monitor your gas gauge closely before committing to that final leg.
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 163.2 miles from Des Plaines, IL, or about 3h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 254.2 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 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 163.2 miles or 3h 8m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Johnston City, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines, IL
This is one driving day of about 326.4 miles and 6h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Des Plaines, 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 254.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 163.2 mi from Des Plaines, IL · 3h 8m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
163 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 163.2 miles from Des Plaines, 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 254.2 miles.
Arriving in Johnston City, IL
The final approach into Johnston City, 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 Johnston City, 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
$49.58 one way
$99.15 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
114 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $54.65 | $109.31 |
| premium | $4.80 | $61.62 | $123.24 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $72.51 | $145.03 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.70
Tri-state Tollway
(28.3 mi)
$1.70
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
$50
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 114.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 97.9 | 1 | $34.27 | $15.67 |
| Efficient EV | 81.6 | 0 | $28.56 | $13.06 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 130.6 | 1 | $45.70 | $20.89 |
Gas CO2
114 kg
EV CO2
38 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
Johnston City, IL
Afternoon in Johnston City on Sunday
Local time
3:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 6m 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 Des Plaines, IL to Johnston City, IL covers 326.4 miles and takes about 6h 6m 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 163.2 miles from Des Plaines, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $49.58 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 18 significant decision points across 326.4 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 0.1 miles (South Des Plaines River Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 13.8 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Des Plaines, IL to Johnston City, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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