This 120.7-mile drive from East Hazel Crest, IL to Bloomington, IL is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. The route is heavily highway-focused, with 96% of the journey on interstates, making it a straightforward connection between two points in the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $19, it's an economical option for a quick getaway or an efficient transit. You'll spend most of your time on I-55, which forms the backbone of this journey, offering a direct path with minimal detours. Given its short duration and highway nature, this drive is ideal for those looking to maximize their time at their destination rather than on the road.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
60.4 miles from East Hazel Crest, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 13m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 25m. Total distance: 120.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a primarily highway-focused experience on this 120.7-mile journey, with 96% of the drive utilizing interstates like I-55 and I-80. The personality of this route is that of efficient travel, designed for covering distance quickly. You'll encounter an uninterrupted stretch of 82.3 miles on I-55, providing a solid block of highway driving. While the landscape is typical of the Midwest, the focus is on the road itself rather than specific scenic elements. This drive is about maintaining momentum, using I-55 Business for local access as needed.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 82.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 80. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 120.7 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 1.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.6 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 114.1 miles (I 55 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.2 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the ramp toward I 294 North, I 80 West: Tri-State Tollway
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 294 North, I 80 West: Tri-State Tollwa...
8
1.6 mi into trip|~4m in|I 80
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Iowa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5
Toward I 80 West: Iowa
8
114.1 mi into trip|~2h 11m in|I 55 Business
Take the exit onto I 55 Business toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, Central Illinois Regional Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 167
Toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, C...
6
118.1 mi into trip|~2h 18m in
Take the exit toward IL 9 West: Pekin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward IL 9 West: Pekin
6
119.8 mi into trip|~2h 22m in|US 150 / North Clinton Street
Turn left onto US 150 / North Clinton Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
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 East Hazel Crest, IL to Bloomington, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Illinois Regional Airport along the way.
Illinois Regional Airport
114.1 mi in|~2h 11m|via I 55 Business
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
82.3 mi
1h 28m
I 80
29.8 mi
37m
I 55 Business
3.1 mi
5m
East Empire Street
1.6 mi
3m
North Veterans Parkway
0.9 mi
1m
171st Street
0.8 mi
2m
Center Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
East Mulberry Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 82.3 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Hazel Crest, IL and Bloomington, IL.
1
Start on 174th Street
83 ft·9 sec·174th Street
2
Turn left onto Center Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Center Avenue
3
Turn left onto 171st Street
0.8 mi·2 min·171st Street
4
Turn left onto Wood Street
153 ft·4 sec·Wood Street
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 294 North, I 80 West: Tri-State Tollway
6
Merge onto I 80; I 294
0.1 mi·9 sec·Tri-State Tollway
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
30 mi·37 min·I 80
Exit 5Toward I 80 West: IowaUse the slight right lane.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 126AToward I 55 South: Saint Louis
9
Merge onto I 55
82 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 55
Use the right lane.
10
Take the exit onto I 55 Business
3.1 mi·5 min·I 55 Business
Exit 167Toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, Central Illinois Regional AirportUse the slight right lane.
11
Continue on I 55 Business
0.9 mi·1 min·North Veterans Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.1 mi·22 sec
Toward IL 9 West: PekinUse the right lane.
13
Turn straight onto IL 9
1.6 mi·3 min·East Empire Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
14
Turn left onto US 150
0.3 mi·50 sec·North Clinton Street
Use the left lane.
15
Turn right onto East Mulberry Street
0.3 mi·59 sec·East Mulberry Street
16
Turn left onto North Prairie Street
275 ft·14 sec·North Prairie Street
17
Turn right onto East Douglas Street
504 ft·23 sec·East Douglas Street
18
Turn right onto US 51 Business
0.1 mi·15 sec·North East Street
19
Arrive at destination
US 51 Business
Trip Plan
For this 2 hour and 25 minute drive, departing in the morning is your best bet to avoid any potential midday traffic, especially as you navigate the initial stretches involving I-80. Since the drive is under 121 miles and mostly highway, there's no need to split it; you can easily complete it in one go. Fuel costs are estimated at a reasonable $19, so ensure your tank is full before you leave East Hazel Crest to minimize stops. A key tip for this route is to be mindful of the transition from the broader interstates to I-55 Business as you approach Bloomington; it's a good indicator you're nearing your destination.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 60.4 miles from East Hazel Crest, IL, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.3 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 27 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.4 miles or 1h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bloomington, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving East Hazel Crest, 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 East Hazel Crest, IL
This is one driving day of about 120.7 miles and 2h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from East Hazel Crest, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 82.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 60.4 mi from East Hazel Crest, IL
· 1h 13m into the drive
The midpoint is around 60.4 miles from East Hazel Crest, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.3 miles.
Arriving in Bloomington, IL
The final approach into Bloomington, 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 Bloomington, IL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Pullman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.87 one way
$37.74 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg42 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$20.72
$41.44
premium
$4.89
$23.23
$46.46
diesel
$5.61
$26.65
$53.30
Estimated Tolls: $0.01
Tri-state Tollway
(0.1 mi)$0.01
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
$19
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
36.2
0
$12.67
$5.79
Efficient EV
30.2
0
$10.56
$4.83
EV Truck/SUV
48.3
0
$16.90
$7.72
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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 15, 2026
Origin
East Hazel Crest, IL
Morning
in East Hazel Crest on Friday
Local time
7:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bloomington, IL
Morning
in Bloomington on Friday
Local time
7:56 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
Gardner, IL
60 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
19 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 25m 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 East Hazel Crest, IL to Bloomington, IL covers 120.7 miles and takes about 2h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, I 80, I 55 Business. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 60.4 miles from East Hazel Crest, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.87 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 120.7 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 1.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.6 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 114.1 miles (I 55 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from East Hazel Crest, IL to Bloomington, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Illinois Regional Airport along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Pullman National Historical Park.
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.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
