Origin
East Moline, IL
Evening in East Moline on Thursday
Local time
7:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from East Moline, IL to Aurora, IL
Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
2h 24m
Distance
126.6 mi
204 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 15m
★
6 AM
2h 25m
8 AM
2h 44m
10 AM
2h 31m
12 PM
2h 29m
3 PM
2h 32m
5 PM
2h 43m
8 PM
2h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
East Moline, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Aurora, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Heading from East Moline, IL to Aurora, IL, you're looking at a straightforward trip of about 126.6 miles, estimated to take 2 hours and 24 minutes. This drive is perfectly suited for a single day, so no need to worry about overnight stops. The primary artery for this journey is the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), which makes up a significant portion of your travel. With an estimated fuel cost of $19, this route through the Midwest offers a practical and efficient way to get from point A to point B. It's a drive that prioritizes getting you to your destination without much fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
63.3 miles from East Moline, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 24m. Total distance: 126.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (39%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile.
Drive Character
This route is characterized as a 'Mixed drive,' with 39% of it being on highways. You'll spend a good amount of time on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), which includes the longest continuous stretch of 72.7 miles. Expect stretches that are primarily highway driving, offering a consistent pace. While not explicitly scenic, the transitions between the John Deere Expressway and the tollway provide a varied driving experience as you move through different sections of Illinois.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway is the longest continuous segment at about 72.7 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
910 ft
581 ft
Total Climb
400 ft
Total Descent
425 ft
Highest Point
910 ft
~99.5 mi in
Elevation Range
329 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 30th Avenue.
Driving Effort
2/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The drive from East Moline, IL to Aurora, IL is easy. At 2h 24m with 39% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (30th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 6.6 miles (IL 5; IL 92): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 123.4 miles (IL 56): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
4 of 4 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
|
30th Avenue
Turn left onto 30th Avenue
Navigation decision point
4
6.6 mi into trip
|
~11m in
|
IL 5; IL 92
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 5; IL 92
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
8
123.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m 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
3
126.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
|
West Galena Boulevard
Turn right onto West Galena Boulevard
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway | 72.7 mi | 1h 18m |
| I 88 | 43.8 mi | 46m |
| John Deere Expressway | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| North Lake Street | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| Crosstown Avenue | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| 30th Avenue | 1 mi | 2m |
| IL 56 | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| South Lincolnway Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
— 72.7 mi, about 1h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Moline, IL and Aurora, IL.
1
Start on 7th Street
118 ft
·
8 sec
·
7th Street
2
Turn left onto 30th Avenue
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
30th Avenue
3
Continue on Crosstown Avenue
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Crosstown Avenue
4
Turn left onto IL 5
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
John Deere Expressway
5
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 5; IL 92
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
IL 5; IL 92
6
Continue on I 88; IL 92
44 mi
·
46 min
·
I 88; IL 92
7
Continue on I 88; IL 110
73 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
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
Given the 2 hour and 24 minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in one day. Aiming for an early morning departure from East Moline can help you avoid any potential midday traffic. With only 126.6 miles, you have flexibility if you decide to make an unscheduled stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before hitting the longest stretch on I-88, as services can be spaced out on tollways. The estimated fuel cost is $19, so plan accordingly for your fueling needs before embarking.
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 63.3 miles from East Moline, IL, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72.7 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 28 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 63.3 miles or 1h 12m 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 56m
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 East Moline, 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 Moline, IL
This is one driving day of about 126.6 miles and 2h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from East Moline, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway for about 72.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 63.3 mi from East Moline, IL · 1h 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
63 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 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 63.3 miles from East Moline, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 72.7 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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.79 one way
$39.58 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
44 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $21.73 | $43.46 |
| premium | $4.89 | $24.36 | $48.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $27.95 | $55.90 |
Estimated Tolls: $4.36
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(72.7 mi)
$4.36
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
$20
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 44.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 38 | 0 | $13.29 | $6.08 |
| Efficient EV | 31.7 | 0 | $11.08 | $5.06 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 50.6 | 0 | $17.72 | $8.10 |
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 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
Evening in Aurora on Thursday
Local time
7:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
50°F
Dixon, IL
63 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
20 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 24m 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 Moline, IL to Aurora, IL covers 126.6 miles and takes about 2h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, I 88, John Deere Expressway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 63.3 miles from East Moline, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.79 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.
The drive from East Moline, IL to Aurora, IL is easy. At 2h 24m with 39% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (30th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 6.6 miles (IL 5; IL 92): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 123.4 miles (IL 56): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from East Moline, IL to Aurora, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 581 ft to 910 ft elevation with about 400 ft of total climbing.
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