Skip to main content
Trip.ovh Logo
Trip.ovh

Trip from Elgin, IL to University Park, IL

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

1h 31m

Distance

60.3 mi

97 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$9

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 21 min
4 AM
1h 25m ★
6 AM
1h 32m
8 AM
1h 46m
10 AM
1h 37m
12 PM
1h 35m
3 PM
1h 37m
5 PM
1h 45m
8 PM
1h 27m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
city in Cook and Kane counties in the northern part of the U.S. state of Illinois

Elgin, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown University Park, IL, IL

University Park, IL

Quang Vuong

Trip Overview

The drive from Elgin, IL to University Park, IL covers 60.3 miles and takes about 1h 31m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Tri-State Tollway, Cicero Avenue, West Lake Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 18.2 miles on Tri-State Tollway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $9.43 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.

Midpoint

30.2 miles from Elgin, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 45m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 31m. Total distance: 60.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a 1h 31m drive with frequent turns across 60.3 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Tri-State Tollway is the longest continuous segment at about 18.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 19.7 miles in near US 20.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 60.3 miles you will encounter 17 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: at 19.7 miles (US 20): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.5 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
19.7 mi into trip | ~30m in | US 20

Take the ramp onto US 20 toward I 290 East, US 20 East: Chicago

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward I 290 East, US 20 East: Chicago
8
22.8 mi into trip | ~34m in

Take the exit toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana

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 15A Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
6
23.5 mi into trip | ~36m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
8
42.2 mi into trip | ~1h 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
42.5 mi into trip | ~1h 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

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 Elgin, IL to University Park, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Indiana along the way.

Indiana

22.8 mi in | ~34m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Tri-State Tollway 18.2 mi 23m
Cicero Avenue 14.1 mi 22m
West Lake Street 10.3 mi 15m
Lake Street 6.7 mi 10m
US 20 3.1 mi 4m
Villa Street 2.4 mi 3m
University Parkway 1.8 mi 3m
Stuenkel Road 1.2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Tri-State Tollway — 18.2 mi, about 23m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elgin, IL and University Park, IL.

1

Start on East Chicago Street

34 ft · 5 sec · East Chicago Street
2

Turn right onto Villa Street

2.4 mi · 3 min · Villa Street
3

Merge onto US 20

0.3 mi · 29 sec · Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
4

Continue on US 20

5.2 mi · 6 min · West Lake Street
5

Continue on US 20

6.7 mi · 10 min · Lake Street
6

Continue on US 20

5.1 mi · 8 min · West Lake Street
Use the left / uturn lanes.
7

Take the ramp onto US 20

3.1 mi · 4 min · US 20
Toward I 290 East, US 20 East: Chicago Use the left lane.
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Exit 15A Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on I 294

0.4 mi · 47 sec · Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15A Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

1.0 mi · 2 min · Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
11

Merge onto I 294

137 ft · 1 sec · Tri-State Tollway
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway
13

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294

3.5 mi · 4 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Continue on I 294

0.9 mi · 1 min · Mile-Long Bridge
15

Continue on I 294

8.5 mi · 10 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

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.
17

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 12A Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue Use the straight lane.
18

Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83

14 mi · 22 min · Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
19

Turn left onto Stuenkel Road

1.2 mi · 2 min · Stuenkel Road
20

Turn right onto University Parkway

1.8 mi · 3 min · University Parkway
21

Turn right onto Burnham Drive

0.3 mi · 1 min · Burnham Drive
22

Turn left onto Sandra Drive

244 ft · 15 sec · Sandra Drive
23

Turn left

203 ft · 14 sec
24

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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 30.2 miles from Elgin, IL, or about 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 18.2 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 13 miles or 19m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 30.2 miles or 45m 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 15m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near University Park, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Elgin, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Elgin, IL

This is one driving day of about 60.3 miles and 1h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 13 miles from Elgin, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Tri-State Tollway for about 18.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 30.2 mi from Elgin, IL · 45m into the drive

city in Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Elmhurst, IL

30 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

Bloomingdale, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 13 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Downers Grove, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 30.2 miles from Elgin, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in University Park, IL

The final approach into University Park, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

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

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...

7 mi from route ~18 min detour Free near mile 43.7
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$9.43 one way

$18.85 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 21 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $10.35 $20.70
premium $4.89 $11.60 $23.21
diesel $5.61 $13.31 $26.63

Estimated Tolls: $1.09

Tri-state Tollway (18.2 mi) $1.09

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

$9

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$36–$61

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 21.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 18.1 0 $6.33 $2.89
Efficient EV 15.1 0 $5.28 $2.41
EV Truck/SUV 24.1 0 $8.44 $3.86

Gas CO2

21 kg

EV CO2

7 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 16, 2026

Origin

Elgin, IL

Afternoon in Elgin on Thursday

Local time

4:24 PM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms

NW 10 mph 34% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 12:33PM CDT until April 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 16 at 12:29PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Destination

University Park, IL

Afternoon in University Park on Thursday

Local time

4:24 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

69°F

Elmhurst, IL

30 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

6 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

1h 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Elgin, IL to University Park, IL covers 60.3 miles and takes about 1h 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Tri-State Tollway, Cicero Avenue, West Lake Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 30.2 miles from Elgin, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.43 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 60.3 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 19.7 miles (US 20): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.5 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Elgin, IL to University Park, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Indiana along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Pullman National Historical Park.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From University Park, IL

Bremen, IL 317.4 mi · 6h 7m Champaign, IL 105.9 mi · 2h 3m

More from Elgin, IL

Makanda, IL 365.6 mi · 7h 6m Buena Vista, IL 364 mi · 7h 2m Crestwood, IL 355.1 mi · 6h 50m Sleepy Hollow, IL 353.9 mi · 6h 46m Campton, IL 349.9 mi · 6h 52m Cambria, IL 347.5 mi · 6h 40m

More trips to University Park, IL

Bremen, IL 309.6 mi North Peoria, IL 146.6 mi Peoria, IL 144.7 mi Aurora, IL 56 mi Naperville, IL 48.9 mi Chicago, IL 36.6 mi
Weekend drives from Elgin, IL Scenic drives in IL

Explore more options from Elgin, IL or browse trips ending in University Park, IL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.

Explore maps for Elgin, IL or University Park, IL on MapSof.net.