Trip from Elk Grove, IL to Johnston City, IL

Drive Time

6h 7m

Distance

324.2 mi

522 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$49

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

5h 55m ★

6 AM

6h 8m

8 AM

6h 33m

10 AM

6h 17m

12 PM

6h 14m

3 PM

6h 18m

5 PM

6h 32m

8 PM

6h 0m

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

Elk Grove, IL

Dick Hoskins

Johnston City, IL

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

Traveling from Elk Grove to Johnston City covers 324.2 miles across the heart of Illinois. Expect roughly 6 hours and 7 minutes of drive time, making this a straightforward journey that you can comfortably tackle in a single day. You will primarily navigate via the Tri-State Tollway and I-57, with the Ken Gray Expressway serving as your final approach. With an estimated fuel budget of $49, this trip is quite manageable for a weekend getaway or a direct commute. Because the entire route stays within the Midwest, you will experience a consistent regional landscape throughout your travel. It is a practical, highway-focused drive that favors efficiency over scenic detours.

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

162.1 miles from Elk Grove, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 10m into the drive .

Drive Character

This route is defined by its heavy reliance on major thoroughfares, with 89% of your travel occurring on highways. You should prepare for a consistent interstate experience, highlighted by a significant 254.2-mile stretch along I-57. While the drive is largely a highway-focused grind, the transition from the northern suburbs of Elk Grove to the southern reaches of Johnston City provides a steady change in scenery as you move deeper into the state. You will find that the rhythm of the drive remains predictable, allowing you to settle into a steady pace for the duration of the trip. Expect a reliable, high-speed transit experience that prioritizes getting you to your destination quickly.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 29 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 6.8 miles in near US 20.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 324.2 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 6.8 miles (US 20): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.5 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 22 key points

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

6.8 mi into trip | ~12m 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 right lane. Toward I 290 East, US 20 East: Chicago

9.8 mi into trip | ~16m 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

10.5 mi into trip | ~18m 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. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana

29.3 mi into trip | ~42m 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...

29.5 mi into trip | ~42m 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	18.2 mi	23m
Cicero Avenue	4.9 mi	7m
York Road	4.3 mi	7m
US 20	3 mi	4m
North York Street	1.3 mi	2m
West Broadway Boulevard	1 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 57 — 254.2 mi, about 4h 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elk Grove, IL and Johnston City, IL.

Start on South Elmhurst Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Elmhurst Road

Use the none lane.

Continue on York Road

4.3 mi · 7 min · York Road

Use the none lane.

Continue on North York Street

1.3 mi · 2 min · North York Street

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto Lake Street

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Lake Street

Turn slight right

147 ft · 7 sec

Use the right lane.

Take the ramp onto US 20

3.0 mi · 4 min · US 20

Toward I 290 East, US 20 East: Chicago Use the right lane.

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.

Continue on I 294

0.4 mi · 47 sec · Tri-State Tollway

Exit 15A Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana

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 Use the none lane.

Merge onto I 294

137 ft · 1 sec · Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294

3.5 mi · 4 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 294

0.9 mi · 1 min · Mile-Long Bridge

Continue on I 294

8.5 mi · 10 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the none lane.

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.

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 12A Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue Use the straight lane.

Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83

4.9 mi · 7 min · Cicero Avenue

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto 167th Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · 167th Street

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80

Merge onto I 57

188 mi · 3 hr 23 min · I 57

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57

66 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 57

Toward I 57 South: Memphis

Keep slight right at fork onto I 57

33 mi · 35 min · Ken Gray Expressway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec

Toward Johnston City, Herrin

Turn left onto Herrin Road

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Herrin Road

Continue on West Broadway Boulevard

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Broadway Boulevard

Turn left onto Washington Avenue

0.2 mi · 40 sec · Washington Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto East 9th Street

49 ft · 4 sec · East 9th Street

Turn right onto Washington Avenue

0.1 mi · 27 sec · Washington Avenue

Arrive at destination

Washington Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 6-hour and 7-minute journey, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the longest uninterrupted segment of the trip is 254.2 miles on I-57, timing your break strategically before or after this stretch will help you avoid driver fatigue. Given the highway-heavy nature of the route, try to depart early in the morning to avoid potential congestion on the Tri-State Tollway near Elk Grove. Keep your $49 fuel budget in mind when planning your stop, as prices can vary between the northern and southern parts of the state. Because this is a single-day trip, your primary advantage is flexibility; do not hesitate to adjust your departure time to bypass peak local traffic hours.

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 162.1 miles from Elk Grove, IL, or about 3h 10m 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 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 162.1 miles or 3h 10m 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 2m

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 Elk Grove, 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 Elk Grove, IL

This is one driving day of about 324.2 miles and 6h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Elk Grove, 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 162.1 mi from Elk Grove, IL · 3h 10m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

162 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

Joliet, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Champaign, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 162.1 miles from Elk Grove, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top 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

$49.24 one way

$98.49 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 113 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$54.28	$108.57
premium	$4.80	$61.20	$122.40
diesel	$5.64	$72.03	$144.05

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

$49

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$75–$100

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 113.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	97.3	1	$34.04	$15.56
Efficient EV	81.1	0	$28.37	$12.97
EV Truck/SUV	129.7	1	$45.39	$20.75

Gas CO2

113 kg

EV CO2

38 kg (66% 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Elk Grove, IL

Afternoon in Elk Grove on Sunday

Local time

4:19 PM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Johnston City, IL

Afternoon in Johnston City on Sunday

Local time

4:19 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 7m 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 Elk Grove, IL to Johnston City, IL covers 324.2 miles and takes about 6h 7m 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 162.1 miles from Elk Grove, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $49.24 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.

The route from Elk Grove, IL to Johnston City, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Johnston City, IL to Elk Grove, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

325.8 mi 6h 7m

Explore more options from Elk Grove, IL or browse trips ending in Johnston City, IL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.

Explore maps for Elk Grove, IL or Johnston City, IL on MapSof.net.

Trip from Elk Grove, IL to Johnston City, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Johnston City, IL

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Elk Grove, IL

Johnston City, IL

Same local time

30 degrees warmer at arrival

6h 7m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Johnston City, IL

More from Elk Grove, IL

More trips to Johnston City, IL