Trip from Elk Grove, IL to Metropolis, IL

Drive Time

7h 5m

Distance

377.3 mi

607 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$57

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min

4 AM

6h 55m ★

6 AM

7h 6m

8 AM

7h 28m

10 AM

7h 14m

12 PM

7h 11m

3 PM

7h 15m

5 PM

7h 27m

8 PM

6h 59m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Elk Grove, IL

Dick Hoskins

Metropolis, IL

Paolo Sanchez

Trip Overview

Traveling from Elk Grove to Metropolis covers 377.3 miles across the state of Illinois, typically requiring about 7 hours and 5 minutes behind the wheel. Because this is a highway-focused drive, you can comfortably complete the journey in a single day, though it makes for a long stint of driving. You will primarily utilize I-57, the Ken Gray Expressway, and I-24 to navigate from the northern suburbs down toward the southern tip of the state. Budgeting approximately $57 for fuel should cover your expenses, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. While the trip stays entirely within the Midwest, it takes you from the dense northern Chicago area to the distinct landscape of southern Illinois. Planning for a full day on the road is essential to ensure you arrive at your destination before dark.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

188.7 miles from Elk Grove, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 39m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a straightforward, interstate-heavy experience, as 91% of this route consists of high-speed highway travel. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-57, which features a significant 254.2-mile stretch that serves as the backbone of your journey. This is not a route defined by winding backroads or technical turns; rather, it is a consistent, efficient push southward. As you transition onto the Ken Gray Expressway and eventually I-24, the character of the drive remains focused on speed and distance. Be prepared for a sustained interstate grind that demands steady focus, especially during the long, uninterrupted segments that define the majority of your time in the driver's seat.

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

There are about 30 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 377.3 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	47.2 mi	50m
I 24	35.6 mi	38m
Tri-State Tollway	18.2 mi	23m
Cicero Avenue	4.9 mi	7m
York Road	4.3 mi	7m
US 20	3 mi	4m
United States Route 45	1.6 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 Metropolis, 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

47 mi · 50 min · Ken Gray Expressway

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 1 min

Toward I 24 East: Nashville

Continue on I 24

36 mi · 38 min · I 24

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 39 sec

Exit 37 Toward US 45: Metropolis, Brookport, Rest Area, Welcome Center

Turn right onto US 45

1.6 mi · 2 min · United States Route 45

Turn right onto East 12th Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · East 12th Street

Turn left onto Ferry Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Ferry Street

Turn right onto West 5th Street

45 ft · 1 sec · West 5th Street

Arrive at destination

West 5th Street

Trip Plan

To manage the 377.3-mile distance effectively, try to depart early in the morning to beat potential traffic near Elk Grove. Incorporating two planned stops will help break up the 7-hour drive and keep you refreshed for the final miles. Keep a close watch on your fuel levels during the 254.2-mile stretch on I-57, as choosing your refueling points strategically will help you stay within your $57 budget. Since the route is entirely highway-based, your pace will be relatively fast, but remaining flexible with your schedule is a major advantage if you encounter any unexpected slowdowns on the major interstates. Prioritize these two stops to stretch your legs and maintain focus throughout the entirety of this long-haul trek.

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 188.7 miles from Elk Grove, IL, or about 3h 39m 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 83 miles or 1h 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 188.7 miles or 3h 39m 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 57m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Metropolis, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Elk Grove, IL

This is one driving day of about 377.3 miles and 7h 5m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Elk Grove, IL.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks 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 188.7 mi from Elk Grove, IL · 3h 39m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

189 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 83 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Champaign, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 188.7 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 Metropolis, IL

The final approach into Metropolis, 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 Metropolis, 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

$57.31 one way

$114.62 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 132 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$63.18	$126.35
premium	$4.80	$71.23	$142.45
diesel	$5.64	$83.82	$167.65

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

$57

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$83–$108

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 132 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	113.2	1	$39.62	$18.11
Efficient EV	94.3	1	$33.01	$15.09
EV Truck/SUV	150.9	1	$52.82	$24.15

Gas CO2

132 kg

EV CO2

44 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Elk Grove, IL

Evening in Elk Grove on Sunday

Local time

6:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Metropolis, IL

Evening in Metropolis on Sunday

Local time

6:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

77°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

31 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

7h 5m 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 Metropolis, IL covers 377.3 miles and takes about 7h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 57, Ken Gray Expressway, I 24. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 188.7 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 $57.31 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 2 meaningful breaks 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 Metropolis, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Return Trip

Metropolis, IL to Elk Grove, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

377 mi 7h 7m

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Trip from Elk Grove, IL to Metropolis, 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 Metropolis, IL

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Elk Grove, IL

Metropolis, IL

Same local time

31 degrees warmer at arrival

7h 5m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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