Origin
Elmhurst, IL
Afternoon in Elmhurst on Tuesday
Local time
4:25 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Elmhurst, IL to Shorewood, IL
Data updated 3 hours ago
Drive Time
48m
Distance
35.7 mi
58 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 45m
★
6 AM
0h 49m
8 AM
0h 57m
10 AM
0h 52m
12 PM
0h 51m
3 PM
0h 52m
5 PM
0h 56m
8 PM
0h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Elmhurst, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Shorewood, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 35.7-mile drive from Elmhurst, IL to Shorewood, IL is an easy one-day trip, taking about 48 minutes to complete. You'll primarily navigate via the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, Veterans Memorial Tollway, and Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway. With a modest estimated fuel cost of $6, this route offers a straightforward journey through the Midwest region. Since there are no recommended stops and the drive is short, you have plenty of flexibility in your schedule. This trip is ideal for a quick connection between these two Illinois locations without requiring an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
17.9 miles from Elmhurst, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 25m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive on this route, with 44% of your journey on highways. The bulk of the travel, a stretch of 15.8 miles, will be on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, offering a consistent pace. The Veterans Memorial Tollway and Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway continue this trend of efficient travel. While not a purely interstate experience, the character remains largely that of a functional, relatively fast-paced drive connecting suburban and more exurban areas. You'll experience varying road types as you transition between these major arteries.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Adlai Stevenson Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 15.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.4 miles in near I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 35.7 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 3.4 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
3.4 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Merge onto I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 138
Toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)
7
8.9 mi into trip
|
~13m in
Take the exit toward I 355 South: Joliet
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 131A
Toward I 355 South: Joliet
8
18.2 mi into trip
|
~25m in
Take the exit toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
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 12A
Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
7
18.5 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Joliet Road South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Joliet Road South
8
34.8 mi into trip
|
~46m in
Take the exit toward US 52: Shorewood, Joliet
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 253
Toward US 52: Shorewood, Joliet
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Elmhurst, IL and Shorewood, IL, road signs point toward 22Nd Street (Cermak Road), Saint Louis and Joliet Road South.
22Nd Street (Cermak Road)
3.4 mi in
|
~7m
|
via I 88; IL 110
Saint Louis
18.2 mi in
|
~25m
Joliet Road South
18.5 mi in
|
~26m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Adlai Stevenson Expressway | 15.8 mi | 19m |
| Veterans Memorial Tollway | 8.6 mi | 10m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway | 5.5 mi | 6m |
| South York Street | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| South York Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| West Jefferson Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| East Jefferson Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Frontage Road | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
— 15.8 mi, about 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elmhurst, IL and Shorewood, IL.
1
Start on this road
267 ft
·
25 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
51 ft
·
9 sec
3
Turn left onto West Park Avenue
362 ft
·
13 sec
·
West Park Avenue
4
Turn right onto South York Street
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
South York Street
5
Continue on South York Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South York Road
6
Turn right onto Frontage Road
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Frontage Road
Use the right lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward I 88 West, IL 110: West Aurora
8
Merge onto I 88; IL 110
5.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Exit 138
Toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 131A
Toward I 355 South: Joliet
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 355
8.6 mi
·
10 min
·
Veterans Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 12A
Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Joliet Road South
Use the slight left lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 55
16 mi
·
19 min
·
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 253
Toward US 52: Shorewood, Joliet
Use the slight right lane.
16
Turn right onto US 52
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
West Jefferson Street
17
Continue on US 52
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
East Jefferson Street
18
Continue on US 52
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
West Jefferson Street
19
Turn left onto Summer Street
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
Summer Street
Use the left lane.
20
Arrive at destination
Summer Street
Trip Plan
Given the short 48-minute duration and 35.7-mile distance, this route is easily manageable in a single day. Consider departing during off-peak hours to avoid potential traffic, especially on the tollways. While no specific stops are noted, you'll easily cover the estimated $6 fuel cost. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 15.8 miles on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, so plan your fuel and breaks accordingly before embarking on that segment. This drive is convenient enough that you can be spontaneous about when you leave and arrive.
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 17.9 miles from Elmhurst, IL, or about 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 15.8 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 35.7 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 17.9 miles or 25m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Shorewood, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst, IL
This is one driving day of about 35.7 miles and 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Elmhurst, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Adlai Stevenson Expressway for about 15.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 17.9 mi from Elmhurst, IL · 25m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
18 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 35.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 17.9 miles from Elmhurst, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Shorewood, IL
The final approach into Shorewood, 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 Shorewood, 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
$5.58 one way
$11.16 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
13 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $6.13 | $12.26 |
| premium | $4.89 | $6.87 | $13.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $7.88 | $15.76 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.93
Veterans Memorial Tollway
(8.6 mi)
$0.60
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(5.5 mi)
$0.33
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
$6
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$32–$57
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 12.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.7 | 0 | $3.75 | $1.71 |
| Efficient EV | 8.9 | 0 | $3.12 | $1.43 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14.3 | 0 | $5.00 | $2.28 |
Gas CO2
12 kg
EV CO2
4 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.
Destination
Shorewood, IL
Afternoon in Shorewood on Tuesday
Local time
4:25 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°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
2 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
48m 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 Elmhurst, IL to Shorewood, IL covers 35.7 miles and takes about 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Adlai Stevenson Expressway, Veterans Memorial Tollway, Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 17.9 miles from Elmhurst, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.58 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 15 significant decision points across 35.7 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 3.4 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Elmhurst, IL and Shorewood, IL, road signs point toward 22Nd Street (Cermak Road), Saint Louis and Joliet Road South.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Shorewood, IL
More trips to Shorewood, IL
Explore more options from Elmhurst, IL or browse trips ending in Shorewood, IL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.
Explore maps for Elmhurst, IL or Shorewood, IL on MapSof.net.