Trip from Elmhurst, IL to Waterloo, IL

Data updated 4 hours ago

Drive Time

5h 48m

Distance

307.8 mi

495 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

33 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 35m ★

6 AM

5h 48m

8 AM

6h 15m

10 AM

5h 57m

12 PM

5h 55m

3 PM

5h 59m

5 PM

6h 13m

8 PM

5h 40m

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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Elmhurst, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Waterloo, IL

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Trip Overview

The drive from Elmhurst, IL to Waterloo, IL covers 307.8 miles and takes about 5h 48m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 55, Adlai Stevenson Expressway, I 255 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 146.8 miles on I 55. At current regular gas prices, budget about $46.75 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

153.9 miles from Elmhurst, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 55m into the drive .

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Drive Character

This is a 5h 48m highway drive covering 307.8 miles, with most of the trip on I 55 and Adlai Stevenson Expressway. The longest continuous stretch is about 146.8 miles on I 55.

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

There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 55 is the longest continuous segment at about 146.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Adlai Stevenson Expressway. 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 20 significant decision points across 307.8 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 20 key points

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

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)

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

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

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

130.5 mi into trip | ~2h 29m in | I 55

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield

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 Waterloo, IL, road signs point toward Saint Louis, Joliet Road South and Springfield.

Saint Louis

18.2 mi in | ~25m

Joliet Road South

18.5 mi in | ~26m

Springfield

130.5 mi in | ~2h 29m | via I 55

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 55	146.8 mi	2h 38m
Adlai Stevenson Expressway	111.5 mi	2h 2m
I 255	17.2 mi	19m
IL 3	10.4 mi	12m
Veterans Memorial Tollway	8.6 mi	10m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway	5.5 mi	6m
South York Street	2.1 mi	4m
North Market Street	1.4 mi	3m

Longest stretch: I 55 — 146.8 mi, about 2h 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Elmhurst, IL and Waterloo, IL.

Start on this road

267 ft · 25 sec · this road

Turn left

51 ft · 9 sec

Turn left onto West Park Avenue

362 ft · 13 sec · West Park Avenue

Turn right onto South York Street

2.1 mi · 4 min · South York Street

Continue on South York Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · South York Road

Turn right onto Frontage Road

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Frontage Road

Use the right lane.

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Toward I 88 West, IL 110: West Aurora

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.

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 55 sec

Exit 131A Toward I 355 South: Joliet Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 355

8.6 mi · 10 min · Veterans Memorial Tollway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Exit 12A Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec

Toward Joliet Road South Use the slight left lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec

Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 55

112 mi · 2 hr 2 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

65 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 55

Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

82 mi · 1 hr 28 min · I 55

Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Exit 10 Toward I 255: Memphis, Interstate 270

Keep slight left at fork

1.1 mi · 2 min

Toward I 255 South: Memphis

Merge onto I 255

17 mi · 19 min · I 255

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit onto IL 3

10 mi · 12 min · IL 3

Exit 6 Toward IL 3 South: Columbia Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn left onto North Market Street

1.4 mi · 3 min · North Market Street

Turn right onto West Mill Street

258 ft · 11 sec · West Mill Street

Arrive at destination

West Mill Street

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 153.9 miles from Elmhurst, IL, or about 2h 55m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 146.8 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 80 miles or 1h 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 153.9 miles or 2h 55m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 41m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waterloo, 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 307.8 miles and 5h 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.

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 146.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 153.9 mi from Elmhurst, IL · 2h 55m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bloomington, IL

154 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.

Popular next leg

Bloomington, IL to Waterloo, IL

180.8 mi · 3h 27m

Pacing Suggestions

Normal, IL

Fuel and coffee

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

Bloomington, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 153.9 miles from Elmhurst, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 146.8 miles.

Arriving in Waterloo, IL

The final approach into Waterloo, 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 Waterloo, 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

National Monument

In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 191

View on nps.gov

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...

22 mi from route ~55 min detour Free

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.75 one way

$93.50 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 108 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$51.54	$103.08
premium	$4.80	$58.11	$116.21
diesel	$5.64	$68.38	$136.76

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

$47

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 107.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

EV Charging Along Route

33 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Target - Tesla Supercharger

Villa Park, IL

Tesla

16 DCFC

Target - Tesla Supercharger

Lombard, IL

Tesla

16 DCFC

Mainstreet Square - Tesla Supercharger

Downers Grove, IL

Tesla

12 DCFC

The Oaks of Oak Brook - Tesla Supercharger

Oak Brook, IL

Tesla

8 DCFC

Buddy Bear - 1901 W Cermak Rd

Broadview, IL

NOODOE

6 DCFC

Thorntons, 800 W Lake St, Addison, IL

Addison, IL

BP_PULSE

4 DCFC

Citgo Elmhurst

Elmhurst, IL

NAYAX_ENERGY

4 DCFC

600 W North Ave

Lombard, IL

SHELL_RECHARGE

4 DCFC

SHELL_RECHARGE: 4 Tesla: 4 NAYAX_ENERGY: 3 ChargePoint Network: 3 NOODOE: 3 Blink Network: 3 BP_PULSE: 2 EVXY: 2 Non-Networked: 2 eVgo Network: 2 UNIVERSAL: 1 Electrify America: 1 EV Connect: 1 IN_CHARGE: 1 FORD_CHARGE: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	92.3	1	$32.32	$14.77
Efficient EV	77	0	$26.93	$12.31
EV Truck/SUV	123.1	1	$43.09	$19.70

Gas CO2

108 kg

EV CO2

36 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 4 hours ago

Origin

Elmhurst, IL

Afternoon in Elmhurst on Tuesday

Local time

2:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

80°F

Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 15 mph 40% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 14 at 8:57AM CDT until April 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 13 at 9:43PM CDT until April 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Destination

Waterloo, IL

Afternoon in Waterloo on Tuesday

Local time

2:44 PM

CDT

Current temp

86°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 8 to 15 mph 11% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 14 at 8:57AM CDT until April 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 13 at 9:43PM CDT until April 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

53°F

Bloomington, IL

154 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

5h 48m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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 Waterloo, IL covers 307.8 miles and takes about 5h 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 55, Adlai Stevenson Expressway, I 255. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 153.9 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 $46.75 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

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.

Between Elmhurst, IL and Waterloo, IL, road signs point toward Saint Louis, Joliet Road South and Springfield.

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Trip from Elmhurst, IL to Waterloo, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Waterloo, IL

National Parks Near This Route

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Pullman National Historical Park

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Elmhurst, IL

Waterloo, IL

Same local time

6 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 48m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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