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Trip from Evanston, IL to Southern View, IL

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

4h 14m

Distance

215.9 mi

348 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

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station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 1m ★
6 AM
4h 14m
8 AM
4h 41m
10 AM
4h 24m
12 PM
4h 21m
3 PM
4h 25m
5 PM
4h 39m
8 PM
4h 6m

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

suburban city in Cook County, Illinois, United States

Evanston, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Southern View, IL, IL

Southern View, IL

Gildo Cancelli

Trip Overview

This Midwest road trip from Evanston, Illinois, to Southern View, Illinois, covers 215.9 miles and is estimated to take about 4 hours and 14 minutes of driving time. Primarily utilizing the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-55, this route is heavily focused on highway travel, with 86% of the journey on major roadways. It's a manageable distance for a single day, making it a convenient option if you're looking for a straightforward drive. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $34. You'll spend most of your time on well-traveled expressways, so expect a consistent, albeit not particularly scenic, journey.

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

108 miles from Evanston, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 215.9-mile trip. With 86% of the route on major expressways like the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-55, you'll experience a consistent pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 119.4 miles, so be prepared for extended periods of highway driving. While the roads are efficient, the profile suggests a generally monotonous interstate experience rather than varied landscapes. This route prioritizes direct travel over scenic exploration, keeping you on fast-paced, multi-lane highways for most of the journey.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 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 119.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.

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 215.9 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: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.1 miles (Asbury Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 27.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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
0 mi into trip | ~0m in

At end of road, turn left

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

6
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Asbury Avenue

Turn left onto Asbury Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
27.6 mi into trip | ~43m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
29.5 mi into trip | ~45m in

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

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
8
149.3 mi into trip | ~3h 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 Evanston, IL and Southern View, IL, road signs point toward St. Louis and Springfield.

St. Louis

28.9 mi in | ~44m

Springfield

149.3 mi in | ~3h | via I 55

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Adlai Stevenson Expressway 119.4 mi 2h 13m
I 55 64.8 mi 1h 10m
Tri-State Tollway 17.5 mi 22m
West Touhy Avenue 4 mi 7m
Oakton Street 4 mi 7m
Asbury Avenue 1 mi 1m
West Gross Point Road 0.9 mi 1m
I 55 Business 0.7 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Adlai Stevenson Expressway — 119.4 mi, about 2h 13m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Evanston, IL and Southern View, IL.

1

Start on this road

197 ft · 21 sec · this road
2

At end of road, turn left

139 ft · 15 sec
3

At end of road, turn left onto Dempster Street

213 ft · 14 sec · Dempster Street
4

Turn left onto Asbury Avenue

1.0 mi · 1 min · Asbury Avenue
Use the left lane.
5

Turn right onto Oakton Street

4.0 mi · 7 min · Oakton Street
6

Turn slight left onto Gross Point Road

0.5 mi · 52 sec · Gross Point Road
7

Turn straight onto New Gross Point Road

0.1 mi · 14 sec · New Gross Point Road
8

Turn right onto Howard Street

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Howard Street
9

Turn left onto North Lehigh Avenue

120 ft · 2 sec · North Lehigh Avenue
10

Turn right onto West Gross Point Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · West Gross Point Road
11

Turn slight right onto West Touhy Avenue

4.0 mi · 7 min · West Touhy Avenue
Use the right lane.
12

Turn left onto South Des Plaines River Road

184 ft · 3 sec · South Des Plaines River Road
13

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 55 sec
Toward I 294 South: Indiana
14

Merge onto I 294

11 mi · 14 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294

1.2 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 23 Toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis
18

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis Use the slight right lane.
19

Merge onto I 55

119 mi · 2 hr 13 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

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.
21

Keep slight right at fork onto I 72; US 36

0.2 mi · 12 sec · I 72; US 36
Toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
22

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 92A Toward I 55 Business North: Springfield
23

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 Business

0.7 mi · 1 min · I 55 Business
Toward I 55 Business North: Springfield
24

Turn left onto East Saint Joseph Street

0.1 mi · 17 sec · East Saint Joseph Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
25

Turn right onto South 6th Street

0.1 mi · 23 sec · South 6th Street
26

Turn left onto East Cordelia Street

0.3 mi · 45 sec · East Cordelia Street
27

Arrive at destination

East Cordelia Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 14-minute duration, this trip is well-suited for a single day. Consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially as you navigate the initial expressway segments around the Chicago metropolitan area. With 86% of the drive on highways, plan for minimal stops unless needed for fuel or a quick break. The estimated fuel cost is $34, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Evanston. A specific tip for this route: be aware of potential construction zones on I-55, as they can cause delays, especially during peak travel times.

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 108 miles from Evanston, IL, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.4 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 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 108 miles or 2h 13m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 30m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Evanston, 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 Evanston, IL

This is one driving day of about 215.9 miles and 4h 14m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Evanston, 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 Adlai Stevenson Expressway for about 119.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 108 mi from Evanston, IL · 2h 13m into the drive

Downtown Normal, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Normal, IL

108 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.

Normal, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 108 miles from Evanston, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Adlai Stevenson Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119.4 miles.

Arriving in Southern View, IL

The final approach into Southern View, 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 Southern View, 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

$33.75 one way

$67.51 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 76 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $37.06 $74.12
premium $4.89 $41.55 $83.10
diesel $5.61 $47.67 $95.34

Estimated Tolls: $1.05

Tri-state Tollway (17.5 mi) $1.05

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

$34

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 75.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 64.8 0 $22.67 $10.36
Efficient EV 54 0 $18.89 $8.64
EV Truck/SUV 86.4 1 $30.23 $13.82

Gas CO2

76 kg

EV CO2

25 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 data refreshed 1 day ago

Origin

Evanston, IL

Night in Evanston on Tuesday

Local time

11:41 PM

CDT

Current temp

59°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 15 to 20 mph 50% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 10:23PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:52PM CDT until April 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Destination

Southern View, IL

Night in Southern View on Tuesday

Local time

11:41 PM

CDT

Current temp

64°F

Partly Cloudy

SW 16 mph 9% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 10:23PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:52PM CDT until April 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

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

5 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

4h 14m 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 Evanston, IL to Southern View, IL covers 215.9 miles and takes about 4h 14m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Adlai Stevenson Expressway, I 55, 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 108 miles from Evanston, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.75 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 215.9 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: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.1 miles (Asbury Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 27.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Evanston, IL and Southern View, IL, road signs point toward St. Louis and Springfield.

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Return Trip

Southern View, IL to Evanston, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

215.6 mi 4h 15m

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