Origin
Hickory Point, IL
Late night in Hickory Point on Friday
Local time
3:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hickory Point, IL to Evanston, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 32m
Distance
164.6 mi
265 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 20m
★
6 AM
3h 33m
8 AM
3h 58m
10 AM
3h 41m
12 PM
3h 39m
3 PM
3h 43m
5 PM
3h 56m
8 PM
3h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hickory Point, IL
Pho Tomass
Evanston, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This Midwest drive from Hickory Point, IL, to Evanston, IL, covers 164.6 miles and is estimated to take about 3 hours and 32 minutes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey designed for a single day, so no overnight stays are necessary. You can expect the fuel to cost around $26 for this trip. The route primarily utilizes I-80, I-39, and I-55, making for a direct, albeit highway-heavy, experience. This trip is best suited for those prioritizing efficiency and a clear path to their destination.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
82.3 miles from Hickory Point, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 32m. Total distance: 164.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
With 70% of this drive on highways, expect a predominantly interstate experience. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 47.3 miles on I-80, offering a good opportunity to settle into a steady pace. The profile is clearly highway-focused, meaning you'll be navigating major arteries for most of the 164.6 miles. While not overly challenging, this route is about covering ground efficiently on well-maintained interstates.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 33 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 80 is the longest continuous segment at about 47.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 107.3 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 164.6 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 107.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 152.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
107.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 10m in
Take the exit toward I 55 North: Chicago
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 126B
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
7
134.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 44m in
Take the exit toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 277A
Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
7
152.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 9m in
Take the exit toward Touhy Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
8
153.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 11m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Touhy Avenue East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 42A
Toward Touhy Avenue East
7
164.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 32m in
Turn uturn
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Hickory Point, IL to Evanston, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Touhy Avenue East along the way.
Touhy Avenue East
153.4 mi in
|
~3h 11m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 47.3 mi | 50m |
| I 39 | 35.9 mi | 38m |
| I 55 | 26.6 mi | 32m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 16.6 mi | 20m |
| County Road 1400 North | 6.1 mi | 10m |
| State Route 116 | 6.1 mi | 9m |
| County Road 1800 North | 5.6 mi | 9m |
| Oakton Street | 4 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 47.3 mi, about 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hickory Point, IL and Evanston, IL.
1
Start on IL 116
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
·
State Route 116
2
Continue on IL 116
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
State Route 116
3
Continue on IL 116
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
West Mount Vernon Street
4
Continue on IL 116
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
State Route 116
5
Continue on IL 116; IL 117
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
County Road 1400 North
6
Continue on IL 116; IL 117
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
West Front Street
7
Continue on IL 116; IL 117
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West Husseman Street
8
Continue on IL 116; IL 117
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
County Road 1400 North
9
Continue on IL 116; IL 117
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
County Road 2100 E
10
Turn right onto IL 116
5.6 mi
·
9 min
·
County Road 1800 North
11
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
12
Merge onto I 39; US 51
36 mi
·
38 min
·
I 39; US 51
13
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
57 sec
Exit 59A
Toward I 80 East: Chicago
14
Merge onto I 80
47 mi
·
50 min
·
I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
Exit 126B
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
Use the right lane.
16
Merge onto I 55
27 mi
·
32 min
·
I 55
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Take the exit
1.6 mi
·
3 min
Exit 277A
Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
Use the right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
19
Merge onto I 294
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 42A
Toward Touhy Avenue East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
East Touhy Avenue
25
Turn left onto IL 43
0.5 mi
·
50 sec
·
North Harlem Avenue
Use the left lane.
26
Turn right onto West Howard Street
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
West Howard Street
27
Turn left onto New Gross Point Road
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
New Gross Point Road
28
Continue on Gross Point Road
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
·
Gross Point Road
29
Turn right onto Oakton Street
4.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Oakton Street
30
Turn left onto Asbury Avenue
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Asbury Avenue
Use the left lane.
31
Turn right onto Dempster Street
213 ft
·
9 sec
·
Dempster Street
32
Turn uturn
213 ft
·
17 sec
33
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour 32-minute duration, starting your drive in Hickory Point early in the morning will help you avoid the bulk of traffic as you approach Evanston. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to take a break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 47.3-mile stretch on I-80, as services might be less frequent. The $26 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always good to have a little extra buffer.
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 82.3 miles from Hickory Point, IL, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47.3 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 36 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 82.3 miles or 1h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Evanston, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hickory Point, 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 Hickory Point, IL
This is one driving day of about 164.6 miles and 3h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Hickory Point, 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 80 for about 47.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 82.3 mi from Hickory Point, IL · 1h 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
82 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 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 82.3 miles from Hickory Point, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Evanston, IL
The final approach into Evanston, 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 Evanston, 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
$25.73 one way
$51.47 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
58 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $28.25 | $56.51 |
| premium | $4.89 | $31.68 | $63.35 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $36.34 | $72.68 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.99
Tri-state Tollway
(16.6 mi)
$0.99
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
$26
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 57.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 49.4 | 0 | $17.28 | $7.90 |
| Efficient EV | 41.2 | 0 | $14.40 | $6.58 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 65.8 | 0 | $23.04 | $10.53 |
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
19 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
Evanston, IL
Late night in Evanston on Friday
Local time
3:04 AM
CDT
Current temp
67°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
15 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
3h 32m 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 Hickory Point, IL to Evanston, IL covers 164.6 miles and takes about 3h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, I 39, I 55. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 82.3 miles from Hickory Point, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.73 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 164.6 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 107.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 152.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Hickory Point, IL to Evanston, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Touhy Avenue East along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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