Trip from Markham, IL to Barr, IL

Drive Time

4h 45m

Distance

233.9 mi

376 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 32m ★

6 AM

4h 45m

8 AM

5h 12m

10 AM

4h 55m

12 PM

4h 52m

3 PM

4h 56m

5 PM

5h 11m

8 PM

4h 37m

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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Markham, IL

Mike Tyurin

Barr, IL

Pho Tomass

Trip Overview

Traveling from Markham to Barr covers 233.9 miles across the Illinois landscape, typically taking about 4 hours and 45 minutes of driving time. Because this journey stays within the Midwest, you can comfortably complete the trip in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend roughly $36 on fuel for the trek, which relies heavily on major thoroughfares. Given the duration and distance, it serves as a straightforward point-to-point transit rather than a multi-day expedition. Whether you are heading out for business or a visit, this route offers a predictable experience for those looking to cross the state efficiently.

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

117 miles from Markham, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 12m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 91% of your journey spent on high-speed roads. You will primarily navigate via I-55, I-80, and IL-104 as you transition from the Chicago suburbs toward your destination. The most significant portion of your time behind the wheel involves a 168.3-mile stretch on I-55, which serves as the backbone of your drive. While the majority of the route consists of interstate cruising, the transition onto IL-104 provides a shift in pace as you move off the main arteries. Prepare for a consistent, steady driving experience that prioritizes speed and directness over winding local backroads.

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

There are about 18 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 168.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 80. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Kedzie Avenue.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 233.9 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Kedzie Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 29 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

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

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Kedzie Avenue

Turn right onto Kedzie Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

1 mi into trip | ~2m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

29 mi into trip | ~36m in

Take the exit toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 126A Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

29.3 mi into trip | ~37m in | I 55

Merge onto I 55

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / right lanes.

122.3 mi into trip | ~2h 17m 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 none / straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield

Towns Along This Route

Between Markham, IL and Barr, IL, road signs point toward Springfield and Auburn.

Springfield

122.3 mi in | ~2h 17m | via I 55

Auburn

197.7 mi in | ~3h 39m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 55	168.3 mi	3h 1m
I 80	28 mi	34m
IL 104	16.7 mi	25m
South Miller Street	8.4 mi	14m
Palmyra Road	5.2 mi	12m
9000 East	2.9 mi	5m
Hettick Scottville Road	2 mi	4m
Kedzie Avenue	0.6 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 55 — 168.3 mi, about 3h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Markham, IL and Barr, IL.

Start on 163rd Street

64 ft · 6 sec · 163rd Street

Turn right onto Kedzie Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Kedzie Avenue

Use the none lane.

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward I 80 West

Merge onto I 80

28 mi · 34 min · I 80

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 54 sec

Exit 126A Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

Merge onto I 55

93 mi · 1 hr 40 min · I 55

Use the none / 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 none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

11 mi · 11 min · I 55

Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 51 sec

Toward IL 104: Pawnee, Auburn

Turn right onto IL 104

17 mi · 25 min · IL 104

Use the straight lane.

Turn left onto IL 111

8.4 mi · 14 min · South Miller Street

Continue on IL 111

2.9 mi · 5 min · 9000 East

Turn right onto State Street

0.1 mi · 17 sec · State Street

Continue on Palmyra Road

5.2 mi · 12 min · Palmyra Road

Turn left onto Hettick Scottville Road

2.0 mi · 4 min · Hettick Scottville Road

Turn right onto Barr Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Barr Road

Turn right onto Conrady Road

57 ft · 2 sec · Conrady Road

Arrive at destination

Conrady Road

Trip Plan

To keep your drive smooth, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion near your starting point in Markham. Since the itinerary includes one recommended stop, use that break to refuel and stretch your legs, especially given the lengthy 168.3-mile push on I-55. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge throughout this segment, as those highway miles can pass quickly and limit your immediate options. Because the total travel time is under five hours, you have the flexibility to plan your stop at the halfway point or wait until you exit the interstate system. Staying mindful of the transition from the high-speed I-55 onto IL-104 will ensure you remain on schedule for your arrival in Barr.

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 117 miles from Markham, IL, or about 2h 12m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 168.3 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 80 miles or 1h 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 117 miles or 2h 12m 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 33m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Markham, 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 Markham, IL

This is one driving day of about 233.9 miles and 4h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Markham, 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 168.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 117 mi from Markham, IL · 2h 12m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bloomington, IL

117 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

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 117 miles from Markham, 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 168.3 miles.

Arriving in Barr, IL

The final approach into Barr, 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 Barr, 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

$35.53 one way

$71.05 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 82 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$39.16	$78.33
premium	$4.80	$44.16	$88.31
diesel	$5.64	$51.96	$103.93

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 81.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	70.2	0	$24.56	$11.23
Efficient EV	58.5	0	$20.47	$9.36
EV Truck/SUV	93.6	1	$32.75	$14.97

Gas CO2

82 kg

EV CO2

27 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 2 days ago

Origin

Markham, IL

Evening in Markham on Sunday

Local time

5:33 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Barr, IL

Evening in Barr on Sunday

Local time

5:33 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

53°F

Bloomington, IL

117 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

1 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

4h 45m 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 Markham, IL to Barr, IL covers 233.9 miles and takes about 4h 45m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 55, I 80, IL 104. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 117 miles from Markham, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.53 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.