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Trip from Metropolis, IL to Elk Grove, IL

Drive Time

7h 7m

Distance

377 mi

607 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$57

one way

EV Charging

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station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
6h 56m ★
6 AM
7h 7m
8 AM
7h 29m
10 AM
7h 15m
12 PM
7h 13m
3 PM
7h 16m
5 PM
7h 28m
8 PM
7h 1m

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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Downtown Metropolis, IL, IL

Metropolis, IL

Paolo Sanchez

Downtown Elk Grove, IL, IL

Elk Grove, IL

Dick Hoskins

Trip Overview

The drive from Metropolis, IL to Elk Grove, IL covers 377 miles and takes about 7h 7m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 57, Ken Gray Expressway, I 24 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 185.5 miles on I 57. At current regular gas prices, budget about $57.26 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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

188.5 miles from Metropolis, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 29m into the drive .

Drive Character

This is a 7h 7m highway drive covering 377 miles, with most of the trip on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. The longest continuous stretch is about 185.5 miles on I 57.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 57 is the longest continuous segment at about 185.5 miles.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

751 ft 361 ft

Total Climb

732 ft

Total Descent

429 ft

Highest Point

751 ft

~251.3 mi in

Elevation Range

390 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 342.3 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 377 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 342.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 342.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 366.4 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 21 key points

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

8
342.3 mi into trip | ~6h 16m in

Take the exit toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin

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 349-350 Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevar...
8
342.6 mi into trip | ~6h 17m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 349 Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
8
366.4 mi into trip | ~6h 47m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Take the exit onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 290 West, I 294 North, I 290 East: Rockford, Milwaukee, Chicago

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 31 Toward I 290 West, I 294 North, I 290 East: Roc...
8
370.3 mi into trip | ~6h 54m in | US 20

Take the exit onto US 20 toward US 20 West, IL 64 West: Lake Street, York Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 12 Toward US 20 West, IL 64 West: Lake Street, Yor...
8
370.4 mi into trip | ~6h 54m in

Keep slight right at fork toward York Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward York Road

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Metropolis, IL to Elk Grove, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Wisconsin along the way.

Wisconsin

342.3 mi in | ~6h 16m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 185.5 mi 3h 21m
Ken Gray Expressway 119.1 mi 2h 8m
I 24 25.4 mi 27m
Tri-State Tollway 22.9 mi 28m
North Avenue 6.3 mi 9m
South York Road 4.3 mi 7m
New Columbia Road 4.3 mi 5m
I 290 1.9 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 185.5 mi, about 3h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Metropolis, IL and Elk Grove, IL.

1

Start on West 5th Street

45 ft · 8 sec · West 5th Street
2

Turn left onto US 45

0.4 mi · 1 min · Ferry Street
3

Turn left onto US 45

0.2 mi · 29 sec · West 10th Street
4

Turn right onto Pearl Street

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Pearl Street
5

Turn slight left onto North Avenue

6.3 mi · 9 min · North Avenue
6

Continue on New Columbia Road

4.3 mi · 5 min · New Columbia Road
7

Turn right onto Big Bay Road

0.4 mi · 41 sec · Big Bay Road
8

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 26 sec
Toward New Columbia, Big Bay
9

Merge onto I 24

25 mi · 27 min · I 24
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Exit 44B Toward I 57 North: Chicago
11

Merge onto I 57

52 mi · 55 min · Ken Gray Expressway
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 57

67 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Ken Gray Expressway
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57

185 mi · 3 hr 21 min · I 57
Toward I 57 North: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 349-350 Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight right at fork

1.8 mi · 3 min
Exit 349 Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin Use the straight / slight left lanes.
16

Merge onto I 294

21 mi · 25 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

1.2 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit onto I 294

321 ft · 7 sec · Tri-State Tollway
Exit 31 Toward I 290 West, I 294 North, I 290 East: Rockford, Milwaukee, Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

0.8 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
Exit 31 Toward I 290 West, I 294 North: Rockford, Milwaukee
20

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 290 West: Rockford
21

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Toward Saint Charles Road West
22

Merge onto I 290

1.9 mi · 2 min · I 290
23

Take the exit onto US 20

0.1 mi · 15 sec · US 20
Exit 12 Toward US 20 West, IL 64 West: Lake Street, York Road Use the right lane.
24

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward York Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Turn left onto North York Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · North York Street
26

Continue on South York Road

4.3 mi · 7 min · South York Road
Use the left lane.
27

Continue on South Elmhurst Road

1.0 mi · 2 min · South Elmhurst Road
28

Continue on South Elmhurst Road

521 ft · 26 sec · South Elmhurst Road
Use the left lane.
29

Arrive at destination

South Elmhurst Road

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 188.5 miles from Metropolis, IL, or about 3h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 185.5 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 83 miles or 1h 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 188.5 miles or 3h 29m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 49m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Metropolis, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Metropolis, IL

This is one driving day of about 377 miles and 7h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Metropolis, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 57 for about 185.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 188.5 mi from Metropolis, IL · 3h 29m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

189 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

Frankfort, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 83 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Champaign, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 188.5 miles from Metropolis, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 185.5 miles.

Arriving in Elk Grove, IL

The final approach into Elk Grove, 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 Elk Grove, 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

$57.26 one way

$114.52 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 132 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $63.13 $126.25
premium $4.80 $71.17 $142.34
diesel $5.64 $83.76 $167.51

Estimated Tolls: $1.37

Tri-state Tollway (22.9 mi) $1.37

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

$57

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$84–$109

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 131.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 113.1 1 $39.58 $18.10
Efficient EV 94.3 1 $32.99 $15.08
EV Truck/SUV 150.8 1 $52.78 $24.13

Gas CO2

132 kg

EV CO2

44 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 11 hours ago

Origin

Metropolis, IL

Evening in Metropolis on Sunday

Local time

6:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Mostly Sunny

S 3 to 15 mph 5% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 12:21AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 9:46PM CDT until April 18 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Destination

Elk Grove, IL

Evening in Elk Grove on Sunday

Local time

6:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

46°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

38 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

7h 7m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Metropolis, IL to Elk Grove, IL covers 377 miles and takes about 7h 7m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, Ken Gray Expressway, I 24. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 188.5 miles from Metropolis, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $57.26 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks 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 21 significant decision points across 377 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 342.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 342.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 366.4 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Metropolis, IL to Elk Grove, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Wisconsin along the way.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 361 ft to 751 ft elevation with about 732 ft of total climbing.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Elk Grove, IL to Metropolis, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

377.3 mi 7h 5m

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