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Trip from New Lenox, IL to Peoria, IL

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

2h 32m

Distance

134.6 mi

217 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

35 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 22m ★
6 AM
2h 32m
8 AM
2h 53m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 37m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 52m
8 PM
2h 26m

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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village in Will County, Illinois, United States

New Lenox, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Peoria, IL, IL

Peoria, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 134.6-mile drive from New Lenox, IL, to Peoria, IL, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-55 and I-74, the route is almost entirely highway, making for efficient travel through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, it's an economical option for a quick journey. The drive is focused on getting you to your destination smoothly, with minimal detours and a clear path. You'll be covering significant ground on interstates, so expect a consistent pace.

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

67.3 miles from New Lenox, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 32m. Total distance: 134.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience for 98% of this 134.6-mile journey. The bulk of your time will be spent on interstates like I-55 and I-74. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 86.6 miles on I-55, offering an extended period of consistent driving. This route prioritizes speed and directness over varied scenery, presenting a profile of efficient interstate travel. The road character remains largely consistent, designed for straightforward transit between these two Illinois cities.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 86.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 74. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near North Cedar Road.

Driving Effort 6/10

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

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 134.6 miles you will encounter 11 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: at 0.1 miles (North Cedar Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 2.2 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

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

6
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | North Cedar Road

Enter roundabout onto North Cedar Road

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

5
2.2 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
13.2 mi into trip | ~19m 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
5
13.6 mi into trip | ~20m in | I 55

Merge onto I 55

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

Use the right lane.
6
100.2 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in

Take the exit toward I 74 West: Peoria

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 74 West: Peoria

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 86.6 mi 1h 33m
I 74 33.4 mi 36m
I 80 11.1 mi 14m
West Maple Street 1.4 mi 3m
IL 29 0.2 mi <1m
Northeast Jefferson Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
North Cedar Road 0.1 mi <1m
Spalding Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 86.6 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between New Lenox, IL and Peoria, IL.

1

Start on this road

215 ft · 22 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto East Haven Avenue

175 ft · 10 sec · East Haven Avenue
3

Enter roundabout onto North Cedar Road

106 ft · 2 sec · North Cedar Road
4

Continue on North Cedar Road

0.1 mi · 22 sec · North Cedar Road
5

Turn left onto US 30

1.4 mi · 3 min · West Maple Street
6

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 80 West: Moline, Rock Island
7

Merge onto I 80

11 mi · 14 min · I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 54 sec
Exit 126A Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
9

Merge onto I 55

87 mi · 1 hr 33 min · I 55
Use the right lane.
10

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 74 West: Peoria Use the slight right lane.
11

Continue on I 74

27 mi · 29 min · I 74
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 74

6.0 mi · 7 min · I 74
Toward I 74 West: Peoria
13

Take the exit onto IL 29

0.2 mi · 23 sec · IL 29
Toward IL 29 North: Downtown Peoria
14

Continue on Spalding Avenue

452 ft · 20 sec · Spalding Avenue
15

Turn left onto IL 29

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Northeast Jefferson Avenue
16

Arrive at destination

Northeast Jefferson Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 2-hour and 32-minute duration, this trip is ideal for a same-day excursion from New Lenox to Peoria. You can depart anytime, but an early start will give you ample time to explore Peoria upon arrival without feeling rushed. With only one recommended stop and a comfortable fuel cost of $21, you have flexibility. Be mindful of the longest stretch of 86.6 miles on I-55; plan your personal needs before embarking on that segment to ensure a comfortable drive. Keep an eye on traffic reports, especially as you approach larger towns or cities.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 67.3 miles from New Lenox, IL, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.6 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 30 miles or 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 67.3 miles or 1h 18m 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 4m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving New Lenox, 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 New Lenox, IL

This is one driving day of about 134.6 miles and 2h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from New Lenox, 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 86.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 67.3 mi from New Lenox, IL · 1h 18m into the drive

city in Livingston County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Fairbury, IL

67 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 30 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fairbury, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 67.3 miles from New Lenox, 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 86.6 miles.

Arriving in Peoria, IL

The final approach into Peoria, 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 Peoria, IL.

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.

Pullman National Historical Park

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 ~56 min detour Free
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.04 one way

$42.09 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 47 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $23.10 $46.21
premium $4.89 $25.90 $51.81
diesel $5.61 $29.72 $59.44

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 47.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

35 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Normal, Illinois

Other

1 DCFC

Rivian Waypoints

Normal, Illinois

Rivian

1 DCFC

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

East Peoria, Illinois

Other

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

East Peoria, Illinois

Tesla

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Normal, Illinois

Tesla

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Normal, Illinois

Tesla

1 DCFC

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Bloomington, Illinois

Other

1 DCFC

InCharge Charging Station

Morton, Illinois

InCharge

1 DCFC

Other: 14 ChargePoint: 12 Tesla: 4 Rivian: 2 Tesla Destination: 2 InCharge: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 40.4 0 $14.13 $6.46
Efficient EV 33.7 0 $11.78 $5.38
EV Truck/SUV 53.8 0 $18.84 $8.61

Gas CO2

47 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (66% 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 as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

New Lenox, IL

Afternoon in New Lenox on Thursday

Local time

1:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Peoria, IL

Afternoon in Peoria on Thursday

Local time

1:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Fairbury, IL

67 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

14 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

2h 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 New Lenox, IL to Peoria, IL covers 134.6 miles and takes about 2h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, I 74, I 80. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 67.3 miles from New Lenox, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.04 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 134.6 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (North Cedar Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 2.2 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
The route from New Lenox, IL to Peoria, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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