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Trip from Patton, IL to Rockford, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 21m

Distance

268 mi

431 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$42

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 8m ★
6 AM
5h 21m
8 AM
5h 48m
10 AM
5h 31m
12 PM
5h 28m
3 PM
5h 32m
5 PM
5h 47m
8 PM
5h 13m

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 Patton, IL, IL

Patton, IL

Stéphane Tendon

Downtown Rockford, IL, IL

Rockford, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Patton, IL to Rockford, IL covers 268 miles and takes about 5h 21m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on US 51, I 74, Georgetown Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 119.9 miles on US 51. At current regular gas prices, budget about $41.90 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

1 planned break

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

Midpoint

134 miles from Patton, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 52m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 51 119.9 mi 2h 8m
I 74 86.2 mi 1h 33m
Georgetown Road 29.8 mi 44m
East Terre Haute Road 7.3 mi 10m
North Terre Haute Road 5.5 mi 7m
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway 4.7 mi 5m
South Main Street 4.2 mi 7m
IL Route 1 2.4 mi 6m
Longest stretch: US 51 — 119.9 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Patton, IL and Rockford, IL.

1

Start on East 2250th Road

1.4 mi · 5 min · East 2250th Road
2

At end of road, turn left onto 74th Place

0.6 mi · 2 min · 74th Place
3

Turn left onto East Terre Haute Road

7.3 mi · 10 min · East Terre Haute Road
4

Continue on North Terre Haute Road

5.5 mi · 7 min · North Terre Haute Road
5

Turn left onto US 150

0.6 mi · 53 sec · East Jasper Street
6

Turn right onto US 150; IL 1

0.5 mi · 47 sec · South Main Street
7

Continue on US 150; IL 1

2.4 mi · 6 min · IL Route 1
8

Continue on US 150; IL 1

10 mi · 14 min · Georgetown Road
9

Continue on US 150; IL 1

0.3 mi · 28 sec · 1575 E US 36
10

Continue on US 150; IL 1

6.1 mi · 9 min · Georgetown Road
11

Continue on US 150; IL 1

1.9 mi · 2 min · North State Street
12

Continue on US 150; IL 1

14 mi · 20 min · Georgetown Road
13

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 74 West: Champaign
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 74 West
15

Merge onto I 74

86 mi · 1 hr 33 min · I 74
16

Continue on I 55; US 51

0.9 mi · 58 sec · I 55; US 51
17

Take the exit onto US 51

120 mi · 2 hr 8 min · US 51
Exit 164 Toward I 39 North: Rockford Use the slight right lane.
18

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 2 min
Toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford
19

Merge onto US 20

4.7 mi · 5 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward IL 2: Rockford, Dixon
21

Keep slight right at fork

281 ft · 6 sec
22

Turn straight onto IL 2

3.7 mi · 6 min · South Main Street
23

Turn right onto West State Street

148 ft · 4 sec · West State Street
24

Arrive at destination

West State Street

Trip Plan

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 134 miles from Patton, IL, or about 2h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.9 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 59 miles or 1h 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 134 miles or 2h 52m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 25m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Patton, 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 Patton, IL

This is one driving day of about 268 miles and 5h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Patton, 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 US 51 for about 119.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

134 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

Danville, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bloomington, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 134 miles from Patton, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 51 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

The Rootbeer Stand

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oglesby, Illinois

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 191.4

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+18158839254

Visit website

The Rootbeer Stand

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 191.4

Oglesby, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–8:30 pm

+18158839254

Visit website

Coffeehouse in Uptown Normal

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 134

Normal, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13094526774

Visit website

El Rey Del Taco Mendota

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 210.6

Mendota, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18155397100

Cornelio's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 38.3

Georgetown, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12176620032

Visit website

Camp Aramoni

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 191.4

Tonica, Illinois

+18152247333

Visit website

Signature Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 134

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13095852588

Visit website

Uptown Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 191.4

La Salle, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18152244545

Visit website

Haze Smokehouse

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 191.4

La Salle, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+18157808374

Visit website

Babs Brew

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 191.4

Peru, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 134

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 57.4

Oakwood, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12173544098

Visit website

Francis Energy Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 114.9

Le Roy, Illinois

+18004891588

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 134

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 134

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 134

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 134

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 134

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13096641222

Visit website

Carrico's Claudettes

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 191.4

Oglesby, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+18158837075

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.4 and 263.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
1.4 mi into trip | ~5m in | 74th Place

At end of road, turn left onto 74th Place

Navigation decision point

5
50.8 mi into trip | ~1h 22m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 74 West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 74 West
7
138.3 mi into trip | ~2h 57m in | US 51

Take the exit onto US 51 toward I 39 North: Rockford

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 164 Toward I 39 North: Rockford
5
258.2 mi into trip | ~5h 6m in

Take the exit toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford

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

Toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford
5
263.9 mi into trip | ~5h 13m in

Take the exit toward IL 2: Rockford, Dixon

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

Toward IL 2: Rockford, Dixon

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$41.90 one way

$83.80 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 94 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $46.00 $92.01
premium $4.89 $51.57 $103.15
diesel $5.61 $59.17 $118.34

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$42

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$67–$92

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 93.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 80.4 0 $28.14 $12.86
Efficient EV 67 0 $23.45 $10.72
EV Truck/SUV 107.2 1 $37.52 $17.15

Gas CO2

94 kg

EV CO2

31 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 as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Patton, IL

Afternoon in Patton on Saturday

Local time

3:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Rockford, IL

Afternoon in Rockford on Saturday

Local time

3:31 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°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

27 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

5h 21m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

268 mi in 5h 21m, mostly highway — 119.9 mi of that is on US 51.

78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 119.9 mi on US 51.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 51 and I 74. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in near 74th Place.

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 268 miles you will encounter 13 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 1.4 miles (74th Place): Navigation decision point; at 50.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 138.3 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 21m. Total distance: 268 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 119.9 miles on US 51. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Rockford, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles (74th Place): Navigation decision point; at 50.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 138.3 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Rockford, IL before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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