Origin
Pekin, IL
Night in Pekin on Wednesday
Local time
9:59 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Pekin, IL to Cicero, IL
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 10m
Distance
164.6 mi
265 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 59m
★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 34m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 16m
3 PM
3h 20m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Pekin, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 164.6-mile drive from Pekin, IL to Cicero, IL is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 10 minutes, making it ideal for a single-day adventure. You'll primarily be on interstates, with a 94% highway share, so expect a focused drive. The estimated fuel cost is around $25, which is quite reasonable for this distance. Both your starting and ending points are in the Midwest region, so you'll be traversing familiar territory. This route is designed for efficiency, getting you to your destination without much fuss.
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 Pekin, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 34m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this journey, with 94% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-55, I-74, and I-474. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 123.2 miles on I-55, offering a sustained period of highway cruising. This setup means you're likely in for a consistent driving experience, prioritizing speed and directness over varied scenery. The road profile is built for covering ground efficiently, with fewer opportunities for spontaneous detours.
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 123.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 74. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 37.1 miles in.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 3h 10m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 37.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 38.6 miles (I 55; US 51): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 7 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
37.1 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
5
38.6 mi into trip
|
~45m in
|
I 55; US 51
Merge onto I 55; US 51
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
161.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 4m in
Take the exit toward IL 50: Cicero Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 286
Toward IL 50: Cicero Avenue
6
163.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m in
|
West 31st Street
Turn left onto West 31st Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
4
164 mi into trip
|
~3h 9m in
|
South Laramie Avenue
Turn right onto South Laramie Avenue
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 123.2 mi | 2h 19m |
| I 74 | 27 mi | 28m |
| I 474 | 4.8 mi | 5m |
| Radio City Drive | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| South Cicero Avenue | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| South Laramie Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| North 8th Street | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| West 31st Street | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 123.2 mi, about 2h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pekin, IL and Cicero, IL.
1
Start on South 8th Street
174 ft
·
3 sec
·
South 8th Street
2
Turn straight onto Ann Eliza Street
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
Ann Eliza Street
3
Turn straight
182 ft
·
3 sec
4
Turn straight onto IL 29
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
·
North 5th Street
5
Continue on IL 29
0.6 mi
·
50 sec
·
North 8th Street
6
Continue on IL 29
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Radio City Drive
7
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
8
Merge onto I 474
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
I 474
9
Merge onto I 74
27 mi
·
28 min
·
I 74
10
Keep slight left at fork
1.4 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
11
Merge onto I 55; US 51
123 mi
·
2 hr 19 min
·
I 55; US 51
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 286
Toward IL 50: Cicero Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn left onto IL 50
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Cicero Avenue
14
Turn left onto West 31st Street
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
·
West 31st Street
Use the left lane.
15
Turn right onto South Laramie Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Laramie Avenue
16
Arrive at destination
South Laramie Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour, 10-minute drive, planning a single-day trip is very feasible. You can depart anytime, but an early morning start will help you avoid potential midday traffic, especially as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. With only one stop suggested and a manageable fuel cost of $25, you won't need to worry excessively about frequent refueling. Keep an eye on your mileage, as the longest stretch without a major interchange is over 123 miles on I-55, so ensure you're fueled up before embarking on that segment.
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 Pekin, IL, or about 1h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.2 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 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 82.3 miles or 1h 34m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cicero, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Pekin, 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 Pekin, IL
This is one driving day of about 164.6 miles and 3h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Pekin, 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 123.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 82.3 mi from Pekin, IL · 1h 34m 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 Pekin, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 123.2 miles.
Arriving in Cicero, IL
The final approach into Cicero, 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 Cicero, 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
$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 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
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
Cicero, IL
Night in Cicero on Wednesday
Local time
9:59 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
El Paso, IL
82 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 10m 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 Pekin, IL to Cicero, IL covers 164.6 miles and takes about 3h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, I 74, I 474. 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 Pekin, 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 straightforward 3h 10m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 37.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 38.6 miles (I 55; US 51): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Pekin, IL to Cicero, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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