This drive from Petersburg, Illinois, to Evanston, Illinois, covers 216.3 miles and will take approximately 4 hours and 22 minutes. It's a manageable one-day trip, so you can easily complete it without needing an overnight stay. The route is primarily highway-focused, with about 78% of it on major roads like I-55 and the Tri-State Tollway. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, making for a relatively straightforward journey through the Midwest. Expect a fuel cost of around $34 for this trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 167.3 miles on I-55, so plan your breaks accordingly.
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
108.1 miles from Petersburg, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 7m into the drive
.
Evanston is a city in the North Shore region of Illinois along the shores of Lake Michigan. Evanston has many identities: college town, dining destination, cultural center and gateway to the wealthy North Shore, although the city itself is anything but homogeneous in regards to economic status, culture and race.
Evanston is named after John Evans, one of the founders of Northwestern University, which ranks among the most prestigious universities in the United States.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 22m. Total distance: 216.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 78% of the route utilizing major interstates and tollways. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including a substantial 167.3 miles on I-55. While the majority of the journey is on high-speed roads, the initial segment involves Athens Blacktop Road, offering a brief change of pace before merging onto the interstate system. The character of the drive is predominantly about covering distance efficiently, so expect a consistent pace for much of the 4 hours and 22 minutes.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 32 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 167.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 35.8 miles in near I 55.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 216.3 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 35.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 65.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 186 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
35.8 mi into trip|~48m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
8
65.1 mi into trip|~1h 20m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
7
186 mi into trip|~3h 34m in
Take the exit toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 277A
Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
7
204.4 mi into trip|~3h 59m in
Take the exit toward Touhy Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
8
205 mi into trip|~4h in
Keep slight right at fork toward Touhy Avenue East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 42A
Toward Touhy Avenue East
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Petersburg, IL and Evanston, IL, road signs point toward Peoria and Touhy Avenue East.
Peoria
65.1 mi in|~1h 20m|via I 55
Touhy Avenue East
205 mi in|~4h
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
167.3 mi
3h 4m
Tri-State Tollway
16.6 mi
20m
Athens Blacktop Road
6.6 mi
9m
Oakton Street
4 mi
7m
County Road 11 N
3.6 mi
5m
East Touhy Avenue
3 mi
5m
Dinius Road
2.9 mi
3m
Old Salem Road
1.8 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 167.3 mi, about 3h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Petersburg, IL and Evanston, IL.
1
Start on IL 97; IL 123
0.3 mi·48 sec·South 6th Street
2
Continue on IL 97; IL 123
0.1 mi·20 sec·South 6th Street
3
Continue on IL 97; IL 123
1.8 mi·2 min·Old Salem Road
4
Turn left onto Athens Blacktop Road
6.6 mi·9 min·Athens Blacktop Road
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on North Main Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·North Main Street
6
Turn left onto East Hargrave Street
0.5 mi·1 min·East Hargrave Street
7
Continue on Springfield Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Springfield Road
8
At end of road, turn right onto IL 29; IL 123
1.5 mi·2 min·IL 29; IL 123
9
Turn left onto IL 123
3.6 mi·5 min·County Road 11 N
Use the left lane.
10
Continue on IL 123
2.9 mi·3 min·Dinius Road
11
Continue on IL 123
0.3 mi·34 sec·County Highway 2
12
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·57 sec
13
Merge onto I 55
17 mi·18 min·I 55
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
121 mi·2 hr 14 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, PeoriaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
1.6 mi·3 min
Exit 277AToward I 294 Tollway North: WisconsinUse the right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
18
Merge onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
12 mi·15 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy AvenueUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy Avenue
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·42 sec
Exit 42AToward Touhy Avenue EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
3.0 mi·5 min·East Touhy Avenue
24
Turn left onto IL 43
0.5 mi·50 sec·North Harlem Avenue
Use the left lane.
25
Turn right onto West Howard Street
1.7 mi·3 min·West Howard Street
26
Turn left onto New Gross Point Road
0.1 mi·10 sec·New Gross Point Road
27
Continue on Gross Point Road
0.5 mi·54 sec·Gross Point Road
28
Turn right onto Oakton Street
4.0 mi·7 min·Oakton Street
29
Turn left onto Asbury Avenue
1.0 mi·1 min·Asbury Avenue
Use the left lane.
30
Turn right onto Dempster Street
213 ft·9 sec·Dempster Street
31
Turn uturn
213 ft·17 sec
32
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 22-minute duration, this trip works well as a single-day adventure. Consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. With a fuel cost estimated at $34, it's a budget-friendly option. The longest stretch of 167.3 miles on I-55 means you'll want to plan at least one significant stop for fuel or a meal. Keep an eye out for the transition from I-55 to the Tri-State Tollway as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area, as this can be a busy section of the drive.
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 108.1 miles from Petersburg, IL, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 167.3 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 48 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.1 miles or 2h 7m 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Evanston, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Petersburg, 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 Petersburg, IL
This is one driving day of about 216.3 miles and 4h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Petersburg, 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 167.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 108.1 mi from Petersburg, IL
· 2h 7m into the drive
The midpoint is around 108.1 miles from Petersburg, 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 167.3 miles.
Arriving in Evanston, IL
The final approach into Evanston, 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 Evanston, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 202.9
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.82 one way
$67.63 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$37.13
$74.26
premium
$4.89
$41.62
$83.25
diesel
$5.61
$47.76
$95.51
Estimated Tolls: $0.99
Tri-state Tollway
(16.6 mi)$0.99
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
$34
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.9
0
$22.71
$10.38
Efficient EV
54.1
0
$18.93
$8.65
EV Truck/SUV
86.5
1
$30.28
$13.84
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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 15, 2026
Origin
Petersburg, IL
Afternoon
in Petersburg on Friday
Local time
4:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Evanston, IL
Afternoon
in Evanston on Friday
Local time
4:46 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°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
8 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 22m 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 Petersburg, IL to Evanston, IL covers 216.3 miles and takes about 4h 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, Tri-State Tollway, Athens Blacktop Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 108.1 miles from Petersburg, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.82 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 216.3 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 35.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 65.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 186 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Petersburg, IL and Evanston, IL, road signs point toward Peoria and Touhy Avenue East.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Pullman National Historical Park and Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
