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Trip from Portage Park, IL to Bloomington, IL

Data updated 5 hours ago

Drive Time

2h 52m

Distance

136 mi

219 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
2h 41m ★
6 AM
2h 52m
8 AM
3h 14m
10 AM
3h 0m
12 PM
2h 58m
3 PM
3h 1m
5 PM
3h 13m
8 PM
2h 45m

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 Portage Park, IL, IL

Portage Park, IL

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Trip Overview

This 136-mile drive from Portage Park, Illinois, to Bloomington, Illinois, is a straightforward trip best suited for a single day. You can expect to spend about 2 hours and 52 minutes on the road, making it a manageable journey without the need for an overnight stop. The route primarily utilizes highways, with 90% of the drive on major roads like the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-55 Business. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, this highway-focused journey through the Midwest is efficient and economical. You'll encounter one main stop point along the way, and the longest uninterrupted stretch covers 118 miles.

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

68 miles from Portage Park, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 28m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a highly highway-focused experience for this 136-mile trip. You'll be spending 90% of your time on major expressways and interstates, including significant mileage on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway. The longest continuous stretch is a substantial 118 miles, meaning you'll have long periods of consistent driving. While this offers efficiency, be prepared for a driving personality that prioritizes speed and directness over varied scenery. The route maintains a consistent highway character for most of its duration.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Adlai Stevenson Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 118 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and North Cicero Avenue. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 2.8 miles in near West Grand Avenue.

Route Complexity 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

This is a straightforward 2h 52m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 2.8 miles (West Grand Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.9 miles (IL 50 / North Cicero Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 129.3 miles (I 55 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

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

5
2.8 mi into trip | ~6m in | West Grand Avenue

Turn left onto West Grand Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
3.9 mi into trip | ~8m in | IL 50 / North Cicero Avenue

Turn right onto IL 50 / North Cicero Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
8
129.3 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in | I 55 Business

Take the exit onto I 55 Business toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, Central Illinois Regional Airport

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 167 Toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, C...
6
133.3 mi into trip | ~2h 45m in

Take the exit toward IL 9 West: Pekin

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

Use the right lane. Toward IL 9 West: Pekin
6
135.1 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in | US 150 / North Clinton Street

Turn left onto US 150 / North Clinton Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Adlai Stevenson Expressway 118 mi 2h 14m
North Cicero Avenue 6.6 mi 13m
I 55 Business 3.1 mi 5m
North Central Avenue 2.7 mi 5m
East Empire Street 1.6 mi 3m
West Grand Avenue 1.1 mi 2m
North Veterans Parkway 0.9 mi 1m
East Mulberry Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Adlai Stevenson Expressway — 118 mi, about 2h 14m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Portage Park, IL and Bloomington, IL.

1

Start on West Hutchinson Street

0.1 mi · 29 sec · West Hutchinson Street
2

Turn left onto North Central Avenue

2.7 mi · 5 min · North Central Avenue
3

Turn left onto West Grand Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · West Grand Avenue
Use the left lane.
4

Continue on West Grand Avenue

0.4 mi · 53 sec · West Grand Avenue
5

Turn right onto IL 50

6.6 mi · 13 min · North Cicero Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Toward I 55 South
7

Merge onto I 55

162 ft · 2 sec · Stevenson Expressway
8

Continue on I 55

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Adlai E Stevenson Expressway
9

Continue on I 55

118 mi · 2 hr 14 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit onto I 55 Business

3.1 mi · 5 min · I 55 Business
Exit 167 Toward I 55 Business South: Veterans Parkway, Central Illinois Regional Airport Use the slight right lane.
11

Continue on I 55 Business

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Veterans Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 22 sec
Toward IL 9 West: Pekin Use the right lane.
13

Turn straight onto IL 9

1.6 mi · 3 min · East Empire Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
14

Turn left onto US 150

0.3 mi · 50 sec · North Clinton Street
Use the left lane.
15

Turn right onto East Mulberry Street

0.3 mi · 59 sec · East Mulberry Street
16

Turn left onto North Prairie Street

275 ft · 14 sec · North Prairie Street
17

Turn right onto East Douglas Street

504 ft · 23 sec · East Douglas Street
18

Turn right onto US 51 Business

0.1 mi · 15 sec · North East Street
19

Arrive at destination

US 51 Business

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 2-hour and 52-minute duration for this 136-mile drive, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning is a good bet to avoid potential afternoon traffic as you navigate out of the Chicago area. With only one recommended stop and a $21 fuel cost, you can easily complete this trip in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 118-mile stretch on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, to ensure you don't need to pull over unexpectedly.

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 68 miles from Portage Park, IL, or about 1h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118 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 80 miles or 1h 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 68 miles or 1h 28m 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 17m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Portage Park, 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 Portage Park, IL

This is one driving day of about 136 miles and 2h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Portage Park, 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 Adlai Stevenson Expressway for about 118 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 68 mi from Portage Park, IL · 1h 28m into the drive

city in Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Joliet, IL

68 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Joliet, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 68 miles from Portage Park, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Adlai Stevenson Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 118 miles.

Arriving in Bloomington, IL

The final approach into Bloomington, 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 Bloomington, 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

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...

12 mi from route ~30 min detour Free near mile 9.4
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

$21.26 one way

$42.52 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 48 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $23.34 $46.69
premium $4.89 $26.17 $52.34
diesel $5.61 $30.03 $60.05

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: 47.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 40.8 0 $14.28 $6.53
Efficient EV 34 0 $11.90 $5.44
EV Truck/SUV 54.4 0 $19.04 $8.70

Gas CO2

48 kg

EV CO2

16 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Portage Park, IL

Evening in Portage Park on Tuesday

Local time

6:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bloomington, IL

Evening in Bloomington on Tuesday

Local time

6:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°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

5 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 52m 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 Portage Park, IL to Bloomington, IL covers 136 miles and takes about 2h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Adlai Stevenson Expressway, North Cicero Avenue, I 55 Business. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 68 miles from Portage Park, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.26 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 is a straightforward 2h 52m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.8 miles (West Grand Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.9 miles (IL 50 / North Cicero Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 129.3 miles (I 55 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Portage Park, IL to Bloomington, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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