Origin
Quincy, IL
Afternoon in Quincy on Tuesday
Local time
3:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Sign in
No account yet?
Create accountData updated 1 hour ago
Drive Time
2h 40m
Distance
132.4 mi
213 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Quincy, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Alton, IL
Wikimedia Commons
This 132.4-mile journey from Quincy to Alton, Illinois, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. With a projected fuel cost of around $21, it's an economical option for exploring the Midwest. You'll primarily be on I-72 and US-67, making it a straightforward drive. The route is focused on highway travel, so expect efficient progress across the state. Given its manageable length and cost, this trip offers a good balance of travel time and exploration, perfect for a weekend getaway or an extended day trip.
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
66.2 miles from Quincy, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 20m into the drive .
Loading map...
This drive has a distinctly highway-focused profile, with 68% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll experience efficient travel, particularly on I-72, where the longest uninterrupted stretch covers 55.6 miles. While primarily highway, the route incorporates sections of North 5th Street, offering a brief change of pace before rejoining US-67. Expect a consistent driving experience with fewer technical sections and more open road, allowing you to cover ground quickly.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 72 and North 5th Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near IL 104 / Broadway Street.
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 2h 40m drive. You will face about 12 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (IL 104 / Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles (North 3rd Street): Navigation decision point; at 71.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn right onto IL 104 / Broadway Street
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto North 3rd Street
Navigation decision point
Take the exit toward US 67 South: Alton
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Take the exit onto US 67 / Godfrey Road toward US 67 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Turn right onto Alby Street
Navigation decision point
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 72 | 55.6 mi | 59m |
| North 5th Street | 26.4 mi | 31m |
| United States Route 67 | 20 mi | 22m |
| Gardner Expressway | 11.3 mi | 19m |
| Martin Luther King Drive | 3.2 mi | 4m |
| Godfrey Road | 3.1 mi | 4m |
| Chicago-Kansas City Expressway | 2.8 mi | 3m |
| South State Avenue | 2.4 mi | 2m |
Step-by-step road directions between Quincy, IL and Alton, IL.
Start on this road
Turn right onto IL 104
Continue on IL 104
Turn left onto North 3rd Street
Continue on IL 57
Continue on East 1083rd Lane
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 172; IL 110
Merge onto I 72; US 36
Take the exit
Merge onto US 67
Continue on US 67
Continue on US 67
Continue on US 67
Continue on US 67
Continue on US 67
Continue on US 67
Take the exit onto US 67
Turn slight left onto US 67
Continue on US 67
Turn left onto West 3rd Street
Turn right onto Alby Street
Arrive at destination
With a travel time under three hours, this route offers great flexibility for departure. You could easily leave in the morning, reach your destination, and return the same day, or spend a full day exploring Alton. The longest stretch without a significant road change is over 55 miles, so plan your single stop accordingly for fuel or a quick break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you transition between I-72 and US-67, ensuring you're prepared for the highway portions of your trip.
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.
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 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66.2 miles or 1h 20m 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 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alton, IL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Quincy, 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 Quincy, IL
This is one driving day of about 132.4 miles and 2h 40m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 66.2 mi from Quincy, IL · 1h 20m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
66 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.
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 66.2 miles from Quincy, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Alton, 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 Alton, IL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$20.70 one way
$41.40 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $22.73 | $45.45 |
| premium | $4.89 | $25.48 | $50.96 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.23 | $58.46 |
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: 46.3 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 | 39.7 | 0 | $13.90 | $6.36 |
| Efficient EV | 33.1 | 0 | $11.58 | $5.30 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 53 | 0 | $18.54 | $8.47 |
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Quincy on Tuesday
Local time
3:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Destination
Afternoon in Alton on Tuesday
Local time
3:53 PM
CDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
55°F
Peoria, IL
66 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Quincy, IL or browse trips ending in Alton, IL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.
Explore maps for Quincy, IL or Alton, IL on MapSof.net.