Richmond, IL to Bensenville, IL is 386 miles and takes about 7h 34m via I-55 and I-39, with a fuel budget near $59 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive primarily stays within the Midwest region, specifically Illinois. You'll be covering a significant distance, so be prepared for a full day of driving. The route is designed for efficiency, making it a solid choice if your priority is reaching your destination with minimal fuss. It's a straightforward trip, suitable for a single day of travel.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
193 miles from Richmond, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 41m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 34m. Total distance: 386 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 34m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
Expect a drive that is 80% highway, meaning much of your journey will be on fast-moving interstates like I-55 and I-39. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 142.7 miles on I-55, so plan for extended periods of consistent speed. While the profile is highway-focused, you will transition to IL-3 at points, offering a slight change in scenery and pace. This route offers a consistent driving experience for the most part, ideal for covering ground efficiently.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 29 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 142.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 39. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near IL 173 / Kenosha Street.
Driving Effort6/10
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 386 miles you will encounter 14 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 0.3 miles (IL 173 / Kenosha Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 46.5 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.9 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.3 mi into trip|~0m in|IL 173 / Kenosha Street
Turn left onto IL 173 / Kenosha Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
46.5 mi into trip|~1h 3m in|I 39; US 51
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; US 51 toward I 39, US 51 South: Bloomington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 39, US 51 South: Bloomington
6
168.9 mi into trip|~3h 15m in|US 51
Keep slight right at fork onto US 51 toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champai...
8
176.5 mi into trip|~3h 23m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
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 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
7
241.3 mi into trip|~4h 33m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Richmond, IL and Bremen, IL, road signs point toward Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur and Springfield.
Champaign
168.9 mi in|~3h 15m|via US 51
Saint Louis
168.9 mi in|~3h 15m|via US 51
Decatur
168.9 mi in|~3h 15m|via US 51
Springfield
176.5 mi in|~3h 23m|via I 55
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
142.7 mi
2h 34m
I 39
122.4 mi
2h 11m
IL 3
23.3 mi
28m
Kenosha Street
17.3 mi
24m
West Brink Street
12.4 mi
17m
North Illinois Street
9.8 mi
15m
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
8.3 mi
8m
South Illinois Street
8.3 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 142.7 mi, about 2h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richmond, IL and Bremen, IL.
1
Start on Broadway Street
46 ft·4 sec·Broadway Street
2
Turn right onto US 12
0.3 mi·25 sec·Main Street
3
Turn left onto IL 173
17 mi·24 min·Kenosha Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left onto US 14; IL 173
0.5 mi·49 sec·North Division Street
5
Turn right onto IL 173
12 mi·17 min·West Brink Street
6
Continue on IL 173
5.6 mi·7 min·State Route 173
7
Continue on IL 173
1.5 mi·2 min·West Lane Road
8
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
9
Merge onto I 39; I 90; US 51
8.3 mi·8 min·Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; US 51
0.8 mi·52 sec·I 39; US 51
Toward I 39, US 51 South: Bloomington
11
Continue on I 39; US 20; US 51
2.1 mi·2 min·I 39; US 20; US 51
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; US 51
119 mi·2 hr 8 min·I 39; US 51
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 51
7.6 mi·8 min·US 51
Toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
65 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, SpringfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
78 mi·1 hr 23 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Exit 15AToward IL 159 South: Collinsville
17
Continue on IL 159
3.0 mi·4 min·Vandalia Street
18
Continue on IL 159
1.3 mi·1 min·South Morrison Avenue
19
Continue on IL 159
9.8 mi·15 min·North Illinois Street
20
Enter roundabout onto IL 159
181 ft·4 sec·South Illinois Street
21
Continue on IL 159
8.3 mi·12 min·South Illinois Street
22
Continue on IL 159
6.1 mi·9 min·State Route 159
23
Continue on IL 156; IL 159
0.2 mi·19 sec·North Main Street
24
Continue on IL 159
0.2 mi·13 sec·N Main St
25
Continue on IL 159
8.0 mi·11 min·Main Street
26
Continue on IL 3
23 mi·28 min·IL 3
27
Turn left onto IL 150
6.1 mi·10 min·State Street
28
Turn slight left onto Chester Road
0.2 mi·34 sec·Chester Road
29
Arrive at destination
Chester Road
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour drive time, starting early is key to completing this trip within daylight hours. With two recommended stops, you can break up the 386 miles into manageable segments. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the longest stretch of 142.7 miles on I-55, as services can be spread out. The estimated fuel cost of $59 is a good baseline, but always factor in potential price fluctuations. This is a trip best tackled in one day, so having entertainment or podcasts ready will make the time fly.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 193 miles from Richmond, IL, or about 3h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.7 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 85 miles or 1h 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 193 miles or 3h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bremen, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Richmond, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Richmond, IL
This is one driving day of about 386 miles and 7h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 85 miles from Richmond, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 142.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 193 mi from Richmond, IL
· 3h 41m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
National Monument
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 239.6
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
115.8
1
$40.53
$18.53
Efficient EV
96.5
1
$33.78
$15.44
EV Truck/SUV
154.4
1
$54.04
$24.70
Gas CO2
135 kg
EV CO2
45 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Richmond, IL
Late night
in Richmond on Saturday
Local time
1:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bremen, IL
Late night
in Bremen on Saturday
Local time
1:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°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
9 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
7h 34m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Richmond, IL to Bremen, IL covers 386 miles and takes about 7h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, I 39, IL 3. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 193 miles from Richmond, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $60.35 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 386 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (IL 173 / Kenosha Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 46.5 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.9 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Richmond, IL and Bremen, IL, road signs point toward Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur and Springfield.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
