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Trip from Richwoods, IL to Naperville, IL

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

5h 43m

Distance

259.2 mi

417 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 30m ★
6 AM
5h 43m
8 AM
6h 10m
10 AM
5h 53m
12 PM
5h 50m
3 PM
5h 54m
5 PM
6h 9m
8 PM
5h 35m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Richwoods, IL, IL

Richwoods, IL

Stéphane Tendon

Trip Overview

This 259.2-mile drive from Richwoods, IL to Naperville, IL is a solid option for a single-day road trip, taking approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes. You'll primarily navigate via I-57 and IL-130, with a portion on East 1050th Avenue, making it a highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $41, this journey through the Midwest is straightforward and efficient. The route is designed for a single day, so you won't need to worry about overnight stays. It's a practical drive for those looking to cover ground without too many detours.

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

129.6 miles from Richwoods, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 2m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 43m. Total distance: 259.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 259.2-mile trip, with 72% of your journey on main roads like I-57. This means you'll experience stretches of consistent speed and efficient travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 128.3 miles on I-57, offering a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. While the profile suggests a focus on major roads, keep an eye out for the transitions onto IL-130 and East 1050th Avenue, which might offer a slight change in pace before you reach Naperville.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 38 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 57 is the longest continuous segment at about 128.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and IL 130. You will hit about 23 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 206.6 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 259.2 miles you will encounter 23 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 206.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 235.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 235.7 miles (I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 23 key points

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

5
206.6 mi into trip | ~4h 25m in

Take the exit toward Bourbonnais Parkway

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 318 Toward Bourbonnais Parkway
5
235.1 mi into trip | ~5h 10m in

Take the ramp toward I 355 Toll North: West Suburbs

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward I 355 Toll North: West Suburbs
5
235.7 mi into trip | ~5h 11m in | I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway

Merge onto I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
253.8 mi into trip | ~5h 32m in

Take the exit toward US 34: Ogden Avenue

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 20B Toward US 34: Ogden Avenue
8
254.1 mi into trip | ~5h 32m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 34: Lisle

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward US 34: Lisle

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 128.3 mi 2h 17m
IL 130 34.1 mi 50m
East 1050th Avenue 19 mi 28m
US 45 18.2 mi 25m
Veterans Memorial Tollway 18.1 mi 20m
East 1050th Ave 5.3 mi 8m
Illinois Route 16 5.3 mi 7m
East Ogden Avenue 5.1 mi 10m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 128.3 mi, about 2h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Richwoods, IL and Naperville, IL.

1

Start on East 700th Avenue

158 ft · 12 sec · East 700th Avenue
2

Turn left onto North 2100th Street

0.2 mi · 50 sec · North 2100th Street
3

Turn right onto East 675th Avenue

0.7 mi · 2 min · East 675th Avenue
4

Continue on East 720th Avenue

0.6 mi · 2 min · East 720th Avenue
5

Turn left onto North 2000th Street

0.1 mi · 32 sec · North 2000th Street
6

Turn right onto East 700th Avenue

1.4 mi · 5 min · East 700th Avenue
7

Turn right onto IL 33

3.5 mi · 6 min · 1850E
8

Turn left onto IL 33

0.6 mi · 59 sec · East Franklin Street
9

Keep slight right at fork onto IL 33

0.2 mi · 24 sec · West Washington Street
10

Continue on IL 33

5.3 mi · 8 min · East 1050th Ave
11

Continue on IL 33

2.7 mi · 5 min · East Main Street
12

Continue on IL 33

6.9 mi · 10 min · East 1050th Avenue
13

Continue on IL 33

0.6 mi · 57 sec · W Main St
14

Continue on IL 33

0.5 mi · 44 sec · East Main Street
15

Continue on IL 33

12 mi · 18 min · East 1050th Avenue
16

Turn right onto IL 130

34 mi · 50 min · IL 130
Use the right lane.
17

Turn left onto IL 16

2.5 mi · 4 min · Lincoln Avenue
18

Continue on IL 16

5.3 mi · 7 min · Illinois Route 16
19

Continue on IL 16

0.4 mi · 38 sec · Charleston Avenue East
20

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I-57 North: Champaign
21

Merge onto I 57

128 mi · 2 hr 17 min · I 57
22

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 42 sec
Exit 318 Toward Bourbonnais Parkway
23

Turn left onto Bourbonnais Parkway

0.6 mi · 1 min · Bourbonnais Parkway
24

Turn right onto US 45; US 52

18 mi · 25 min · US 45; US 52
25

Turn left onto West Steger Road

0.2 mi · 54 sec · West Steger Road
26

Turn right onto Wolf Road

2.3 mi · 4 min · Wolf Road
27

Turn left onto US 30

3.8 mi · 5 min · Lincoln Highway
28

Continue on US 30

0.3 mi · 26 sec · East Maple Street
29

Continue on US 30

442 ft · 10 sec · West Lincoln Highway
30

Turn right onto North Cedar Road

2.4 mi · 5 min · North Cedar Road
31

Turn left onto US 6

0.2 mi · 18 sec · Maple Road
32

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 57 sec
Toward I 355 Toll North: West Suburbs Use the right lane.
33

Merge onto I 355

18 mi · 20 min · Veterans Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 20B Toward US 34: Ogden Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35

Keep slight left at fork

76 ft · 4 sec
Toward US 34: Lisle Use the left lane.
36

Turn left onto US 34

5.1 mi · 10 min · East Ogden Avenue
37

Turn right onto North Washington Street

50 ft · 1 sec · North Washington Street
38

Arrive at destination

North Washington Street

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour and 43-minute duration, starting your drive from Richwoods in the morning is advisable to make good time. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps utilizing one of the service areas along I-57. The estimated fuel cost of $41 makes budgeting straightforward, but it’s always wise to have a little extra. Pay attention to the transition points between I-57, IL-130, and East 1050th Avenue, as these mark the most significant changes in road character on this 259.2-mile route to Naperville.

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 129.6 miles from Richwoods, IL, or about 3h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.3 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 57 miles or 1h 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 129.6 miles or 3h 2m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 34m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Richwoods, 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 Richwoods, IL

This is one driving day of about 259.2 miles and 5h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Richwoods, 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 57 for about 128.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 129.6 mi from Richwoods, IL · 3h 2m into the drive

Downtown Rantoul, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Rantoul, IL

130 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

Charleston, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rantoul, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 129.6 miles from Richwoods, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 128.3 miles.

Arriving in Naperville, IL

The final approach into Naperville, 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 Naperville, 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

$40.52 one way

$81.05 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 91 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $44.49 $88.99
premium $4.89 $49.88 $99.76
diesel $5.61 $57.23 $114.46

Estimated Tolls: $1.27

Veterans Memorial Tollway (18.1 mi) $1.27

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

$41

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$67–$92

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 90.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 77.8 0 $27.22 $12.44
Efficient EV 64.8 0 $22.68 $10.37
EV Truck/SUV 103.7 1 $36.29 $16.59

Gas CO2

91 kg

EV CO2

30 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

Richwoods, IL

Night in Richwoods on Thursday

Local time

10:11 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Naperville, IL

Night in Naperville on Thursday

Local time

10:11 PM

CDT

Current temp

51°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

3 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

5h 43m 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 Richwoods, IL to Naperville, IL covers 259.2 miles and takes about 5h 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, IL 130, East 1050th Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 129.6 miles from Richwoods, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $40.52 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 259.2 miles you will encounter 23 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 206.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 235.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 235.7 miles (I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Richwoods, IL to Naperville, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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