Origin
Schaumburg, IL
Late night in Schaumburg on Friday
Local time
2:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Schaumburg, IL to Washington, IL
Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology
Drive Time
3h 6m
Distance
146.6 mi
236 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 55m
★
6 AM
3h 7m
8 AM
3h 30m
10 AM
3h 15m
12 PM
3h 13m
3 PM
3h 16m
5 PM
3h 29m
8 PM
3h 0m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Schaumburg, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Washington, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 146.6-mile drive from Schaumburg, IL, to Washington, IL, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes. Your journey will primarily utilize major expressways and highways, with about 70% of the route on these faster roads. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $23, making it an economical option for a quick getaway within the Midwest. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is ideal for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. You'll experience a consistent driving profile throughout the journey.
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
73.3 miles from Schaumburg, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 29m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 6m. Total distance: 146.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 146.6-mile route, with 70% of your travel on expressways and interstates. You'll spend a significant amount of time on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, including an 82.3-mile stretch without interruption. While the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-355 offer consistent speeds, you'll also navigate some County Road sections, which might present a slight change in pace. The overall character is one of efficient travel, prioritizing getting you to your destination smoothly rather than offering winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 28 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 82.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I 355. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.1 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 18 significant decision points across 146.6 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 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.9 miles (I 355): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
5.1 mi into trip
|
~9m in
Take the exit toward I 290: Chicago, Rockford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12
Toward I 290: Chicago, Rockford
7
5.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 290 East: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 290 East: Chicago
8
6.9 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
I 355
Keep slight left at fork onto I 355 toward I 355 South Tollway: Joliet
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 7
Toward I 355 South Tollway: Joliet
8
27 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Take the exit toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12A
Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
7
27.3 mi into trip
|
~37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Joliet Road South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward Joliet Road South
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Schaumburg, IL and Washington, IL, road signs point toward Saint Louis, Joliet Road South and El Paso.
Saint Louis
27 mi in
|
~37m
Joliet Road South
27.3 mi in
|
~37m
El Paso
110 mi in
|
~2h 10m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Adlai Stevenson Expressway | 82.3 mi | 1h 31m |
| I 355 | 20.1 mi | 25m |
| County Road 1000 North | 11.8 mi | 17m |
| East Gridley Road | 9.2 mi | 14m |
| East 3100 North Road | 6.7 mi | 9m |
| Eureka Road | 3 mi | 5m |
| South Roselle Road | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| East Center Street | 2 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
— 82.3 mi, about 1h 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Schaumburg, IL and Washington, IL.
1
Start on North Pleasant Drive
426 ft
·
20 sec
·
North Pleasant Drive
2
Turn right onto West Thacker Street
0.1 mi
·
36 sec
·
West Thacker Street
3
Turn right onto North Roselle Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Roselle Road
4
Continue on South Roselle Road
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
South Roselle Road
5
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward IL 390 East Toll
Use the left lane.
6
Merge onto IL 390
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Elgin-O'Hare Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 12
Toward I 290: Chicago, Rockford
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 290 East: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 290
0.6 mi
·
43 sec
·
I 290
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 355
20 mi
·
25 min
·
I 355
Exit 7
Toward I 355 South Tollway: Joliet
Use the slight left lane.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 12A
Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward Joliet Road South
Use the slight left lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 55
82 mi
·
1 hr 31 min
·
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
Toward US 24: Chenoa, El Paso
16
At end of road, turn left onto US 24
6.7 mi
·
9 min
·
East 3100 North Road
17
Continue on US 24
9.2 mi
·
14 min
·
East Gridley Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on US 24
12 mi
·
17 min
·
County Road 1000 North
19
Continue on US 24
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
East Center Street
20
Continue on US 24
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
US Highway 24
21
Turn left onto US 24 Business
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road 1200 East
22
Continue on US 24 Business
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road 800 North
23
Continue on US 24 Business
3.0 mi
·
5 min
·
Eureka Road
24
Continue on US 24 Business
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Walnut Street
25
Enter roundabout onto US 24 Business
300 ft
·
16 sec
·
Peoria Street
26
Continue on US 24 Business
153 ft
·
7 sec
·
Peoria Street
27
Turn right
91 ft
·
6 sec
28
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over 3 hours, this 146.6-mile drive from Schaumburg to Washington is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, offering plenty of flexibility. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your time at your destination. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 82.3 miles, so plan for a brief stop before or after this segment if you prefer to break up longer driving periods. With a fuel cost estimated at $23, it's wise to ensure your tank is full before you leave Schaumburg, as services might be less frequent on certain highway sections. Keep an eye out for signage directing you onto County Road 1000 North as you approach your destination.
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 73.3 miles from Schaumburg, IL, or about 1h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.3 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 32 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.3 miles or 1h 29m 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Washington, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Schaumburg, 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 Schaumburg, IL
This is one driving day of about 146.6 miles and 3h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Schaumburg, 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 82.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 73.3 mi from Schaumburg, IL · 1h 29m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
73 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 73.3 miles from Schaumburg, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Adlai Stevenson Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.3 miles.
Arriving in Washington, IL
The final approach into Washington, 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 Washington, IL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.92 one way
$45.84 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
51 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $25.16 | $50.33 |
| premium | $4.89 | $28.21 | $56.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.37 | $64.73 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.12
Elgin-O'Hare Tollway
(1.8 mi)
$0.12
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
$23
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44 | 0 | $15.39 | $7.04 |
| Efficient EV | 36.7 | 0 | $12.83 | $5.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 58.6 | 0 | $20.52 | $9.38 |
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Destination
Washington, IL
Late night in Washington on Friday
Local time
2:09 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°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
21 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
3h 6m 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 Schaumburg, IL to Washington, IL covers 146.6 miles and takes about 3h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Adlai Stevenson Expressway, I 355, County Road 1000 North. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 73.3 miles from Schaumburg, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.92 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 146.6 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 5.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 5.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.9 miles (I 355): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Schaumburg, IL and Washington, IL, road signs point toward Saint Louis, Joliet Road South and El Paso.
Data sources
The figures on this page are computed from open government and mapping datasets, not crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Full methodology, refresh cadence, and limitations are documented on the methodology page.
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