Origin
South Beloit, IL
Late night in South Beloit on Friday
Local time
4:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from South Beloit, IL to Aurora, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 39m
Distance
86.4 mi
139 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 32m
★
6 AM
1h 40m
8 AM
1h 55m
10 AM
1h 45m
12 PM
1h 44m
3 PM
1h 46m
5 PM
1h 54m
8 PM
1h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
South Beloit, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Aurora, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 86.4-mile drive from South Beloit, IL to Aurora, IL is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes. The route primarily utilizes the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway and I-39, with a portion on North Lake Street, making it a straightforward journey. With a projected fuel cost of around $14, this drive offers an economical option for traveling within the Midwest region. The mixed drive profile suggests a blend of highway speeds and potentially some local road sections, so plan for a relatively quick and efficient transit. Given its short duration, this trip is ideal for a spontaneous outing or a planned day trip without the need for an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.2 miles from South Beloit, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 39m. Total distance: 86.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (30%). Straightforward navigation.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a drive that is about 30% highway, meaning you'll experience a mix of faster-paced travel and potentially some slower, more local road conditions. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 38 miles on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, offering a period of consistent cruising. As you transition between the tollway, I-39, and North Lake Street, the road's character will shift, so be prepared for changes in speed limits and traffic patterns. This mixed drive profile means you'll get a taste of different driving environments on your way to Aurora.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway is the longest continuous segment at about 38 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 19 miles in near I 39; US 51.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 1h 39m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 19 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 44.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 6 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
19 mi into trip
|
~22m 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
4
22 mi into trip
|
~25m in
|
I 39; US 51
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; US 51
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
44.8 mi into trip
|
~50m in
Take the exit toward I 88 East Toll: Chicago
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 97A
Toward I 88 East Toll: Chicago
3
45.2 mi into trip
|
~51m in
|
I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Merge onto I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Merge point - match speed before joining
8
83.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m in
|
IL 56
Take the exit onto IL 56 toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East
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 117
Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway | 38 mi | 40m |
| I 39 | 25.7 mi | 28m |
| North Lake Street | 2.2 mi | 4m |
| Gardner Street | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| IL 56 | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| South Lincolnway Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| West Galena Boulevard | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
— 38 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Beloit, IL and Aurora, IL.
1
Start on IL 75
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Gardner Street
2
Take the ramp
17 mi
·
18 min
3
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
4
Continue on I 39; US 20; US 51
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 39; US 20; US 51
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; US 51
23 mi
·
24 min
·
I 39; US 51
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 97A
Toward I 88 East Toll: Chicago
7
Merge onto I 88; IL 110
38 mi
·
40 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
8
Take the exit onto IL 56
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
IL 56
Exit 117
Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn right onto IL 31
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
·
South Lincolnway Street
10
Continue on IL 31
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
North Lake Street
11
Turn right onto West Galena Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
West Galena Boulevard
12
Arrive at destination
West Galena Boulevard
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 1 hour and 39-minute drive, flexibility is key. You can depart at any time, but leaving later in the morning might help you avoid initial commuter traffic. With a total distance of 86.4 miles and a fuel cost estimated at $14, you won't need extensive fuel stops. However, be mindful of the 38-mile longest stretch on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway; ensure you have adequate fuel before entering it. Since there are no designated stops in the data, plan your own breaks as needed, perhaps utilizing service areas along the tollway or looking for options once you transition to local roads.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.2 miles from South Beloit, IL, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38 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 19 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.2 miles or 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Aurora, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving South Beloit, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from South Beloit, IL
This is one driving day of about 86.4 miles and 1h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from South Beloit, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway for about 38 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 43.2 mi from South Beloit, IL · 48m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
43 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 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 43.2 miles from South Beloit, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Aurora, IL
The final approach into Aurora, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.51 one way
$27.02 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
30 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $14.83 | $29.66 |
| premium | $4.89 | $16.63 | $33.25 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $19.08 | $38.15 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.28
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(38 mi)
$2.28
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
$14
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 25.9 | 0 | $9.07 | $4.15 |
| Efficient EV | 21.6 | 0 | $7.56 | $3.46 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 34.6 | 0 | $12.10 | $5.53 |
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 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
Aurora, IL
Late night in Aurora on Friday
Local time
4:22 AM
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 39m 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 South Beloit, IL to Aurora, IL covers 86.4 miles and takes about 1h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, I 39, North Lake Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 43.2 miles from South Beloit, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.51 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.
This is a straightforward 1h 39m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 19 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 44.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
The route from South Beloit, IL to Aurora, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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