How far is Alton, IL from Palatine, IL?
The estimated driving distance from Alton, IL to Palatine, IL is about 294.4 miles (473.8 km), with a travel time of about 05h 09m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 249.5 miles (401.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 19m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 05h 09m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Township in McLean County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alton and Palatine.
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Alton and Rain Showers near Palatine.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alton to Palatine?
The road trip is about 294.4 miles (473.8 km) and usually takes 05h 09m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Danvers is a useful midpoint, sitting about 124.7 miles from Alton and 169.6 miles from Palatine.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 249.5 miles (401.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $39.18 one way or $78.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 92.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Alton and Rain Showers near Palatine.
Stop Ideas Near Danvers
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall - Town of Normal
City of Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington Finance Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Danvers.
Uptown Station
Lincoln
Peoria, Illinois
Pontiac station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alton and Palatine. Straight-line distance: 249.47 mi (401.49 km).
#1 Alton
City in Madison County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 26,049 |
| Coordinates | 38.8906000, -90.1842800 |
| Altitude | 150 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Palatine
Village in Cook County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 66,830 |
| Coordinates | 42.1103000, -88.0342400 |
| Altitude | 226 |
| Country | United States |
End: Palatine (-88.03424, 42.1103)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 474 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $39.18 | $78.36 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $44.19 | $88.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $48.36 | $96.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $55.11 | $110.22 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Illinois · Apr 11, 2026