How far is Bloomington, IL from River Forest, IL?
The driving distance from Bloomington, IL to River Forest, IL is about 131 miles (210.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115.3 miles (185.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 19m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 39m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Village in Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bloomington and River Forest.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bloomington and River Forest.
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1
Start on North East Street
42 m · 6 sec · North East Street
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2
Continue on North Main Street
3.6 mi · 9 min · North Main Street
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3
Take the ramp slight right toward I 55 North: Chicago
2654 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left
111.5 mi · 2 hr 4 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
1.6 mi · 3 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 North: Wisconsin
1694 ft · 41 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
1.2 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 290 West, I 294 North, I 290 East: Rockford, Milwaukee, Chicago
98 m · 8 sec · Tri-State Tollway
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 290 East: Chicago
1369 ft · 34 sec
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11
Continue straight
160 m · 13 sec
-
12
Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
3183 ft · 49 sec · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
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13
Merge slight right onto Eisenhower Expressway
4.4 mi · 6 min · Eisenhower Expressway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward Des Plaines Avenue
1137 ft · 31 sec
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15
Turn left onto Des Plaines Avenue
2741 ft · 2 min · Des Plaines Avenue
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16
Turn left onto Madison Street
52 m · 6 sec · Madison Street
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17
Turn right onto Lathrop Avenue
1.3 mi · 4 min · Lathrop Avenue
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18
Turn right onto Augusta Street
97 m · 11 sec · Augusta Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Augusta Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bloomington and River Forest.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 55 North
Merge slight left
112 mi · 02h 04m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Bloomington and Mostly Sunny near River Forest.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bloomington to River Forest?
The road trip is about 131 miles (210.9 km) and usually takes 02h 39m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Gardner is a useful midpoint, sitting about 65.5 miles from Bloomington and 65.5 miles from River Forest.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115.3 miles (185.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.42 one way or $34.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Bloomington and Mostly Sunny near River Forest.
Stop Ideas Near Gardner
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Gardner.
Dwight station
Kankakee
Joliet Transportation Center
Pontiac station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bloomington and River Forest. Straight-line distance: 115.33 mi (185.61 km).
#1 Bloomington
The second most populous city in McLean County, Illinois.
| Population | 77,132 |
| Coordinates | 40.4842000, -88.9936900 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
#2 River Forest
Village in Cook County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 10,694 |
| Coordinates | 41.8978100, -87.8139500 |
| Altitude | 192 |
| Country | United States |
End: River Forest (-87.81395, 41.89781)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 211 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.42 | $34.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.65 | $39.30 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.50 | $43.00 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.50 | $49.01 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.