How far is Elgin, IL from Jefferson, WI?
The driving distance from Elgin, IL to Jefferson, WI is about 101 miles (162.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 72.1 miles (116 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 04m 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 02m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Fog then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Patchy Fog then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elgin and Jefferson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elgin and Jefferson.
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1
Start on East Chicago Street
10 m · 8 sec · East Chicago Street
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2
Turn left onto Center Street
100 m · 13 sec · Center Street
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3
Turn left onto East Highland Avenue
1930 ft · 50 sec · East Highland Avenue
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4
Turn right onto North State Street
2.2 mi · 5 min · North State Street
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 90 Toll West: Wisconsin
1444 ft · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left onto Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
59.1 mi · 1 hr 3 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward CTH S
1757 ft · 33 sec
-
8
Keep slight right
81 m · 7 sec
-
9
Turn straight onto Shopiere Road
2 mi · 3 min · Shopiere Road
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10
Turn left onto County Highway J
5.8 mi · 9 min · County Highway J
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11
Turn left onto East Avalon Road
1862 ft · 35 sec · East Avalon Road
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12
Take the ramp slight right
5.2 mi · 6 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward US 14, WI 26 South, I 39 Alternate: Janesville
958 ft · 23 sec
-
14
Keep slight right
1257 ft · 31 sec
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15
Keep slight left
1.2 km · 55 sec
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16
Keep slight right
1260 ft · 31 sec
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17
At the end of the road, turn right onto Milton Avenue
21.4 mi · 26 min · Milton Avenue
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18
Take the exit slight right toward WI 26 Business: Jefferson
1265 ft · 31 sec
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19
Keep slight right
52 m · 5 sec
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20
Turn right onto State Highway 26 Business
1.4 km · 1 min · State Highway 26 Business
-
21
Continue on South Main Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elgin and Jefferson.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Merge slight left onto Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
59.1 mi · 01h 03m
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.
Areas Of Fog then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Elgin and Patchy Fog then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Jefferson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elgin to Jefferson?
The road trip is about 101 miles (162.6 km) and usually takes 02h 02m 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?
Roscoe is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50.5 miles from Elgin and 50.6 miles from Jefferson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 72.1 miles (116 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.46 one way or $26.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Fog then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Elgin and Patchy Fog then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Jefferson.
Stop Ideas Near Roscoe
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 Roscoe.
South Beloit, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois
Janesville, Wisconsin
Madison (South), Wisconsin
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elgin and Jefferson. Straight-line distance: 72.07 mi (115.98 km).
#1 Elgin
The second most populous city in Kane County, Illinois.
| Population | 110,196 |
| Coordinates | 42.0372500, -88.2811900 |
| Altitude | 227 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Jefferson
City in and county seat of Jefferson County, Wisconsin
| Population | 1,225 |
| Coordinates | 43.0055600, -88.8073300 |
| Altitude | 244 |
| Country | United States |
End: Jefferson (-88.80733, 43.00556)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 163 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.46 | $26.92 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.18 | $30.37 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.61 | $33.23 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.94 | $37.87 |
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 · Aug 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.