How far is Peoria, IL from Thornton, IL?
The driving distance from Peoria, IL to Thornton, IL is about 156 miles (251 km), with a travel time of about 03h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 119.5 miles (192.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 00m 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 03h 00m.
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.
Township in Livingston County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Peoria and Thornton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Peoria and Thornton.
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1
Start on Northeast Jefferson Avenue
26 m · 6 sec · Northeast Jefferson Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Hamilton Boulevard
141 m · 17 sec · Hamilton Boulevard
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3
Turn right onto Northeast Madison Avenue
137 m · 16 sec · Northeast Madison Avenue
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4
Turn right onto Fayette Street
143 m · 15 sec · Fayette Street
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5
Take the ramp straight toward I 74 East, IL 29 South: Bloomington, Pekin
1039 ft · 25 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Murray Baker Bridge
33 mi · 36 min · Murray Baker Bridge
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
1.4 mi · 3 min
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8
Merge slight left
86.7 mi · 1 hr 33 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East: Indiana
1.2 km · 1 min
-
10
Merge slight left
28.4 mi · 35 min
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11
Keep slight left
2.1 mi · 3 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward IL 1: Halsted Street
1185 ft · 29 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on IL 1 South: Halsted Street
2096 ft · 51 sec
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14
Turn straight onto Halsted Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Halsted Street
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15
Turn left onto Ridge Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Ridge Road
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16
At the end of the road, turn right onto Margaret Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Margaret Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Margaret Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Peoria and Thornton.
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
86.7 mi · 01h 33m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Peoria and Partly Sunny then Rain Likely near Thornton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Peoria to Thornton?
The road trip is about 156 miles (251 km) and usually takes 03h 00m 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?
Odell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 77.9 miles from Peoria and 78 miles from Thornton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 119.5 miles (192.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.5 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 12:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.74 one way or $41.48 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Peoria and Partly Sunny then Rain Likely near Thornton.
Stop Ideas Near Odell
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 Odell.
Dwight station
Pontiac station
Gilman
Kankakee
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Peoria and Thornton. Straight-line distance: 119.48 mi (192.29 km).
#1 Peoria
The third most populous city in Illinois.
| Population | 109,428 |
| Coordinates | 40.6936500, -89.5889900 |
| Altitude | 153 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Thornton
Village in Cook County, Illinois, USA
| Population | 2,367 |
| Coordinates | 41.5680900, -87.6081000 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| Country | United States |
End: Thornton (-87.6081, 41.56809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 251 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.74 | $41.48 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.39 | $46.78 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.60 | $51.19 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.17 | $58.34 |
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 · May 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.