How far is Rockford, IL from Carthage, IL?
The driving distance from Rockford, IL to Carthage, IL is about 33 miles (53.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.8 miles (43.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 49m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
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 00h 54m.
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.
City in Ogle County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rockford and Carthage.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rockford and Carthage.
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1
Start on West State Street
546 ft · 23 sec · West State Street
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2
Turn left onto South Church Street
1519 ft · 37 sec · South Church Street
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3
Turn left onto Cedar Street
84 m · 5 sec · Cedar Street
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4
Turn right onto South Main Street
4.3 mi · 7 min · South Main Street
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5
Turn right onto South Main Road
9.1 mi · 14 min · South Main Road
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6
Continue on East Blackhawk Drive
1.5 mi · 2 min · East Blackhawk Drive
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7
Turn left onto South Union Street
1799 ft · 30 sec · South Union Street
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8
Turn slight right
87 m · 11 sec
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9
Turn straight onto North River Road
9.7 mi · 16 min · North River Road
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10
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Washington Street
1734 ft · 41 sec · East Washington Street
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11
Turn right onto South Daysville Road
6.6 mi · 11 min · South Daysville Road
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12
Turn right onto East Flagg Road
1 km · 2 min · East Flagg Road
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Flagg Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rockford and Carthage.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
North River Road
Turn straight onto North River Road
9.71 mi · 00h 16m
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 Cloudy leaving Rockford and Mostly Cloudy near Carthage.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rockford to Carthage?
The road trip is about 33 miles (53.1 km) and usually takes 00h 54m 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?
Byron is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.5 miles from Rockford and 16.5 miles from Carthage.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.8 miles (43.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.2 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:40 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.34 one way or $10.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Rockford and Mostly Cloudy near Carthage.
Stop Ideas Near Byron
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 Byron.
Rockford, Illinois
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rockford and Carthage. Straight-line distance: 26.82 mi (43.16 km).
#1 Rockford
The second most populous city in Illinois.
| Population | 144,835 |
| Coordinates | 42.2711300, -89.0940000 |
| Altitude | 218 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Carthage
Carthage is a place in Illinois, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.9189200, -89.3137100 |
| Altitude | 241 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carthage (-89.31371, 41.91892)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 53 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.61 | $5.34 | $10.69 |
| Mid-grade | $5.24 | $6.08 | $12.16 |
| Premium | $5.79 | $6.72 | $13.44 |
| Diesel | $6.59 | $7.65 | $15.29 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026