How far is Rockford, IL from Zion, IL?
The driving distance from Rockford, IL to Zion, IL is about 74.8 miles (120.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 65.5 miles (105.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 45m 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 01h 52m.
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.
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
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 Rockford and Zion.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rockford and Zion.
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1
Start on West State Street
2549 ft · 1 min · West State Street
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2
Turn left onto North 3rd Street
1759 ft · 41 sec · North 3rd Street
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3
Continue on North 2nd Street
7.3 mi · 11 min · North 2nd Street
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4
Turn right onto West Lane Road
4.9 mi · 8 min · West Lane Road
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5
Continue on State Route 173
5.6 mi · 8 min · State Route 173
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6
Continue on West Grove Street
12.4 mi · 18 min · West Grove Street
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7
Turn left onto South Division Street
2662 ft · 49 sec · South Division Street
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8
Turn right onto East Diggins Street
18.8 mi · 27 min · East Diggins Street
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9
Continue on Kenosha Road
3.7 mi · 5 min · Kenosha Road
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10
Continue on West IL Route 173
18.6 mi · 28 min · West IL Route 173
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11
Continue on Bethlehem Avenue
1 km · 1 min · Bethlehem Avenue
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12
Turn right onto Galilee Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · Galilee Avenue
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13
Turn left onto 27th Street
1 km · 2 min · 27th Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 27th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rockford and Zion.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
East Diggins Street
Turn right onto East Diggins Street
18.8 mi · 00h 27m
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 Rockford and Mostly Sunny near Zion.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rockford to Zion?
The road trip is about 74.8 miles (120.3 km) and usually takes 01h 52m 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?
Alden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 37.3 miles from Rockford and 37.5 miles from Zion.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 65.5 miles (105.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.3 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 2:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.96 one way or $19.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Rockford and Mostly Sunny near Zion.
Stop Ideas Near Alden
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 Alden.
South Beloit, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois
Janesville, Wisconsin
Sturtevant station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rockford and Zion. Straight-line distance: 65.51 mi (105.43 km).
#1 Rockford
The second most populous city in Illinois.
| Population | 144,835 |
| Coordinates | 42.2711300, -89.0940000 |
| Altitude | 218 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Zion
City in Lake County, Illinois, US
| Population | 23,321 |
| Coordinates | 42.4461300, -87.8328500 |
| Altitude | 198 |
| Country | United States |
End: Zion (-87.83285, 42.44613)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 120 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.96 | $19.91 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.23 | $22.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.29 | $24.57 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.00 | $28.01 |
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.