How far is Sterling, IL from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance from Sterling, IL to Peoria, IL is about 84.1 miles (135.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 75.9 miles (122.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 32m 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 46m.
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 Stark County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sterling and Peoria.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sterling and Peoria.
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1
Start on Locust Street
764 ft · 15 sec · Locust Street
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2
Keep slight right to continue on East 2nd Street
144 m · 10 sec · East 2nd Street
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3
Turn straight onto 1st Avenue
14 mi · 21 min · 1st Avenue
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4
Continue on 900 East Street
13.6 mi · 20 min · 900 East Street
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5
Continue on IL 40
3.6 mi · 5 min · IL 40
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6
Continue on Pine Street
1 mi · 2 min · Pine Street
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7
Continue on 900 East Street
10.1 mi · 15 min · 900 East Street
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8
Turn left onto West Main Street
1.6 km · 2 min · West Main Street
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9
Turn right onto South Peoria Street
7 mi · 10 min · South Peoria Street
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10
Turn left
27.7 mi · 48 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on IL 40 South
2011 ft · 55 sec
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12
Continue on Fayette Street
1946 ft · 1 min · Fayette Street
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13
Turn right onto Northeast Jefferson Avenue
112 m · 7 sec · Northeast Jefferson Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Northeast Jefferson Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sterling and Peoria.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn left
27.7 mi · 00h 48m
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 Sterling and Mostly Sunny near Peoria.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sterling to Peoria?
The road trip is about 84.1 miles (135.3 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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?
Bradford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.6 miles from Sterling and 44.5 miles from Peoria.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 75.9 miles (122.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.2 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.20 one way or $22.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Sterling and Mostly Sunny near Peoria.
Stop Ideas Near Bradford
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 Bradford.
Kewanee
Princeton
Peoria, Illinois
Mendota station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sterling and Peoria. Straight-line distance: 75.86 mi (122.09 km).
#1 Sterling
City in Whiteside County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 14,313 |
| Coordinates | 41.7886400, -89.6962200 |
| Altitude | 201 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Peoria
The third most populous city in Illinois.
| Population | 109,428 |
| Coordinates | 40.6936500, -89.5889900 |
| Altitude | 153 |
| Country | United States |
End: Northeast Jefferson Avenue (-89.589088, 40.693742)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 135 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.20 | $22.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.63 | $25.26 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.82 | $27.64 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.75 | $31.51 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.