How far is Thornton, IL from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance from Thornton, IL to Aurora, IL is about 58.4 miles (94 km), with a travel time of about 01h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.1 miles (62.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 12m 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 06m.
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.
The most populous city in Will County, Illinois.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Rain Likely
Partly Sunny then Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Thornton and Aurora.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Thornton and Aurora.
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1
Start on Margaret Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Margaret Street
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2
Turn left onto Ridge Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Ridge Road
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3
Turn right onto Halsted Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Halsted Street
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward I 80 West, I 294 North: Tri-State Tollway, Iowa, Wisconsin
1382 ft · 55 sec
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 West, I 294 North: Iowa, Wisconsin
2462 ft · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
1.2 mi · 2 min · Tri-State Tollway
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Iowa
15.4 mi · 19 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 355 Toll North: Rockford
1.1 km · 1 min
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9
Continue on Veterans Memorial Tollway
15.2 mi · 17 min · Veterans Memorial Tollway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward 75th Street, Woodridge, Darien
1762 ft · 45 sec
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11
Turn left onto 75th Street
8.9 mi · 15 min · 75th Street
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12
Turn right onto Illinois Route 59
1.1 mi · 2 min · Illinois Route 59
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13
Turn left onto East New York Street
6 mi · 11 min · East New York Street
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14
Turn left onto North Lake Street
127 m · 15 sec · North Lake Street
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15
Turn right onto West Galena Boulevard
575 ft · 10 sec · West Galena Boulevard
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Galena Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Thornton and Aurora.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 80 West
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Iowa
15.4 mi · 00h 19m
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.
Partly Sunny then Rain Likely leaving Thornton and Partly Sunny then Rain Likely near Aurora.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Thornton to Aurora?
The road trip is about 58.4 miles (94 km) and usually takes 01h 06m 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?
Lockport is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.3 miles from Thornton and 32.1 miles from Aurora.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.1 miles (62.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.3 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 4:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.77 one way or $15.54 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Rain Likely around Thornton and Partly Sunny then Rain Likely near Aurora.
Stop Ideas Near Lockport
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 Lockport.
Joliet Transportation Center
Naperville
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Thornton and Aurora. Straight-line distance: 39.08 mi (62.9 km).
#1 Thornton
Village in Cook County, Illinois, USA
| Population | 2,367 |
| Coordinates | 41.5680900, -87.6081000 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Aurora
The second most populous city in Illinois.
| Population | 196,383 |
| Coordinates | 41.7605800, -88.3200700 |
| Altitude | 207 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Galena Boulevard (-88.320111, 41.76053)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 94 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.77 | $15.54 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.76 | $17.52 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.59 | $19.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.93 | $21.85 |
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.