Driving Time between Bloomington, Illinois and Tulsa, Oklahoma

A picture depicting driving

The Ultimate Guide for A Road Trip from Bloomington, IL to Tulsa, OK

Are you planning to take that much-needed road trip from Bloomington, Illinois, to Tulsa, Oklahoma? Or have you already hit the road with the wind in your hair? Either way, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about the travel time between these two beautiful cities.

The Distance Between the Two Cities

Before you hit the road, let’s get an idea of how far the distance is between Illinois and Oklahoma. The driving distance from Bloomington to Tulsa is approximately 575 miles. Depending on your route and mode of transportation, the drive time can range from 8.5 to 10 hours.

The Best Routes to Take

There are multiple routes to take when driving from Bloomington to Tulsa. The most popular routes are via the I-55 S and I-44 W highways.

Route 1: I-55 S and I-44 W (Preferred Route)

This is the most popular route from Bloomington to Tulsa and is highly recommended. Start on I-55 S towards St. Louis (approx. 132 miles) and take I-44 W towards Tulsa (approx. 300 miles). This route can take anywhere between 8.5 to 9 hours.

Route 2: I-55 S, US-60 W, and I-44 W

This route is a scenic way to reach Tulsa. Start on I-55 S (approx. 204 miles) and take US-60 W towards Willow Springs (approx. 105 miles). Then take I-44 W towards Tulsa (approx. 170 miles). This route can take anywhere between 9.5 to 10 hours, depending on the time spent along the way.

Route 3: IL-10 W, US-36 W, and I-70 W

This route is an alternative and less popular route from Bloomington to Tulsa. Start on IL-10 W towards Weldon (approx. 15 miles) and take US-36 W towards Kansas City (approx. 176 miles). Then take I-70 W towards Topeka (approx. 78 miles) and eventually I-335 S towards Wichita (approx. 50 miles). Finally, take I-35 S towards Oklahoma (approx. 147 miles) and take exit 221 towards Tulsa. This route can take anywhere between 10 to 10.5 hours.

Road trips are all about exploring the scenic route, making memorable stops along the way, and tapping into some local experiences. There are many interesting places to stop along the preferred route, and some of our top picks are:

Gateway Arch, St. Louis

Take a break from driving and immerse yourself in the history and heritage of St. Louis by visiting the Gateway Arch. Learn about the expansion of the west and get a stunning view of the city from atop the arch.

Purina Farms, Gray Summit

If you are traveling with kids or are a pet lover yourself, a visit to Purina Farms is a must. This attraction is extremely pet-friendly and even offers guided tours and pet-friendly accommodations.

Trail of Tears State Park, Jackson

Another stop that is both scenic and historic is the Trail of Tears State Park. This park is located on the Mississippi River and was created to mark the journey of the Cherokee Indians.

Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, Oklahoma City

If you have an extra day, take a detour and explore the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. This place is a solemn reminder of the Oklahoma City bombing and a tribute to the lives that were lost.

Final Thoughts

Driving from Bloomington, Illinois, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, can take between 8.5 to 10 hours depending on the route you choose and the number of stops you make along the way. The preferred route is via I-55 S and I-44 W, which takes approximately 8.5 to 9 hours. With places like the Gateway Arch, Purina Farms, and Trail of Tears State Park along the way, this trip can become a memorable and fun-filled adventure. Always make sure to plan your journey, carry all essentials, stay safe, and enjoy the road trip!