Trip from Belleville, IL to Chicago, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 33m

Distance

291.7 mi

469 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$46

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 20m ★

6 AM

5h 34m

8 AM

6h 0m

10 AM

5h 43m

12 PM

5h 40m

3 PM

5h 44m

5 PM

5h 59m

8 PM

5h 26m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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city in and seat of St. Clair County, Illinois, United States

Belleville, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Chicago, IL

Otoniel Alvarado

Trip Overview

Connecting the southern reaches of Illinois to the bustling streets of Chicago, this 291.7-mile journey is a straightforward trek across the state. You can expect to spend approximately 5 hours and 33 minutes behind the wheel, making it a manageable, albeit long, day trip. By budgeting roughly $43 for fuel, you can complete the transit efficiently using North Illinois Street, I-55, and the Stevenson Expressway. Since the entire route stays within the Midwest, the transition from the Belleville area to the urban core of Chicago is a familiar regional experience. It is a practical, highway-focused drive that is best tackled in a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stop.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

145.9 miles from Belleville, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 44m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 55	271.4 mi	4h 59m
North Illinois Street	9.3 mi	14m
Stevenson Expressway	3.6 mi	4m
Vandalia Street	2.8 mi	4m
South Morrison Avenue	1.3 mi	1m
West Cermak Road	0.8 mi	1m
South Damen Avenue	0.8 mi	1m
South Blue Island Avenue	0.6 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 55 — 271.4 mi, about 4h 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Belleville, IL and Chicago, IL.

Start on East F Street

59 ft · 6 sec · East F Street

Turn right onto IL 159

9.3 mi · 14 min · North Illinois Street

Continue on IL 159

1.3 mi · 1 min · South Morrison Avenue

Continue on IL 159

2.8 mi · 4 min · Vandalia Street

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 54 sec

Toward I 55 North, I 70 East

Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40

3.8 mi · 4 min · I 55; I 70; US 40

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

108 mi · 1 hr 56 min · I 55

Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

29 mi · 31 min · I 55

Toward I 55 North: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

130 mi · 2 hr 27 min · I 55

Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 55

3.6 mi · 4 min · Stevenson Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Exit 290 Toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Toward Damen Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

440 ft · 12 sec

Toward Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue Use the left lane.

Turn straight onto South Damen Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Damen Avenue

Turn right onto South Blue Island Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Blue Island Avenue

Turn right onto West Cermak Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Cermak Road

Turn right

152 ft · 11 sec

Turn right

0.2 mi · 58 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5.5-hour drive, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest congestion near the Chicago metro area. Planning for at least one dedicated stop is essential to break up the monotony of the long interstate stretches and keep you refreshed. Since you will be spending the vast majority of your time on I-55, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the longest 271.4-mile segment to ensure you aren't caught searching for a station in more rural patches. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, as the direct nature of the route allows you to easily adjust your pace based on traffic conditions. Remember to check local traffic reports for the Stevenson Expressway before you get too close to the city, as this final leg can often see unexpected delays.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 145.9 miles from Belleville, IL, or about 2h 44m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 271.4 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 64 miles or 1h 16m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 145.9 miles or 2h 44m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chicago, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Belleville, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Belleville, IL

This is one driving day of about 291.7 miles and 5h 33m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Belleville, IL.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 271.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

capital city of Illinois and county seat of Sangamon County

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Springfield, IL

146 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Springfield, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 64 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bloomington, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 145.9 miles from Belleville, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 271.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Han 202 Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chicago, Illinois

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 291.7

Hours: 5–10 pm

+13129491314

Visit website

Triple Crown Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Chicago, Illinois

1 mi

New Furama Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Chicago, Illinois

1.1 mi

Han 202 Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 291.7

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 5–10 pm

+13129491314

Visit website

Triple Crown Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 291.7

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13128420088

Visit website

New Furama Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 291.7

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+13122256888

Visit website

Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe & Banquets

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 270.9

Darien, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13314314000

Visit website

Cancun

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 104.2

Sherman, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12174963221

Visit website

Bereket Turkish Mediterranean restaurant (Halal Certified)

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 291.7

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+13125003663

Visit website

Hana Dragon Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 291.7

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13122268117

Visit website

Arturo Express Restaurant and Catering

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 291.7

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13124749289

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 166.7

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 166.7

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 166.7

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 166.7

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 166.7

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 166.7

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 125

Lincoln, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12177354444

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 166.7

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

International Museum of Surgical Science, A Division of the International College of Surgeons

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 291.7

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+13126426502

Visit website

Prairie Trail Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 270.9

Willowbrook, Illinois

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 125.5 and 289.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

125.5 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in | I 55

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 North: Chicago

154.9 mi into trip | ~2h 54m in | I 55

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria

288.8 mi into trip | ~5h 26m in

Take the exit toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 290 Toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue

289 mi into trip | ~5h 27m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Damen Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Damen Avenue

289.3 mi into trip | ~5h 27m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$45.60 one way

$91.21 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 102 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$50.07	$100.14
premium	$4.89	$56.14	$112.27
diesel	$5.61	$64.40	$128.81

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$46

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$71–$96

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 102.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	87.5	1	$30.63	$14.00
Efficient EV	72.9	0	$25.52	$11.67
EV Truck/SUV	116.7	1	$40.84	$18.67

Gas CO2

102 kg

EV CO2

34 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Belleville, IL

Late night in Belleville on Sunday

Local time

1:01 AM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

W 9 to 13 mph 100% chance Live forecast

Destination

Chicago, IL

Late night in Chicago on Sunday

Local time

1:01 AM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

78°F

Springfield, IL

146 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

2 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 33m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

National Monument

In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 90.5

View on nps.gov

Pullman National Historical Park

National Historical Park

In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free near mile 291.7

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highly efficient, interstate-heavy experience, as 94% of your journey takes place on highways. The road is defined by a massive 271.4-mile stretch along I-55, which serves as the primary artery for the majority of your time on the road. While the route begins with local navigation on North Illinois Street, you will quickly transition into a consistent, fast-paced grind once you merge onto the interstate. This is not a winding, scenic backroad adventure; it is a direct transit route designed for speed and reliability. As you approach Chicago, the final transition onto the Stevenson Expressway signals the end of your long interstate haul and the start of the final urban approach.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 271.4 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and North Illinois Street. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 125.5 miles in near I 55.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 291.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 125.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 154.9 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 288.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Belleville, IL and Chicago, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City and Peoria.

Springfield

17.6 mi in | ~26m | via I 55

Kansas City

17.6 mi in | ~26m | via I 55

Peoria

154.9 mi in | ~2h 54m | via I 55

About the Cities

Starting in Belleville, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1814

Belleville is a city in Illinois.

Arriving in Chicago, IL

Full guide →

Chicago is the home of the blues and the truth of jazz, the heart of comedy and the idea of the skyscraper. Here, the age of railroads found its center, and airplanes followed suit. "Stormy, Husky, Brawling / City of Big Shoulders," Chicago is a Heartland boomtown, its ethos defined by urban planner Daniel Burnham's immortal vision: "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood." It is one of the world's great cities and the third largest city in the United States, behind only New York City and Los Angeles. As the hub of the Midwest, Chicago is easy to find — its picturesque skyline calls across the waters of Lake Michigan, a first impression that soon reveals world-class museums of art and science, miles of sandy beaches, huge parks and public art, and perhaps the finest downtown collection of modern architecture in the world.

Top landmarks

• Willis Tower — skyscraper in Chicago, Illinois
• Art Institute of Chicago — art museum and school in Chicago, United States
• Wrigley Field — baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, USA; home venue of the Chicago Cubs

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 33m. Total distance: 291.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 271.4 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Chicago, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Chicago, IL before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Belleville, IL to Chicago, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Han 202 Restaurant

Han 202 Restaurant

Triple Crown Restaurant

New Furama Restaurant

Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe & Banquets

Cancun

Bereket Turkish Mediterranean restaurant (Halal Certified)

Hana Dragon Restaurant

Arturo Express Restaurant and Catering

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Rivian Waypoints

Rivian Adventure Network

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

International Museum of Surgical Science, A Division of the International College of Surgeons

Prairie Trail Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Belleville, IL

Chicago, IL

Same local time

2 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 33m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Pullman National Historical Park

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Belleville, IL

Arriving in Chicago, IL

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Chicago, IL

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