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Trip from Chatham, IL to Lockport, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 24m

Distance

178.6 mi

287 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 12m ★
6 AM
3h 24m
8 AM
3h 49m
10 AM
3h 33m
12 PM
3h 30m
3 PM
3h 34m
5 PM
3h 47m
8 PM
3h 17m

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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Downtown Chatham, IL, IL

Chatham, IL

Quang Vuong

city in Will County, Illinois, United States

Lockport, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This trip from Chatham, Illinois, to Lockport, Illinois, covers 178.6 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 24 minutes. It's a straightforward drive, primarily utilizing I-55, I-72, and I-80, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day journey. With a projected fuel cost of around $28, it’s an economical option for exploring more of the Midwest. The route is predominantly highway-focused, offering a consistent driving experience without the need for an overnight stop. Plan for a smooth, efficient transit between these two Illinois locations.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

89.3 miles from Chatham, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 143.7 mi 2h 34m
I 72 17.1 mi 19m
I 80 5.1 mi 6m
Broadway Street 4.4 mi 8m
North Main Street 3 mi 5m
South Veterans Parkway 1.2 mi 1m
West 9th Street 1 mi 1m
Hickory Street 0.7 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 143.7 mi, about 2h 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chatham, IL and Lockport, IL.

1

Start on IL 4

3.0 mi · 5 min · North Main Street
Use the straight lane.
2

Continue on IL 4

1.2 mi · 1 min · South Veterans Parkway
3

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
4

Merge onto I 72; US 36

17 mi · 19 min · I 72; US 36
5

Continue on I 55

20 mi · 21 min · I 55
6

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.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

94 mi · 1 hr 40 min · I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 250A Toward I 80 East: Indiana Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 80

5.1 mi · 6 min · I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 131 Toward Center Street
11

Continue on South Center Street

0.3 mi · 38 sec · South Center Street
12

Continue on Hickory Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · Hickory Street
13

Turn right onto Bridge Street

348 ft · 17 sec · Bridge Street
14

Turn left onto Broadway Street

4.4 mi · 8 min · Broadway Street
15

Turn right onto IL 7

1.0 mi · 1 min · West 9th Street
Use the left lane.
16

Arrive at destination

IL 7

Trip Plan

With a duration of just over 3 hours, this trip is perfectly suited for a day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave Chatham in the morning to make the most of your day in Lockport. You'll have one primary stretch of 143.7 miles on I-55, so plan for a fuel stop before or during this segment if needed, as services can be spaced out. Given the $28 fuel cost, it’s an affordable drive, but keeping an eye on your fuel gauge on that long stretch of I-55 is a practical consideration.

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 89.3 miles from Chatham, IL, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 143.7 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 39 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 89.3 miles or 1h 39m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 41m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Chatham, 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 Chatham, IL

This is one driving day of about 178.6 miles and 3h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Chatham, 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 143.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bloomington, IL

89 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

Athens, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Normal, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 89.3 miles from Chatham, 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 143.7 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Public Landing

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lockport, Illinois

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.1 mi from route $20 to $30

Hours: 12–8:30 pm

+18158386500

Visit website

Chatham Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chatham, Illinois

0.1 mi

The Vegan Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lockport, Illinois

0.1 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Kafe De Kasa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Shorewood, Illinois

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 15min to go 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17792421902

Visit website

Emmys Cafe & Gaming

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Braidwood, Illinois

2.9 mi

Public Landing

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $20 to $30

Lockport, Illinois

Hours: 12–8:30 pm

+18158386500

Visit website

Chatham Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Chatham, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12176971101

Visit website

The Vegan Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route $20 to $30

Lockport, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+18158384626

Visit website

State Street Restaurant & Italian Pizza

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Lockport, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+18158389116

Visit website

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+12175445144

Visit website

Honeyfield Pancake House & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Lockport, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+18158363880

Visit website

Norma's Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Lockport, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+18157227146

Visit website

Krekel's Custard & Hamburgers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Grandview, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12175254952

Visit website

Kafe De Kasa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+17792421902

Visit website

Critical Grind Board Game Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10

Shorewood, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+18156304235

Visit website

Emmys Cafe & Gaming

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour

Braidwood, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+18153905133

Social Butterfly Coffee

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18152009829

Visit website

Jitters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18157400048

Kafé De Kasa

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Crest Hill, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18156303694

Visit website

The Happy Crab Mobile Coffee Bar

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Minooka, Illinois

+18155928941

Visit website

Emmy's Cafe & Gaming

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Coal City, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+18155185375

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 3 mi from route ~7 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Halfway reset 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Visit website

Rail Splitter Rest Area - Northbound

0 mi from route

Rail Splitter Rest Area - Southbound

0.1 mi from route

TA

0.1 mi from route

Dixie Trucker's Home

0.1 mi from route

Funks Grove Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Limestone Rest Area (Southbound)

0.1 mi from route

Limestone Rest Area (Northbound)

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.2 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.3 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.3 mi from route

Petro Stopping Centers

0.3 mi from route

Love's Travel Stop

0.4 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.4 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.4 mi from route

Road Ranger

0.5 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

0.6 mi from route

Road Ranger

2.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

2.4 mi from route

Pilot Travel Center

2.5 mi from route

The Wine Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30

Wilmington, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+18154769009

Visit website

Dock Rotz Tavern

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Minooka, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18154672200

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 42.4 and 171.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
42.4 mi into trip | ~49m 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
8
71.8 mi into trip | ~1h 20m 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
7
165.6 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in

Take the exit toward I 80 East: Indiana

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 250A Toward I 80 East: Indiana
5
166.3 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
171.4 mi into trip | ~3h 9m in

Take the exit toward Center Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 131 Toward Center Street

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.92 one way

$55.84 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.66 $61.31
premium $4.89 $34.37 $68.74
diesel $5.61 $39.43 $78.87

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 62.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 53.6 0 $18.75 $8.57
Efficient EV 44.7 0 $15.63 $7.14
EV Truck/SUV 71.4 0 $25.00 $11.43

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 16, 2026

Origin

Chatham, IL

Late night in Chatham on Tuesday

Local time

5:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Sunny

W 10 to 14 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Lockport, IL

Late night in Lockport on Tuesday

Local time

5:12 AM

CDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

68°F

Bloomington, IL

89 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

15 degrees cooler at arrival

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

Road read

3h 24m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

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...

3 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 12.3
View on nps.gov
Pullman National Historical Park

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...

24 mi from route ~61 min detour Free near mile 178.6
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 highway-focused drive for 94% of this 178.6-mile journey. The bulk of your travel will be on I-55, including one uninterrupted stretch of 143.7 miles. This means you'll experience a consistent pace, largely on interstates designed for efficient travel. While the route is primarily highway, the transition between I-72, I-55, and I-80 will offer minor shifts in your driving environment. It's a profile that prioritizes covering distance effectively over varied scenery.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 143.7 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 72. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 42.4 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 9 significant decision points across 178.6 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 42.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 165.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Chatham, IL to Lockport, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.

Peoria

71.8 mi in | ~1h 20m | via I 55

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 24m. Total distance: 178.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 24m 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 143.7 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 22 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

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 Lockport, 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. There are 22 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 42.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 165.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

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

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Lockport, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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