Green Creek Rest Area - Southbound
0 mi from route
Trip from Chicago, IL to Albers, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 26, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 35m
Distance
294.1 mi
473 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 22m
★
6 AM
5h 35m
8 AM
6h 2m
10 AM
5h 45m
12 PM
5h 42m
3 PM
5h 46m
5 PM
6h 1m
8 PM
5h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
Albers, IL
Jan van der Wolf
Trip Overview
Chicago, IL to Albers, IL is 294.1 miles and takes about 5h 35m via I 57 and US 50, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest, specifically within Illinois, making it a straightforward trip between two points in the same region. Given its profile, expect a largely consistent driving experience focused on covering distance efficiently. It's a good option if you need to get from the Chicago area downstate without much fuss or a complicated itinerary.
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
147.1 miles from Chicago, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 241.7 mi | 4h 24m |
| West Missouri Avenue | 14.1 mi | 16m |
| US 50 | 13.1 mi | 15m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) | 8.8 mi | 11m |
| Aviston Road | 3.7 mi | 8m |
| Poplar | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| East Poplar Street | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| West Main Street | 2.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 241.7 mi, about 4h 24m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~741 veh/hr typical · worst 863
Quietest
3 AM
~100 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago, IL and Albers, IL.
1
Start on this road
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto West Cermak Road
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
West Cermak Road
3
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
South Halsted Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue
285 ft
·
5 sec
·
South Canalport Avenue
5
Turn slight right
110 ft
·
4 sec
6
Take the ramp
455 ft
·
11 sec
Toward I 90 East, I 94 East
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 90, I 94 East: Indiana
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 90; I 94
0.7 mi
·
47 sec
·
Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
8.8 mi
·
11 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
201 mi
·
3 hr 40 min
·
I 57
Exit 63
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57
41 mi
·
43 min
·
I 57
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Toward US 50: Salem, Sandoval
13
Keep slight right at fork
83 ft
·
2 sec
Toward US 50: Salem, Sandoval
14
Turn right onto US 50
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
West Main Street
15
Continue on US 50
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
East Poplar Street
16
Continue on US 50
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Poplar
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 50; US 51
443 ft
·
5 sec
·
North Mine Street
18
Continue on US 50; US 51
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
N Mine St
19
Turn right onto US 50
14 mi
·
16 min
·
West Missouri Avenue
20
Turn right onto US 50; IL 127
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
12th Street
21
Turn left onto US 50
13 mi
·
15 min
·
US 50
22
Turn left onto Russland Road
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
·
Russland Road
23
Turn left onto Old US Hwy 50
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
Old US Hwy 50
24
Continue on Harrison Street
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Harrison Street
25
Turn right onto Clinton Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Clinton Street
26
Continue on Aviston Road
3.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Aviston Road
27
Continue on North Commerical Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Commerical Street
28
Arrive at destination
North Commerical Street
Trip Plan
Consider departing Chicago in the morning to take advantage of the full daylight hours for your 5h 35m drive. With a total distance of 294.1 miles, you can comfortably complete this in one day, but plan for one stop to break up the longest stretch of 241.7 miles on I 57. Keep an eye on your fuel; the estimated cost is $45, so check prices along I 57 as you get closer to your destination in Albers. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but aiming to be through the I 57 portion before evening rush hour in larger towns can make for a smoother end to your drive.
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 147.1 miles from Chicago, IL, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 241.7 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 65 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 147.1 miles or 2h 45m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Albers, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL
This is one driving day of about 294.1 miles and 5h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Chicago, 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 57 for about 241.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
147 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 147.1 miles from Chicago, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 241.7 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.
Main Line Station Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Illini Prairie Rest Area - Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Illini Prairie Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Green Creek Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Main Line Station Rest Area - Southbound
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Prairie View Rest Area - Northbound
0.2 mi from route
Prairie View Rest Area - Southbound
0.2 mi from route
Truckomat Truck Wash - Effingham
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Peotone Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.4 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.6 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.8 mi from route
Post Oak Rest Area - Northbound
2 mi from route
Post Oak Rest Area - Southbound
2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2 mi from route
QuikTrip
2.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 195 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 252.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
South Halsted Street
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
9
0.7 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90, I 94 East: Indiana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 90, I 94 East: Indiana
8
1.6 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express
8
10.4 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
I 57
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 South: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 63
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
6
252.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 41m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 50: Salem, Sandoval
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 50: Salem, Sandoval
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.87 one way
$89.74 round trip
$3.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
103 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.27 | $49.42 | $98.84 |
| premium | $4.81 | $55.65 | $111.29 |
| diesel | $5.40 | $62.56 | $125.12 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 88.2 | 1 | $30.88 | $14.12 |
| Efficient EV | 73.5 | 0 | $25.73 | $11.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 117.6 | 1 | $41.17 | $18.82 |
Gas CO2
103 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.
Origin
Chicago, IL
Late night in Chicago on Sunday
Local time
4:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
NW 10 mph
16% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 24 at 3:54PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 24 at 3:54PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Destination
Albers, IL
Late night in Albers on Sunday
Local time
4:45 AM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
23 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
5h 35m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 10.1
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is almost entirely highway, with 90% of the 294.1 miles on major roads like I 57. You'll experience a long stretch of 241.7 miles on I 57 before transitioning to West Missouri Avenue and US 50. Expect a rural cruising feel for the majority of the trip, with fewer exits and more open road until you reach the final leg.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 241.7 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and West Missouri Avenue. You will hit about 19 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near South Halsted Street.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 294.1 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (South Halsted Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.6 miles (I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
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 Chicago, IL to Albers, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Sandoval along the way.
Sandoval
252.1 mi in
|
~4h 40m
About the Cities
Starting 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
Arriving in Albers, IL
Full guide →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 35m. Total distance: 294.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 241.7 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 34 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 Albers, 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 34 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (South Halsted Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.6 miles (I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — 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 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Albers, 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, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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