Origin
Chicago, IL
Late night in Chicago on Sunday
Local time
2:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Chicago, IL to Empire, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 59m
Distance
147.1 mi
237 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 48m
★
6 AM
3h 0m
8 AM
3h 22m
10 AM
3h 8m
12 PM
3h 5m
3 PM
3h 9m
5 PM
3h 21m
8 PM
2h 53m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
Empire, IL
Claudia Solano
Trip Overview
Embark on a straightforward 147.1-mile journey from Chicago to Empire, Illinois, a drive that will take approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes. This route is designed for a single day trip, with an estimated fuel cost of around $23. You'll primarily be on I-57, making it a highway-focused experience through the heart of the Midwest. The efficiency of this drive allows for a flexible schedule, letting you depart and arrive at your convenience. It's a practical option for those looking to cover ground without extensive planning.
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
73.5 miles from Chicago, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 26m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 108.1 mi | 2h 1m |
| East 200 North Road | 12.7 mi | 17m |
| County Road 3000 North | 10.9 mi | 15m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) | 8.8 mi | 11m |
| Champaign Avenue | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| East Division Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway | 0.7 mi | <1m |
| East 150 North Road | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 108.1 mi, about 2h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago, IL and Empire, 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
108 mi
·
2 hr 1 min
·
I 57
Exit 63
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
Use the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Exit 250
Toward US 136: Rantoul, Fisher
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 250
Toward US 136: Rantoul, Fisher
13
Turn straight onto US 136
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Champaign Avenue
14
Continue on US 136
5.5 mi
·
8 min
·
County Road 3000 North
15
Continue on US 136
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
East Division Street
16
Continue on US 136
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
County Road 3000 North
17
Continue on US 136
13 mi
·
17 min
·
East 200 North Road
18
Turn sharp left onto US 150
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
US 150
19
Turn right onto North 2950 East Road
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
North 2950 East Road
20
Turn right onto East 150 North Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East 150 North Road
21
Arrive at destination
East 150 North Road
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 2 hour and 59 minute duration, this 147.1-mile trip from Chicago to Empire is easily accomplished in one day. You'll want to keep an eye on your fuel, especially during the longest stretch of 108.1 miles on I-57, as services might be spaced out. Consider making your single planned stop strategically along I-57 for a break. Departing Chicago earlier in the day can help you avoid potential traffic, especially as you begin your journey. This route is about efficiency, so plan for a smooth and direct travel experience.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 73.5 miles from Chicago, IL, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 108.1 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 32 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.5 miles or 1h 26m 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 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Empire, 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 147.1 miles and 2h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 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 108.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
74 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 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 73.5 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 108.1 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 118.8 — 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
8
118.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 136: Rantoul, Fisher
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 250
Toward US 136: Rantoul, Fisher
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.00 one way
$45.99 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
52 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $25.25 | $50.50 |
| premium | $4.89 | $28.31 | $56.62 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.48 | $64.96 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44.1 | 0 | $15.45 | $7.06 |
| Efficient EV | 36.8 | 0 | $12.87 | $5.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 58.8 | 0 | $20.59 | $9.41 |
Gas CO2
51 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Empire, IL
Late night in Empire on Sunday
Local time
2:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
51°F
Otto, IL
74 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
2h 59m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 80% of the journey utilizing major roadways like I-57. Expect a consistent pace for the majority of your trip, including a significant uninterrupted stretch of 108.1 miles on I-57. While the main roads are efficient, transitions onto East 200 North Road and County Road 3000 North will introduce a change in scenery and speed. It offers a predictable driving experience, allowing you to settle into a rhythm.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 108.1 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and East 200 North Road. You will hit about 13 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 147.1 miles you will encounter 13 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 Empire, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Fisher along the way.
Fisher
118.5 mi in
|
~2h 16m
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
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 2h 59m. Total distance: 147.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 108.1 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Empire, 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.
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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Empire, IL before heading back.
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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