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Trip from Chicago, IL to Markham, IL

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

Drive Time

4h 40m

Distance

245.5 mi

395 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Fair

4 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 27m ★
6 AM
4h 40m
8 AM
5h 7m
10 AM
4h 49m
12 PM
4h 47m
3 PM
4h 51m
5 PM
5h 6m
8 PM
4h 32m

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 chicago-il

Chicago, IL

Otoniel Alvarado

Downtown Markham, IL, IL

Markham, IL

Stéphane Tendon

Trip Overview

This 245.5-mile drive from Chicago, IL, to Markham, IL, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-55, this route is almost entirely highway, making it a straightforward journey through the Midwest. With a fuel cost estimated at $38, it's an economical option for a quick trip. The drive offers a predictable pace, suitable for those who prefer a direct path. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained interstates, so pack your favorite podcasts or audiobooks.

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

122.7 miles from Chicago, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 23m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Adlai Stevenson Expressway 128.7 mi 2h 26m
I 55 64.8 mi 1h 10m
I 72 36.8 mi 39m
I 72 Bus 6 mi 6m
Stevenson Expressway 5.6 mi 7m
Markham Road 1.1 mi 4m
Adlai E Stevenson Expressway 0.3 mi <1m
West Cermak Road 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Adlai Stevenson Expressway — 128.7 mi, about 2h 26m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chicago, IL and Markham, 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 right at fork

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward I 55: Saint Louis, Lake Shore Drive Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 53B Toward I 55 South: St Louis Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 55

5.6 mi · 7 min · Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on I 55

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Adlai E Stevenson Expressway
11

Continue on I 55

129 mi · 2 hr 26 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

65 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto I 72; US 36

37 mi · 39 min · I 72; US 36
Toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
14

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 72 Business East, US 67 North: Jacksonville
15

Merge onto I 72 Bus; US 67

6.0 mi · 6 min · I 72 Bus; US 67
16

Turn left onto Markham Road

1.1 mi · 4 min · Markham Road
17

Arrive at destination

Markham Road

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour 40-minute duration, this route is comfortably manageable as a single-day trip. Aim to depart Chicago earlier in the day to avoid potential traffic delays, especially if you're traveling on a weekday. With only one recommended stop, you have considerable flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch is over 128 miles, and plan your refueling accordingly. Consider downloading offline maps, as cell service can be spotty on some interstate sections.

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 122.7 miles from Chicago, IL, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 128.7 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 54 miles or 1h 5m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 122.7 miles or 2h 23m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 48m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Markham, 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 245.5 miles and 4h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 Adlai Stevenson Expressway for about 128.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bloomington, IL

123 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

Shorewood, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Normal, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 122.7 miles from Chicago, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Adlai Stevenson Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 128.7 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

Capri Ristorante

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 17.5

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+16304554003

Visit website

Han 202 Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chicago, Illinois

0.9 mi

Triple Crown Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Chicago, Illinois

1 mi

Capri Ristorante

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 17.5

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+16304554003

Visit website

Han 202 Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 5–10 pm

+13129491314

Visit website

Triple Crown Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13128420088

Visit website

New Furama Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+13122256888

Visit website

Falco's Pizza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 17.5

Burr Ridge, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16306544644

Visit website

Bereket Turkish Mediterranean restaurant (Halal Certified)

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+13125003663

Visit website

Hana Dragon Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13122268117

Visit website

Arturo Express Restaurant and Catering

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13124749289

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 122.7

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 157.8

Atlanta, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Red E Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 157.8

Atlanta, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Holiday Inn Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 122.7

Normal, Illinois

Visit website

Prairie Trail Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 17.5

Willowbrook, Illinois

Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Visit website

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

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+13126426502

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 0.4 and 201 — 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.
8
0.7 mi into trip | ~2m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 55: Saint Louis, Lake Shore Drive

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 55: Saint Louis, Lake Shore Drive
8
1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 55 South: St Louis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 53B Toward I 55 South: St Louis
8
136.1 mi into trip | ~2h 38m in | I 55

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield

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 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
6
201 mi into trip | ~3h 48m in | I 72; US 36

Keep slight right at fork onto I 72; US 36 toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$38.38 one way

$76.76 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 86 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $42.14 $84.28
premium $4.89 $47.24 $94.49
diesel $5.61 $54.20 $108.41

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$38

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 85.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 73.6 0 $25.78 $11.78
Efficient EV 61.4 0 $21.48 $9.82
EV Truck/SUV 98.2 1 $34.37 $15.71

Gas CO2

86 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 15, 2026

Origin

Chicago, IL

Late night in Chicago on Sunday

Local time

2:55 AM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Markham, IL

Late night in Markham on Sunday

Local time

2:55 AM

CDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Bloomington, IL

123 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

7 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

4h 40m 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

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 ~7 min detour Free near mile 194.7
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...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free
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 experience for 99% of this trip. The dominant roads include the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, I-55, and I-72, signaling a predominantly interstate-style drive. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 128.7 miles on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, meaning you can settle in for a good run without frequent exits. This route offers a consistent driving profile, minimizing the need to navigate complex local roads and keeping your momentum high.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 128.7 mi on Adlai Stevenson Expressway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near South Halsted Street.

Driving Effort 8/10

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 245.5 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 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 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Chicago, IL to Markham, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.

Springfield

136.1 mi in | ~2h 38m | via I 55

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 4h 40m. Total distance: 245.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 128.7 miles on Adlai Stevenson Expressway. 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 Markham, 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 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Markham, 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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