If you are planning a trip from Clear Lake to Markham, you are looking at a straightforward 183.5-mile journey across Illinois. You can comfortably complete this drive in about 3 hours and 25 minutes, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. Expect to budget approximately $28 for fuel to cover the distance. Since the route remains entirely within the Midwest, you will experience a consistent regional feel throughout the drive. It is a highly efficient path that serves as a practical connection between these two points without requiring an overnight stay.
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
91.8 miles from Clear Lake, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
152.1 mi
2h 43m
I 80
27.6 mi
34m
Kedzie Avenue
0.8 mi
1m
Old Route 36
0.7 mi
1m
I 72
0.3 mi
<1m
South Dixon Street
0.1 mi
<1m
West Houston Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
163rd Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 152.1 mi, about 2h 43m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clear Lake, IL and Markham, IL.
1
Start on West Houston Street
491 ft·18 sec·West Houston Street
2
Turn right onto South Dixon Street
0.1 mi·28 sec·South Dixon Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto Old Route 36
0.7 mi·1 min·Old Route 36
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·51 sec
5
Merge onto I 72; US 36
0.3 mi·19 sec·I 72; US 36
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi·41 sec
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
7
Merge onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
94 mi·1 hr 40 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, PeoriaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 250AToward I 80 East: IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 80
28 mi·34 min·I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 154Toward Kedzie AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn left onto Kedzie Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·Kedzie Avenue
14
Turn left onto 163rd Street
64 ft·2 sec·163rd Street
15
Arrive at destination
163rd Street
Trip Plan
Because this is a manageable one-day trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Plan for at least one stop to break up the 3-hour and 25-minute duration and keep yourself refreshed behind the wheel. Given that your fuel costs will hover around $28, filling up before you hit the longest 152.1-mile stretch on I-55 is a smart way to avoid unnecessary detours. Keep an eye on your navigation as you exit the highway system to maneuver onto Kedzie Avenue. Since the route is so efficient, use your extra time to build in a comfortable break rather than rushing the journey.
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 91.8 miles from Clear Lake, IL, or about 1h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 152.1 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 40 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.8 miles or 1h 40m 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 43m
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 Clear Lake, 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 Clear Lake, IL
This is one driving day of about 183.5 miles and 3h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Clear Lake, 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 152.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 182.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|South Dixon Street
Turn right onto South Dixon Street
Navigation decision point
7
30.9 mi into trip|~35m 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
60.3 mi into trip|~1h 6m 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
154.1 mi into trip|~2h 47m 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
7
182.5 mi into trip|~3h 22m in
Take the exit toward Kedzie Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 154
Toward Kedzie Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.69 one way
$57.38 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg64 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$31.50
$63.00
premium
$4.89
$35.31
$70.63
diesel
$5.61
$40.51
$81.03
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
55.1
0
$19.27
$8.81
Efficient EV
45.9
0
$16.06
$7.34
EV Truck/SUV
73.4
0
$25.69
$11.74
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Forecast as of Apr 12, 2026
Origin
Clear Lake, IL
Morning
in Clear Lake on Tuesday
Local time
6:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 23 mph45% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 1:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 12:16PM CDT until April 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Markham, IL
Morning
in Markham on Tuesday
Local time
6:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 25 mph13% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 1:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 12:16PM CDT until April 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 25m 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
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...
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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 183.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a highway-focused drive, with 98% of your travel taking place on major thoroughfares. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-55, which accounts for the longest stretch of 152.1 miles of the trip. After navigating the interstates, you will transition onto I-80 and eventually Kedzie Avenue as you approach your destination. While the experience is primarily a steady, fast-paced interstate grind, the final transition to local roads offers a change in rhythm. Expect a predictable, efficient driving experience that favors speed and directness over technical or winding backroads.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 152.1 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 80. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near South Dixon Street.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 183.5 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 0.1 miles (South Dixon Street): Navigation decision point; at 30.9 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 60.3 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
855 ft532 ft
Total Climb
489 ft
Total Descent
445 ft
Highest Point
855 ft
~68.8 mi in
Elevation Range
324 ft
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 Clear Lake, IL to Markham, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 25m. Total distance: 183.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 152.1 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 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 0.1 miles (South Dixon Street): Navigation decision point; at 30.9 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 60.3 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Markham, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
