Origin
Genoa, IL
Morning in Genoa on Tuesday
Local time
8:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Genoa, IL to Chicago, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 30m
Distance
68.3 mi
110 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 24m
★
6 AM
1h 31m
8 AM
1h 45m
10 AM
1h 36m
12 PM
1h 34m
3 PM
1h 36m
5 PM
1h 44m
8 PM
1h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Genoa, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
Trip Overview
Genoa, IL to Chicago, IL is 68.3 miles and takes about 1h 30m via Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, with a fuel budget near $11 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This short drive connects two points within the Midwest, specifically Illinois. Expect a fairly direct trip that transitions from more local roads to a major expressway as you approach your destination. Given the relatively brief travel time and distance, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion. The journey offers a straightforward path into the bustling city.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
34.1 miles from Genoa, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 40m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Jane Addams Memorial Tollway | 42.1 mi | 45m |
| Kennedy Expressway | 7.9 mi | 11m |
| IL 23 | 6.1 mi | 9m |
| West Higgins Avenue | 2.7 mi | 6m |
| West Main Street | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| West Higgins Road | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Cumberland flyover | 1 mi | 1m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway | 0.9 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
— 42.1 mi, about 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Genoa, IL and Chicago, IL.
1
Start on IL 72
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
West Main Street
2
Turn left onto IL 23
6.1 mi
·
9 min
·
IL 23
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 90 Toll East: Chicago
4
Merge onto I 90
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
41 mi
·
43 min
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 90
0.3 mi
·
21 sec
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Toward Cumberland Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
526 ft
·
29 sec
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
8
Merge onto I 90
402 ft
·
4 sec
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
9
Take the exit onto Cumberland flyover
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Cumberland flyover
Exit 79A
Toward IL 171 South: Cumberland Avenue South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
245 ft
·
8 sec
Toward IL 171 South: Cumberland Avenue
11
Turn right onto IL 171
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
North Cumberland Avenue
Use the right lane.
12
Continue on IL 171
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
North Cumberland Avenue
Use the left lane.
13
Turn right onto IL 72
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
West Higgins Road
14
Turn right onto IL 72
326 ft
·
13 sec
·
North Oriole Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
15
Turn left onto IL 72
2.7 mi
·
6 min
·
West Higgins Avenue
16
Turn right onto North Central Avenue
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
North Central Avenue
17
Turn left onto West Lawrence Avenue
0.4 mi
·
42 sec
·
West Lawrence Avenue
Use the left lane.
18
Turn right onto North Milwaukee Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Milwaukee Avenue
19
Turn left onto West Montrose Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Montrose Avenue
20
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 90 East, I 94 East
21
Merge onto I 90; I 94
7.9 mi
·
11 min
·
Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Continue on I 90; I 94
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 52C
Toward 18th Street
Use the slight right lane.
24
Turn slight left onto South Union Avenue
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
South Union Avenue
25
Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue
505 ft
·
12 sec
·
South Canalport Avenue
26
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
South Halsted Street
27
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
West Cermak Road
28
Turn left
152 ft
·
11 sec
29
Turn right
0.2 mi
·
58 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a shorter, one-day trip of just 1h 30m, you have considerable flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Genoa, IL in the morning will allow you to arrive in Chicago with plenty of daylight. The estimated fuel cost is around $11, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you begin, as fewer service areas are available on the local road segments. Keep an eye out for the transition points between local roads and the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, as these can sometimes be less clearly marked.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 34.1 miles from Genoa, IL, or about 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.1 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 15 miles or 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 34.1 miles or 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 1h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chicago, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Genoa, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Genoa, IL
This is one driving day of about 68.3 miles and 1h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Genoa, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway for about 42.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
34 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 15 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 34.1 miles from Genoa, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 255 decision points cluster between mile 9.9 and 67.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
9.9 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
50.4 mi into trip
|
~58m in
|
I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway toward Cumberland Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Cumberland Avenue
7
51 mi into trip
|
~59m in
|
Cumberland flyover
Take the exit onto Cumberland flyover toward IL 171 South: Cumberland Avenue South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 79A
Toward IL 171 South: Cumberland Avenue South
6
52 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
|
IL 171 / North Cumberland Avenue
Turn right onto IL 171 / North Cumberland Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
67.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward 18th Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 52C
Toward 18th Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.68 one way
$21.36 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
24 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $11.72 | $23.45 |
| premium | $4.89 | $13.14 | $26.29 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $15.08 | $30.16 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.91
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
(41.6 mi)
$2.91
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 23.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 20.5 | 0 | $7.17 | $3.28 |
| Efficient EV | 17.1 | 0 | $5.98 | $2.73 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 27.3 | 0 | $9.56 | $4.37 |
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 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
Chicago, IL
Morning in Chicago on Tuesday
Local time
8:43 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 15 mph
98% chance
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
16 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
1h 30m 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.
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
near mile 68.3
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 leans into a "turn-heavy local drive" profile, with only 22% of the journey on highways. You'll navigate using IL 23 and other local roads for a significant portion, making for a more engaged driving experience. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 42.1 miles on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, which provides a period of faster travel. As you get closer to Chicago, the Kennedy Expressway will guide you into the city. Be prepared for frequent changes in speed and direction, especially in the earlier and later stages of the trip.
Only 22% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 42.1 mi on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.9 miles in near I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway.
Driving Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 68.3 miles you will encounter 25 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 9.9 miles (I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.4 miles (I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 51 miles (Cumberland flyover): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Arriving 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 1h 30m. Total distance: 68.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 42.1 miles on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.91 in tolls one way, starting with Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 Chicago, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 9.9 miles (I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 50.4 miles (I 90 / Jane Addams Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 51 miles (Cumberland flyover): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Chicago, 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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