Markham, IL to Cahokia, IL is 282.3 miles and takes about 5h 14m via I 55 and I 80, with a fuel budget near $45 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays entirely within Illinois, moving from the Midwest region to the same region. With 99% highway driving, expect a straightforward trip focused on covering ground efficiently. The recommended single day for this drive means you can easily complete it without an overnight stay, making it a convenient option for a quick journey.
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
141.1 miles from Markham, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 38m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
249.3 mi
4h 30m
I 80
28 mi
34m
IL 3
3.6 mi
6m
Kedzie Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
West 1st Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
163rd Street
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 249.3 mi, about 4h 30m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 32 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,778 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,331
Quietest
2 AM
~165 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 103 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 Markham, IL and Cahokia, IL.
1
Start on 163rd Street
64 ft·6 sec·163rd Street
2
Turn right onto Kedzie Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·Kedzie Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 80 West
4
Merge onto I 80
28 mi·34 min·I 80
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 126AToward I 55 South: Saint Louis
6
Merge onto I 55
93 mi·1 hr 40 min·I 55
Use the right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
65 mi·1 hr 10 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, SpringfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
89 mi·1 hr 37 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55; US 40
0.7 mi·1 min·I 55; US 40
Toward I 55 South, I 64, IL 3, US 40 West: Louisville, Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 55; I 64; US 40
1.0 mi·1 min·I 55; I 64; US 40
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55; IL 3
0.5 mi·32 sec·I 55; IL 3
Exit 1Toward IL 3 South: CahokiaUse the slight right lane.
12
Take the exit onto IL 3
3.6 mi·6 min·IL 3
Exit 1Toward IL 3 South: Cahokia Heights, Great River Road SouthUse the slight right lane.
13
Turn right onto West 1st Street
94 ft·4 sec·West 1st Street
14
Arrive at destination
West 1st Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 14m estimated drive time, leaving in the morning from Markham, IL, will allow ample daylight to reach Cahokia, IL, comfortably. The longest stretch on I 55 is nearly 250 miles, so plan for a fuel stop before you begin that section, keeping your $45 fuel budget in mind. While this is a single-day trip, the flexibility of a shorter drive means you can afford to take an unscheduled break if needed. Pay attention to the transition from highway to IL 3 as you approach Cahokia, as this is where the driving environment will change.
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 141.1 miles from Markham, IL, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 249.3 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 62 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 141.1 miles or 2h 38m 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 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cahokia, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Markham, 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 Markham, IL
This is one driving day of about 282.3 miles and 5h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Markham, 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 249.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 141.1 miles from Markham, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 249.3 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 12
5 decision points cluster between mile 122.3 and 278.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
122.3 mi into trip|~2h 17m 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
7
187.1 mi into trip|~3h 28m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
8
276.4 mi into trip|~5h 5m in|I 55; US 40
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55; US 40 toward I 55 South, I 64, IL 3, US 40 West: Louisville, Saint Louis
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, I 64, IL 3, US 40 West: Loui...
8
278.1 mi into trip|~5h 8m in|I 55; IL 3
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55; IL 3 toward IL 3 South: Cahokia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1
Toward IL 3 South: Cahokia
8
278.6 mi into trip|~5h 8m in|IL 3
Take the exit onto IL 3 toward IL 3 South: Cahokia Heights, Great River Road South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1
Toward IL 3 South: Cahokia Heights, Great River...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.77 one way
$87.54 round trip
$3.94/gal25.4 MPG avg99 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.32
$47.99
$95.98
premium
$4.93
$54.77
$109.54
diesel
$5.60
$62.23
$124.46
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-08-31.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
84.7
1
$29.64
$13.55
Efficient EV
70.6
0
$24.70
$11.29
EV Truck/SUV
112.9
1
$39.52
$18.07
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 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.
Forecast as of Aug 23, 2026
Origin
Markham, IL
Morning
in Markham on Friday
Local time
6:44 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Mostly Clear
NW 5 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued August 23 at 3:08AM CDT until August 23 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued August 22 at 8:49PM CDT until August 28 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Destination
Cahokia, IL
Morning
in Cahokia on Friday
Local time
6:44 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Patchy Fog
N 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued August 23 at 3:08AM CDT until August 23 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued August 22 at 8:49PM CDT until August 28 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
71°F
Bloomington, IL
141 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
4 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
5h 14m 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
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
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 184.9
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is almost entirely highway, with 99% of the 282.3 miles on interstates like I 55 and I 80. You'll experience a long stretch of 249.3 miles primarily on I 55, which means extended periods of consistent cruising. The shift to surface roads on IL 3 will occur late in your drive, closer to your destination in Cahokia.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 249.3 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 122.3 miles in near I 55.
Driving Effort8/10
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 282.3 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 122.3 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 187.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 276.4 miles (I 55; US 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
746 ft407 ft
Total Climb
280 ft
Total Descent
493 ft
Highest Point
746 ft
~121 mi in
Elevation Range
339 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 Markham, IL to Cahokia, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 14m. Total distance: 282.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 14m 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 249.3 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 Cahokia, 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 122.3 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 187.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 276.4 miles (I 55; US 40): 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cahokia, IL before the return drive.
