Origin
Maroa, IL
Morning in Maroa on Sunday
Local time
6:27 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Maroa, IL to Chicago, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 18m
Distance
167.5 mi
270 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 7m
★
6 AM
3h 19m
8 AM
3h 43m
10 AM
3h 27m
12 PM
3h 25m
3 PM
3h 28m
5 PM
3h 42m
8 PM
3h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Maroa, IL
Semih Başaran
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
Trip Overview
This 167.5-mile drive from Maroa, IL to Chicago, IL will take you about 3 hours and 18 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day road trip. You'll primarily be on US 51 before merging onto the Stevenson Expressway and then West Cermak Road as you approach the city. With a highway share of 98%, expect a focused driving experience. The estimated fuel cost is around $26, and you'll likely only need one planned stop for this journey. This route stays within the Midwest region, offering a straightforward connection between two Illinois points.
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
83.8 miles from Maroa, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 51 | 160.5 mi | 3h 5m |
| Stevenson Expressway | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| West Cermak Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Damen Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Blue Island Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| West Washington Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| North Maple Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| West Main Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 51
— 160.5 mi, about 3h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Maroa, IL and Chicago, IL.
1
Start on West Main Street
189 ft
·
10 sec
·
West Main Street
2
Turn right onto North Maple Street
348 ft
·
20 sec
·
North Maple Street
3
Turn left onto West Washington Street
0.4 mi
·
58 sec
·
West Washington Street
4
Turn right onto US 51
29 mi
·
35 min
·
US 51
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the exit onto US 51
132 mi
·
2 hr 29 min
·
US 51
Toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, Rockford
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 55
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 290
Toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward Damen Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
440 ft
·
12 sec
Toward Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue
Use the left lane.
10
Turn straight onto South Damen Avenue
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Damen Avenue
11
Turn right onto South Blue Island Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Blue Island Avenue
12
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Cermak Road
13
Turn right
152 ft
·
11 sec
14
Turn right
0.2 mi
·
58 sec
15
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour duration, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Consider leaving Maroa in the morning to avoid potential Chicago traffic. With only 167.5 miles and an estimated fuel cost of $26, this is an economical journey. Plan for one brief stop along US 51 for any necessary breaks or to refuel if needed. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to signage as you transition from the Stevenson Expressway onto West Cermak Road, as this marks the final approach into the city.
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 83.8 miles from Maroa, IL, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 160.5 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 37 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.8 miles or 1h 39m 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 40m
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 Maroa, 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 Maroa, IL
This is one driving day of about 167.5 miles and 3h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Maroa, 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 US 51 for about 160.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
84 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 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 83.8 miles from Maroa, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 51 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 160.5 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 105 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 165.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North Maple Street
Turn right onto North Maple Street
Navigation decision point
7
29.3 mi into trip
|
~37m in
|
US 51
Take the exit onto US 51 toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, Rockford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, Rockford
8
164.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 11m in
Take the exit toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 290
Toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue
8
164.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Damen Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Damen Avenue
9
165.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.19 one way
$52.37 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
59 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $28.75 | $57.50 |
| premium | $4.89 | $32.23 | $64.47 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $36.98 | $73.96 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.3 | 0 | $17.59 | $8.04 |
| Efficient EV | 41.9 | 0 | $14.66 | $6.70 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67 | 0 | $23.45 | $10.72 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% 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 Sunday
Local time
6:27 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
W 10 to 15 mph
39% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 16 at 10:43AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 16 at 10:43AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
70°F
Reading, IL
84 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
16 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
3h 18m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the vast majority of this trip, with 98% of the route utilizing major roadways. You'll experience a substantial stretch of 160.5 miles primarily on US 51, which should provide a consistent pace. As you get closer to Chicago, the route transitions to the Stevenson Expressway and then West Cermak Road, introducing more urban elements to the driving experience. This drive is characterized by its efficiency and high-speed travel for most of its length.
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: 160.5 mi on US 51.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 51 and Stevenson Expressway. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near North Maple 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 167.5 miles you will encounter 10 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: near the start (North Maple Street): Navigation decision point; at 29.3 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Maroa, IL to Chicago, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Rockford along the way.
Rockford
29.3 mi in
|
~37m
|
via US 51
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 3h 18m. Total distance: 167.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 18m 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 160.5 miles on US 51. 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 Chicago, 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: near the start (North Maple Street): Navigation decision point; at 29.3 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 164.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Chicago, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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