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Trip from Mount Zion, IL to Cicero, 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 33m

Distance

180 mi

290 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 21m ★
6 AM
3h 34m
8 AM
3h 58m
10 AM
3h 42m
12 PM
3h 40m
3 PM
3h 44m
5 PM
3h 57m
8 PM
3h 26m

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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hill in Jerusalem

Mount Zion, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 180-mile drive from Mount Zion, IL, to Cicero, IL, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 33 minutes. The route primarily utilizes major highways, with an 83% highway share, making it an efficient trip. With a projected fuel cost of around $28, it's a budget-friendly option for a quick transition within the Midwest. You'll spend a significant portion of the drive on I-57, experiencing a 106.9-mile stretch without needing to exit. This highway-focused profile suggests a practical, no-frills drive ideal for reaching your destination without extensive detours.

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

90 miles from Mount Zion, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 106.9 mi 1h 54m
I 72 36.9 mi 39m
Cicero Avenue 10.8 mi 17m
South Cicero Avenue 10.6 mi 17m
North 22nd Street 3.9 mi 6m
US 36 3.1 mi 4m
South Mount Zion Road 2.1 mi 3m
South State Route 121 1.6 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 106.9 mi, about 1h 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Mount Zion, IL and Cicero, IL.

1

Start on North Henderson Street

64 ft · 5 sec · North Henderson Street
2

Turn right onto CTH 30

0.3 mi · 32 sec · West Main Street
3

Turn slight left onto IL 121

1.6 mi · 2 min · South State Route 121
4

Continue on IL 121

2.1 mi · 3 min · South Mount Zion Road
5

Turn left onto US 36; IL 121

3.1 mi · 4 min · US 36; IL 121
6

Turn right onto North 22nd Street

3.9 mi · 6 min · North 22nd Street
7

Continue on IL 48

1.0 mi · 1 min · IL 48
8

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I-72 East: Champaign
9

Merge onto I 72

37 mi · 39 min · I 72
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 182B Toward I 57 North: Chicago
11

Merge onto I 57

107 mi · 1 hr 54 min · I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Exit 342 Toward Vollmer Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork

522 ft · 17 sec
Exit 342 Toward Vollmer Road West Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
14

Turn right onto CH B66

0.4 mi · 39 sec · Vollmer Road
15

Turn left onto IL 50

11 mi · 17 min · Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
16

Continue on IL 50

11 mi · 17 min · South Cicero Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Turn left onto West 31st Street

0.5 mi · 58 sec · West 31st Street
Use the left lane.
18

Turn right onto South Laramie Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Laramie Avenue
19

Arrive at destination

South Laramie Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 3-hour and 33-minute duration for this 180-mile trip, it's perfectly suited for a one-day excursion. You can depart Mount Zion in the morning and arrive in Cicero by midday, allowing for flexibility. The longest stretch of 106.9 miles on I-57 means you can settle in for a solid period of driving, but it's still wise to plan for at least one stop to stretch and refuel, especially considering the $28 estimated fuel cost. Keep an eye on traffic as you get closer to the Chicago metropolitan area, as conditions can change rapidly.

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 90 miles from Mount Zion, IL, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.9 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 49m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 90 miles or 1h 43m 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 45m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cicero, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Mount Zion, 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 Mount Zion, IL

This is one driving day of about 180 miles and 3h 33m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Mount Zion, 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 57 for about 106.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Joliet, IL

90 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

Champaign, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Onarga, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 90 miles from Mount Zion, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106.9 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

Golden Bear Pancake & Crepery Restaurants

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Alsip, Illinois

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.1

Hours: 6 am–2:30 pm

+17086533454

Visit website

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bradley, Illinois

0.8 mi

Cocula Restaurant Cicero

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cicero, Illinois

0.6 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Friendly Coffee Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Berwyn, Illinois

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 180

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+17084849794

Visit website

Golden Bear Pancake & Crepery Restaurants

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.1

Alsip, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–2:30 pm

+17086533454

Visit website

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 128.5

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18159351501

Visit website

Cocula Restaurant Cicero

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 180

Cicero, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–10 pm

+17086520500

Visit website

Asian bowl express

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 64.3

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+12172821215

Visit website

Red Wheel Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 64.3

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12178930471

Visit website

Arcade Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 77.1

Paxton, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12173793268

Wings Chinese Food

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.1

Alsip, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+17083710455

Visit website

ET's Downtown Rantoul

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 64.3

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12178930222

Visit website

Friendly Coffee Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 180

Berwyn, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+17084849794

Visit website

The Well

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 141.4

Manteno, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+17795295090

Visit website

Universal Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 12.9

Decatur, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663502738

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 12.9

Decatur, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 51.4

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 51.4

Champaign, Illinois

+18668167584

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 51.4

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 51.4

Champaign, Illinois

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 51.4

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Circle K | Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 51.4

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18335052291

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 and 178.8 — 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 | CTH 30 / West Main Street

Turn right onto CTH 30 / West Main Street

Navigation decision point

5
49.5 mi into trip | ~59m in

Take the exit toward I 57 North: Chicago

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 182B Toward I 57 North: Chicago
7
156.7 mi into trip | ~2h 55m in

Take the exit toward Vollmer Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 342 Toward Vollmer Road
9
157 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Vollmer Road West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Exit 342 Toward Vollmer Road West
6
178.8 mi into trip | ~3h 31m in | West 31st Street

Turn left onto West 31st Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.14 one way

$56.28 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.90 $61.80
premium $4.89 $34.64 $69.28
diesel $5.61 $39.74 $79.48

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 63 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 54 0 $18.90 $8.64
Efficient EV 45 0 $15.75 $7.20
EV Truck/SUV 72 0 $25.20 $11.52

Gas CO2

63 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 15, 2026

Origin

Mount Zion, IL

Morning in Mount Zion on Sunday

Local time

9:18 AM

CDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cicero, IL

Morning in Cicero on Sunday

Local time

9:18 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

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

17 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

3h 33m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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

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...

7 mi from route ~17 min detour Free near mile 167.5
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
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-centric experience for the majority of this 180-mile trip, as 83% of the route follows major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a substantial 106.9 miles on I-57, offering a consistent pace for drivers. While the profile is highway-focused, you will transition onto I-72 and eventually Cicero Avenue, introducing different highway segments as you approach your destination. This blend means you'll encounter typical interstate driving conditions for most of the journey, with perhaps a slight shift in the road's character closer to Cicero.

83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.9 mi on I 57.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and I 72. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near CTH 30 / West Main 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 180 miles you will encounter 12 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 (CTH 30 / West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 49.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 156.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Mount Zion, IL to Cicero, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Vollmer Road West along the way.

Vollmer Road West

157 mi in | ~2h 56m

About the Cities

Starting in Mount Zion, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1881

Jerusalem (Hebrew: ירושלים Yerushalayim, Arabic: القدس al-Quds) is the largest city of Israel. Israel claims it as its capital and a few countries including the United States recognize that claim, but most other countries and the United Nations do not. The ancient city in the Judean Hills has a fascinating history spanning thousands of years. The city is holy to the three monotheistic religions — Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and serves as a spiritual, religious, and cultural center. Due to the religious significance of the city, and in particular the many sites of the Old City area, Jerusalem is one of the main tourist destinations in Israel. Jerusalem has many historic, archeological and cultural sites, along with vibrant and crowded shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants.

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 33m. Total distance: 180 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 106.9 miles on I 57. 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 Cicero, 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 (CTH 30 / West Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 49.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 156.7 miles: 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.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Cicero, 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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