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Trip from South Chicago, IL to Bremen, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 34m

Distance

339.5 mi

546 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$53

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
6h 23m ★
6 AM
6h 35m
8 AM
6h 59m
10 AM
6h 43m
12 PM
6h 41m
3 PM
6h 45m
5 PM
6h 58m
8 PM
6h 28m

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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community area in Chicago, Illinois

South Chicago, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 339.5-mile drive from South Chicago, IL to Bremen, IL is a straightforward, highway-focused journey primarily utilizing I-57 and I-64, with a portion on IL-127. Clocking in at approximately 6 hours and 34 minutes of pure driving time, this trip is perfectly manageable as a single-day adventure, though you might consider breaking it up if you prefer a more relaxed pace. With a projected fuel cost of around $53, it's an economical option for exploring the Midwest. The route sticks to major interstates for about 95% of its length, making it a predictable and efficient way to travel between these two Illinois locations. Plan for one main stop to break up the 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

169.7 miles from South Chicago, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 261.9 mi 4h 46m
I 64 22.9 mi 24m
IL 127 22 mi 27m
IL 154 8.9 mi 13m
Main Street 6.6 mi 11m
Shawneetown 5.9 mi 10m
IL 150 4.2 mi 7m
East 87th Street 3.6 mi 7m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 261.9 mi, about 4h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between South Chicago, IL and Bremen, IL.

1

Start on this road

217 ft · 17 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto East 86th Street

167 ft · 12 sec · East 86th Street
3

Turn left onto South Muskegon Avenue

0.1 mi · 31 sec · South Muskegon Avenue
4

Turn right onto East 87th Street

3.6 mi · 7 min · East 87th Street
5

Turn left onto South Lafayette Avenue

438 ft · 10 sec · South Lafayette Avenue
Use the left lane.
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Toward I 94 East
7

Merge onto I 94

0.8 mi · 1 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 57

201 mi · 3 hr 40 min · I 57
Exit 63 Toward I 57 South: Memphis Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57

61 mi · 1 hr 5 min · I 57
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 64 West: Saint Louis
11

Merge onto I 64

23 mi · 24 min · I 64
12

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Toward IL 127
13

Turn straight onto IL 127

22 mi · 27 min · IL 127
14

Turn right onto IL 13; IL 154

0.6 mi · 50 sec · West Water Street
15

Turn straight onto IL 13; IL 154

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Kennedy Drive
16

Enter roundabout onto IL 154

168 ft · 2 sec · IL 154
17

Continue on IL 154

8.9 mi · 13 min · IL 154
18

Turn left onto IL 150

4.2 mi · 7 min · IL 150
19

Keep slight right at fork onto IL 150

6.6 mi · 11 min · Main Street
20

Continue on IL 4; IL 150

5.9 mi · 10 min · Shawneetown
21

Turn sharp right onto Chester Road

0.2 mi · 34 sec · Chester Road
22

Arrive at destination

Chester Road

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 6-hour and 34-minute drive, aim for an early morning departure from South Chicago to avoid potential traffic. Given the longest stretch is over 260 miles, plan for a mid-drive stop around the halfway point to refuel and stretch your legs; Bremen is your designated stop. The fuel cost is estimated at $53, so factor that into your budget. Since this is a highway-focused trip for 95% of the way, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longest segment on I-57, as services can sometimes be spread out on interstates.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 169.7 miles from South Chicago, IL, or about 3h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 261.9 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 75 miles or 1h 26m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 169.7 miles or 3h 11m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 10m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving South Chicago, 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 South Chicago, IL

This is one driving day of about 339.5 miles and 6h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from South Chicago, 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 261.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

male given name

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bruce, IL

170 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

Joliet, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 75 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Charleston, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 169.7 miles from South Chicago, 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 261.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · first break window

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bradley, Illinois

Near the start, right off the route

First break · 56min in 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18159351501

Visit website

Taj Indian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bradley, Illinois

0.3 mi

Urban Luxe Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chicago, Illinois

0.8 mi

Best coffee break · first break window

Bonny's Bistro

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Matteson, Illinois

Near the start, short detour

First break · 28min in 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+17738964817

Visit website

Colibrí Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chicago, Illinois

2.8 mi

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18159351501

Visit website

Taj Indian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+17797015344

Urban Luxe Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Chicago, Illinois

+17734176527

Visit website

Chef Sara's Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+17733594637

Pepe's Mexican Restaurants - Matteson

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30

Matteson, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–11 pm

+17087484400

Visit website

One Stop Jamaica Jerk

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17732642100

Visit website

Hidden Manna Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Matteson, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+17082485571

Visit website

Sizzlin Restaurants - Sizzlin Skillets

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17736512433

Visit website

Bonny's Bistro

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Matteson, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–11 pm

+17738964817

Visit website

Colibrí Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+17734373584

Visit website

Solyne Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10

Frankfort, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+18477444958

Visit website

Ixxa Coffee Roasters

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Whiting, Indiana

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12192328138

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Early stretch 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

+18668167584

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Circle K | Electric Vehicle Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18335052291

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Early stretch 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12173528910

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Early stretch 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Caffe Milan

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Frankfort, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–3:30 pm

+18154697124

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 205.8 — 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 Muskegon Avenue

Turn left onto South Muskegon Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
3.8 mi into trip | ~8m in | South Lafayette Avenue

Turn left onto South Lafayette Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
4.2 mi into trip | ~8m in | I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway

Merge onto I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
5 mi into trip | ~9m in | I 57

Keep slight right at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 South: Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 63 Toward I 57 South: Memphis
5
205.8 mi into trip | ~3h 50m in | I 57

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 South: Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 57 South: Memphis

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$53.08 one way

$106.15 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 119 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $58.28 $116.55
premium $4.89 $65.33 $130.67
diesel $5.61 $74.96 $149.91

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$53

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$78–$103

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 118.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 101.9 1 $35.65 $16.30
Efficient EV 84.9 0 $29.71 $13.58
EV Truck/SUV 135.8 1 $47.53 $21.73

Gas CO2

119 kg

EV CO2

40 kg (66% 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 Apr 20, 2026

Origin

South Chicago, IL

Morning in South Chicago on Tuesday

Local time

10:27 AM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bremen, IL

Morning in Bremen on Tuesday

Local time

10:27 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

67°F

Bruce, IL

170 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

26 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

6h 34m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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-intensive experience on this route, with 95% of the drive taking place on major interstates like I-57 and I-64. The character of the drive is largely defined by these high-speed corridors, offering a consistent and direct path. You'll encounter one significant stretch of 261.9 miles on I-57, meaning you can cover a substantial distance without needing to navigate complex local roads. While predominantly interstate, the inclusion of IL-127 offers a slight variation in scenery and road type for a portion of your travel. This is a route built for covering ground efficiently.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 261.9 mi on I 57.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and I 64. 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 Muskegon Avenue.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 339.5 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 Muskegon Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles (South Lafayette Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Bremen, IL

Full guide →

Top landmarks

  • • Übersee-Museum Bremen — natural history and ethnographic museum in Bremen, Germany
  • • Friedhofskapelle
  • • Kaisen monument — Monument in Bremen

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 6h 34m. Total distance: 339.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 34m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 261.9 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 Bremen, 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 Muskegon Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 3.8 miles (South Lafayette Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bremen, IL before the return drive.

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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