If you are planning a trip from Summit to Chicago, expect a 292.9-mile journey that takes approximately 5 hours and 34 minutes to complete. This route keeps you within the Midwest region, specifically traveling across Illinois. With a manageable duration, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking overnight accommodations. Budgeting around $44 for fuel should cover your travel costs comfortably. Since the route involves only one planned stop, you can plan on a mostly continuous drive. It is a practical option for travelers seeking a direct path between these two Illinois locations.
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
146.5 miles from Summit, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
275.4 mi
5h 4m
IL 157
6 mi
9m
Illinois Route 161
4.1 mi
6m
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
Saint Clair Avenue
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 275.4 mi, about 5h 4m
Traffic on I-55
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 28 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,633 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,039
Quietest
2 AM
~154 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Summit, IL and Chicago, IL.
1
Start on Hanna Drive
0.2 mi·43 sec·Hanna Drive
2
Turn right onto IL 161
4.1 mi·6 min·Illinois Route 161
3
At end of road, turn left onto Saint Clair Avenue
0.4 mi·35 sec·Saint Clair Avenue
4
Turn right
0.2 mi·37 sec
5
Turn straight onto IL 157
6.0 mi·9 min·IL 157
6
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·27 sec
Toward I 55 North, I 70 East: Chicago, Indianapolis
7
Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40
7.8 mi·8 min·I 55; I 70; US 40
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
108 mi·1 hr 56 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
130 mi·2 hr 27 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, PeoriaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 55
3.6 mi·4 min·Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 290Toward Damen Avenue, Ashland AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward Damen AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
440 ft·12 sec
Toward Ashland Market Place, South Damen AvenueUse the left lane.
15
Turn straight onto South Damen Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·South Damen Avenue
16
Turn right onto South Blue Island Avenue
0.6 mi·1 min·South Blue Island Avenue
17
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
0.8 mi·1 min·West Cermak Road
18
Turn right
152 ft·11 sec
19
Turn right
0.2 mi·58 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the turn-heavy nature of the route, try to depart early in the day to avoid navigating local intersections during peak traffic hours. Since you have just one planned stop, use that break strategically to stretch and refuel your vehicle, keeping your $44 fuel budget in mind. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, as the lack of long highway stretches allows you to adjust your pace easily if you encounter unexpected road conditions. Watch your navigation closely on Route 161, as the constant turns require more focus than a typical highway drive. Keeping a consistent eye on your route guidance will help you navigate the local roads efficiently without unnecessary detours.
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 146.5 miles from Summit, IL, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 275.4 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 64 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 146.5 miles or 2h 44m 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 30m
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 Summit, 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 Summit, IL
This is one driving day of about 292.9 miles and 5h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 64 miles from Summit, 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 275.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 126.7 and 290.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
126.7 mi into trip|~2h 23m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
8
156.1 mi into trip|~2h 55m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
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 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
8
290.1 mi into trip|~5h 27m 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
290.2 mi into trip|~5h 27m 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
290.5 mi into trip|~5h 28m 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
$43.25 one way
$86.51 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg103 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$47.75
$95.50
premium
$4.72
$54.38
$108.77
diesel
$4.80
$55.31
$110.61
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 102.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
87.9
1
$30.75
$14.06
Efficient EV
73.2
0
$25.63
$11.72
EV Truck/SUV
117.2
1
$41.01
$18.75
Gas CO2
102 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Summit, IL
Late night
in Summit on Monday
Local time
2:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
75°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Clear
W 2 to 7 mph19% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Destination
Chicago, IL
Late night
in Chicago on Monday
Local time
2:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
90°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 10 mph58% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:27PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 2:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
85°F
Bloomington, IL
146 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
15 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 34m 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...
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 292.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route relies on local roads like Route 161 and Saint Clair Avenue, supplemented by sections of I-55 North. Because the highway share is 0%, you should anticipate a more technical experience rather than high-speed cruising. There is no long-distance, uninterrupted stretch on Route 161, so expect frequent adjustments to your speed and steering. The character of the road is defined by its local navigation, providing a hands-on driving experience as you transition through the Illinois landscape.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 275.4 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 157. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 126.7 miles in near I 55.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 292.9 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 126.7 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 156.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
831 ft552 ft
Total Climb
486 ft
Total Descent
483 ft
Highest Point
831 ft
~167.4 mi in
Elevation Range
279 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Summit, IL and Chicago, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City and Peoria.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 34m. Total distance: 292.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 34m 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 275.4 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 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: at 126.7 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 156.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 290.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Chicago, IL before the return drive.
