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Trip from Taylorville, IL to Chicago, 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

3h 58m

Distance

210.2 mi

338 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 46m ★
6 AM
3h 59m
8 AM
4h 25m
10 AM
4h 8m
12 PM
4h 5m
3 PM
4h 9m
5 PM
4h 24m
8 PM
3h 51m

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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city in Christian County, Illinois, United States

Taylorville, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown chicago-il

Chicago, IL

Otoniel Alvarado

Trip Overview

This 210.2-mile drive from Taylorville, IL, to Chicago, IL, is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend around 3 hours and 58 minutes on the road, with 99% of your journey on highways, primarily utilizing I-57 and I-72. With a fuel cost estimated at $33, this route is an economical option for a quick getaway or a visit to the city. Since both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, you'll experience a consistent landscape throughout. This drive is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for plenty of flexibility.

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

105.1 miles from Taylorville, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 123.5 mi 2h 17m
I 72 36.6 mi 39m
IL 48 22.5 mi 25m
US 51 15.1 mi 16m
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) 6.2 mi 8m
Dan Ryan Expressway 3.3 mi 4m
East Park Street 0.9 mi 1m
South Main Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 123.5 mi, about 2h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on South Main Street

0.2 mi · 55 sec · South Main Street
2

Turn right onto IL 29

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Park Street
3

Turn left onto Water Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Water Street
4

Turn left onto IL 48

22 mi · 25 min · IL 48
5

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
6

Merge onto US 51

15 mi · 16 min · US 51
7

Continue on I 72

37 mi · 39 min · I 72
8

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 182B Toward I 57 North: Chicago
9

Merge onto I 57

124 mi · 2 hr 17 min · I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on I 94

3.3 mi · 4 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94

6.2 mi · 8 min · Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Road
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 53A Toward Canalport Avenue, Cermak Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Turn slight left onto South Ruble Street

243 ft · 6 sec · South Ruble Street
14

Turn slight left

75 ft · 4 sec
15

Turn left onto South Canalport Avenue

0.2 mi · 26 sec · South Canalport Avenue
16

Turn left onto South Halsted Street

0.1 mi · 18 sec · South Halsted Street
17

Turn right onto West Cermak Road

0.2 mi · 24 sec · West Cermak Road
18

Turn left

152 ft · 11 sec
19

Turn right

0.2 mi · 58 sec
20

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this efficient 3-hour and 58-minute drive, leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid any potential rush hour congestion as you approach Chicago. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $33, you have the flexibility to depart when it's most convenient. The longest stretch without a significant change in road is 123.5 miles on I-57, so plan your fuel and restroom breaks accordingly before embarking on this segment. Given the short duration, you won't need to split this trip, allowing for a single, focused journey.

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 105.1 miles from Taylorville, IL, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.5 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 46 miles or 52m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 105.1 miles or 1h 57m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 12m

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 Taylorville, 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 Taylorville, IL

This is one driving day of about 210.2 miles and 3h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Taylorville, 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 123.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Onarga, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Onarga, IL

105 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.

Popular next leg

Onarga, IL to Chicago, IL

90 mi · 1h 47m

Pacing Suggestions

Decatur, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Onarga, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 105.1 miles from Taylorville, 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 123.5 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 · home stretch

Han 202 Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chicago, Illinois

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch · 0min to go 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Hours: 5–10 pm

+13129491314

Visit website

Triple Crown Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Chicago, Illinois

1 mi

New Furama Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Chicago, Illinois

1.1 mi

Best coffee break · final third

The Well

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Manteno, Illinois

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third · 51min to go 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+17795295090

Visit website

Han 202 Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 5–10 pm

+13129491314

Visit website

Triple Crown Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13128420088

Visit website

New Furama Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+13122256888

Visit website

Asian bowl express

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+12172821215

Visit website

Red Wheel Restaurant

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12178930471

Visit website

Subway

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 1 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv

Blue Island, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+17082390888

Visit website

ET's Downtown Rantoul

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12178930222

Visit website

Studious Hifi Coffee Shop

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Blue Island, Illinois

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+16123315934

Visit website

The Well

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Manteno, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+17795295090

Visit website

121 Coffee Run

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Decatur, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+12175427962

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

+18668167584

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Decatur, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776642738

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12175312800

Visit website

International Museum of Surgical Science, A Division of the International College of Surgeons

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Chicago, Illinois

Hours: 9:30 am–5 pm

+13126426502

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 209.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | IL 29 / East Park Street

Turn right onto IL 29 / East Park Street

Navigation decision point

5
75.8 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in

Take the exit toward I 57 North: Chicago

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 182B Toward I 57 North: Chicago
5
76.1 mi into trip | ~1h 25m in | I 57

Merge onto I 57

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
203 mi into trip | ~3h 47m in | I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)

Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Roa...
8
209.2 mi into trip | ~3h 55m in

Take the exit toward Canalport Avenue, Cermak Road

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 53A Toward Canalport Avenue, Cermak Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.86 one way

$65.72 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 74 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $36.08 $72.16
premium $4.89 $40.45 $80.90
diesel $5.61 $46.41 $92.82

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 73.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 63.1 0 $22.07 $10.09
Efficient EV 52.6 0 $18.39 $8.41
EV Truck/SUV 84.1 1 $29.43 $13.45

Gas CO2

74 kg

EV CO2

25 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Taylorville, IL

Late night in Taylorville on Tuesday

Local time

3:54 AM

CDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Chicago, IL

Late night in Chicago on Tuesday

Local time

3:54 AM

CDT

Current temp

61°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

9 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 58m 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...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 195.7
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
View on nps.gov
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

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...

25 mi from route ~64 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

The character of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 99% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll experience long stretches of efficient travel, including a significant 123.5-mile segment on I-57. This means consistent speeds and minimal traffic disruptions for the majority of your journey. While the primary roads are I-57, I-72, and IL-48, the dominant feel is one of smooth, uninterrupted interstate driving, making it a predictable and time-efficient travel experience.

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: 123.5 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 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near IL 29 / East Park 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 210.2 miles you will encounter 14 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: at 0.2 miles (IL 29 / East Park Street): Navigation decision point; at 75.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 76.1 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

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 58m. Total distance: 210.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 58m 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 123.5 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 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 0.2 miles (IL 29 / East Park Street): Navigation decision point; at 75.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 76.1 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Pullman National Historical Park and Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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