Origin
Bradley, IL
Evening in Bradley on Sunday
Local time
7:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Bradley, IL to Chicago, IL
Drive Time
1h 12m
Distance
56 mi
90 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 7m
★
6 AM
1h 12m
8 AM
1h 24m
10 AM
1h 16m
12 PM
1h 15m
3 PM
1h 17m
5 PM
1h 23m
8 PM
1h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bradley, IL
Mike Tyurin
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
Trip Overview
Traveling the 56-mile stretch from Bradley to Chicago is a straightforward Midwestern journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 12 minutes. Because this is a short trip, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $8 for fuel to cover the distance. Since you will be navigating entirely via local roads rather than interstates, this route is best suited for drivers who prefer a slower pace over highway speed. It serves as a practical connection within Illinois, moving you from the outskirts of Bradley directly into the heart of Chicago.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
28 miles from Bradley, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 35m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous highway cruise, as this route features zero percent highway travel. You will navigate through South Schuyler Avenue, East Broadway Street, and Kinzie Avenue, requiring your full attention behind the wheel. There are no long, uninterrupted stretches of road, with South Schuyler Avenue representing the longest segment of the trip. The personality of this drive is defined by frequent transitions between local streets, making it a technical navigation experience rather than a quick sprint.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 57 is the longest continuous segment at about 42.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Dan Ryan Expressway (Express). 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 Schuyler Avenue.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 56 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 Schuyler Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 48.8 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
South Schuyler Avenue
Turn left onto South Schuyler Avenue
Navigation decision point
8
48.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 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. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Roa...
8
55 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m 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
6
55.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 10m in
|
South Canalport Avenue
Turn left onto South Canalport Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
55.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 10m in
|
West Cermak Road
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 42.8 mi | 50m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) | 6.2 mi | 8m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway | 3.3 mi | 4m |
| Kinzie Avenue | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| East Broadway Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| South Schuyler Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| West Cermak Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| South Canalport Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 42.8 mi, about 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bradley, IL and Chicago, IL.
1
Start on East Broadway Street
362 ft
·
14 sec
·
East Broadway Street
2
Turn left onto South Schuyler Avenue
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
South Schuyler Avenue
3
Continue on East Broadway Street
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
·
East Broadway Street
4
Turn left onto IL 50
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Kinzie Avenue
5
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I-57 North: Chicago
6
Merge onto I 57
43 mi
·
50 min
·
I 57
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on I 94
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
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
Use the none lane.
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 53A
Toward Canalport Avenue, Cermak Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Turn slight left onto South Ruble Street
243 ft
·
6 sec
·
South Ruble Street
11
Turn slight left
75 ft
·
4 sec
12
Turn left onto South Canalport Avenue
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
South Canalport Avenue
Use the none lane.
13
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
South Halsted Street
14
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
West Cermak Road
Use the none lane.
15
Turn left
152 ft
·
11 sec
16
Turn right
0.2 mi
·
58 sec
17
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since the entire trip is a manageable 56 miles, you have significant flexibility regarding your departure time. With no mandatory stops required to reach your destination, you can complete the drive in one go, though staying alert is essential due to the constant turning involved. Keep your $8 fuel budget in mind before you head out, and ensure your vehicle is ready for the stop-and-go nature of city-bound local roads. Because you are avoiding major highways, plan for potential traffic fluctuations on local streets as you approach the city limits. A helpful tip is to map out your specific turns on South Schuyler, Broadway, and Kinzie in advance, as the lack of highway signage means you will need to rely on local street markers throughout the journey.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 28 miles from Bradley, IL, or about 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.8 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 56 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 28 miles or 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 58m
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 Bradley, 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 Bradley, IL
This is one driving day of about 56 miles and 1h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Bradley, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 57 for about 42.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 28 mi from Bradley, IL · 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 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 56 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 28 miles from Bradley, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Chicago, IL
The final approach into Chicago, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Chicago, IL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$8.51 one way
$17.01 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
20 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $9.38 | $18.75 |
| premium | $4.80 | $10.57 | $21.14 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $12.44 | $24.88 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$34–$59
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.8 | 0 | $5.88 | $2.69 |
| Efficient EV | 14 | 0 | $4.90 | $2.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22.4 | 0 | $7.84 | $3.58 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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
Evening in Chicago on Sunday
Local time
7:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
54°F
Lansing, IL
28 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
8 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
1h 12m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Bradley, IL to Chicago, IL covers 56 miles and takes about 1h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, Dan Ryan Expressway (Express), Dan Ryan Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 28 miles from Bradley, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.51 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 56 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (South Schuyler Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 48.8 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 55 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Bradley, IL to Chicago, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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