Origin
Burbank, IL
Night in Burbank on Wednesday
Local time
10:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
24m
Distance
12.8 mi
21 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$2
one way
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Burbank, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
If you are planning to travel from Burbank to Chicago, you are looking at a quick 12.8-mile trip that typically takes about 24 minutes. Because this is a short journey within the Midwest, you can easily complete it as a straightforward day trip without needing any overnight stops. You will primarily navigate via South Cicero Avenue, the Stevenson Expressway, and State Road. With an estimated fuel cost of just $2, it is a very budget-friendly commute. This route is ideal for those who need to get between these two Illinois locations efficiently rather than those looking for a scenic getaway.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
6.4 miles from Burbank, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 12m into the drive .
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention as you navigate through the urban landscape. Only 22% of this route takes place on the highway, meaning you will spend the majority of your time on local roads. Your longest uninterrupted stretch is a 4-mile segment on South Cicero Avenue, which serves as the primary backbone of the trip. The transition from local streets to the faster-paced Stevenson Expressway creates a distinct shift in driving rhythm. Be prepared for frequent turns and intersection management rather than a long, relaxing cruise.
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near State Road.
Focused - busy navigation packed into a short drive
This is a short but busy drive. With 10 decision points packed into just 12.8 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 24m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (State Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 2.7 miles (IL 50 / South Cicero Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 9.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn sharp right onto State Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Turn left onto IL 50 / South Cicero Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
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
Keep slight left at fork toward Damen Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
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
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| South Cicero Avenue | 4 mi | 6m |
| Stevenson Expressway | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| State Road | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| South State Road | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| West Cermak Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Damen Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Blue Island Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| West 87th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Burbank, IL and Chicago, IL.
Start on West 87th Street
Turn sharp right onto State Road
Continue on South State Road
Turn left onto IL 50
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 55
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Turn straight onto South Damen Avenue
Turn right onto South Blue Island Avenue
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
Turn right
Turn right
Arrive at destination
Since this is a short 24-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You will not need to plan for any stops along the way, allowing you to head straight to your destination. Keep in mind that because the route relies heavily on local roads like South Cicero Avenue, traffic patterns can shift quickly; check your GPS before leaving to ensure the most efficient path. Since your fuel costs are minimal at roughly $2, you can focus your travel budget on your activities once you arrive in Chicago. Take advantage of the short distance to avoid the fatigue associated with longer regional road trips.
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.
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 12.8 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 6.4 miles or 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chicago, IL than in the middle of the route.
Have your navigation ready before leaving Burbank, IL.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Burbank, IL
This is one driving day of about 12.8 miles and 24m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 6.4 mi from Burbank, IL · 12m into the drive
A short stop after about 12.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 6.4 miles from Burbank, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Chicago, IL if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$2.00 one way
$4.00 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $2.20 | $4.39 |
| premium | $4.89 | $2.46 | $4.93 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $2.83 | $5.65 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$27–$52
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 4.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 75% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 3.8 | 0 | $1.34 | $0.61 |
| Efficient EV | 3.2 | 0 | $1.12 | $0.51 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 5.1 | 0 | $1.79 | $0.82 |
Gas CO2
4 kg
EV CO2
1 kg (75% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Burbank on Wednesday
Local time
10:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Destination
Night in Chicago on Wednesday
Local time
10:38 PM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 9:43PM CDT until April 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 9:43PM CDT until April 19 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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