Trip from Chatham, IL to Aurora, IL

Data updated 3 hours ago

Drive Time

3h 34m

Distance

184.6 mi

297 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

34 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 22m ★

6 AM

3h 35m

8 AM

4h 0m

10 AM

3h 44m

12 PM

3h 41m

3 PM

3h 45m

5 PM

3h 58m

8 PM

3h 27m

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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Chatham, IL

Quang Vuong

city on tripoints of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties in Illinois, United States

Aurora, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 184.6-mile drive from Chatham, IL to Aurora, IL is a straightforward trip, estimated to take about 3 hours and 34 minutes. It's a perfect candidate for a single-day adventure, especially given its Midwest to Midwest origin and destination within Illinois. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $29, making it an economical option. You'll spend most of your time on interstates, with a highway share of 93%, so expect a relatively efficient travel experience. With only one recommended stop and a substantial longest stretch of 113.4 miles, this route is designed for making good time.

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

92.3 miles from Chatham, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 42m into the drive .

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Drive Character

This is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 93% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-55 and I-72, complemented by IL-47. You'll encounter a long, uninterrupted stretch of 113.4 miles on I-55, which means extended periods of consistent highway speeds. While the profile is largely interstate, the inclusion of IL-47 might offer a slight change of pace before reaching Aurora. Overall, prepare for a drive characterized by efficiency and straightforward navigation on well-maintained highways.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 55 is the longest continuous segment at about 113.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 47. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 42.4 miles in near I 55.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 184.6 miles you will encounter 12 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 42.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 135.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

42.4 mi into trip | ~49m 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

71.8 mi into trip | ~1h 20m 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

135.3 mi into trip | ~2h 28m in

Take the exit toward IL 47: Morris, Dwight

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 220 Toward IL 47: Morris, Dwight

171.9 mi into trip | ~3h 14m in | IL 126 / East Schoolhouse Road

At end of road, turn right onto IL 126 / East Schoolhouse Road

Navigation decision point

184.5 mi into trip | ~3h 34m in | West Galena Boulevard

Turn left onto West Galena Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Chatham, IL and Aurora, IL, road signs point toward Peoria and Dwight.

Peoria

71.8 mi in | ~1h 20m | via I 55

Dwight

135.3 mi in | ~2h 28m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 55	113.4 mi	2h 1m
IL 47	32 mi	38m
I 72	17.1 mi	19m
IL 31	5.9 mi	9m
Minkler Road	4.3 mi	6m
North Main Street	3 mi	5m
Ashley Road	2.8 mi	3m
Walker Road	1.5 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 55 — 113.4 mi, about 2h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chatham, IL and Aurora, IL.

Start on IL 4

3.0 mi · 5 min · North Main Street

Use the straight lane.

Continue on IL 4

1.2 mi · 1 min · South Veterans Parkway

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min

Merge onto I 72; US 36

17 mi · 19 min · I 72; US 36

Continue on I 55

20 mi · 21 min · I 55

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

29 mi · 31 min · I 55

Toward I 55 North: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

64 mi · 1 hr 8 min · I 55

Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 35 sec

Exit 220 Toward IL 47: Morris, Dwight Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn left onto IL 47

32 mi · 38 min · IL 47

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto Walker Road

1.5 mi · 2 min · Walker Road

Turn left onto Ashley Road

2.8 mi · 3 min · Ashley Road

At end of road, turn right onto IL 126

0.5 mi · 46 sec · East Schoolhouse Road

Turn left onto Minkler Road

3.4 mi · 4 min · Minkler Road

Enter roundabout onto Minkler Road

126 ft · 3 sec · Minkler Road

Continue on Minkler Road

0.9 mi · 1 min · Minkler Road

Continue on Orchard Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · Orchard Road

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto US 34

1.2 mi · 2 min · US 34

Use the right lane.

Continue on IL 31

2.5 mi · 4 min · IL 31

Continue on IL 31

3.4 mi · 5 min · IL 31

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto West Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 9 sec · West Galena Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

West Galena Boulevard

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour and 34-minute journey, starting your drive in the morning will allow you to reach Aurora with ample time to settle in. Given the 184.6-mile distance and high highway share, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Plan for one stop along the way, perhaps around the halfway point or where you feel ready for a break, to break up the 113.4-mile longest stretch on I-55. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments, and remember the estimated fuel cost is $29.

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 92.3 miles from Chatham, IL, or about 1h 42m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.4 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 80 miles or 1h 29m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 92.3 miles or 1h 42m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 48m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Chatham, 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 Chatham, IL

This is one driving day of about 184.6 miles and 3h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Chatham, 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 113.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 92.3 mi from Chatham, IL · 1h 42m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Normal, IL

92 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

Normal, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Normal, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 92.3 miles from Chatham, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 113.4 miles.

Arriving in Aurora, IL

The final approach into Aurora, 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 Aurora, IL.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 12.7

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.86 one way

$57.72 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$31.69	$63.37
premium	$4.89	$35.52	$71.05
diesel	$5.61	$40.76	$81.51

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 64.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

34 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

County Market - Tesla Supercharger

Springfield, IL

Tesla

16 DCFC

Haymakers - Tesla Supercharger

Springfield, IL

Tesla

12 DCFC

Springfield, IL Rechargery Relay - S Dirksen Pkwy

Springfield, IL

IONNA

12 DCFC

Circle K - Tesla Supercharger

Normal, IL

Tesla

12 DCFC

Meijer - Tesla Supercharger

Normal, IL

Tesla

12 DCFC

Meijer - Tesla Supercharger

Oswego, IL

Tesla

12 DCFC

Pontiac, IL Rechargery Relay - 1 Holiday Road,

Pontiac, IL

IONNA

10 DCFC

Springfield, IL

RIVIAN_ADVENTURE

8 DCFC

Tesla: 9 ChargePoint Network: 8 EV Connect: 3 Electrify America: 3 RIVIAN_ADVENTURE: 2 FORD_CHARGE: 2 IONNA: 2 Non-Networked: 2 UNIVERSAL: 1 RED_E: 1 eVgo Network: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	55.4	$19.38	$8.86
Efficient EV	46.2	$16.15	$7.38
EV Truck/SUV	73.8	$25.84	$11.81

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 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 data refreshed 3 hours ago

Origin

Chatham, IL

Evening in Chatham on Tuesday

Local time

5:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Aurora, IL

Evening in Aurora on Tuesday

Local time

5:37 PM

CDT

Current temp

82°F

Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms

SSW 15 mph 37% chance 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

28 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

3h 34m on the road

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Chatham, IL to Aurora, IL covers 184.6 miles and takes about 3h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 55, IL 47, I 72. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 92.3 miles from Chatham, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.86 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Between Chatham, IL and Aurora, IL, road signs point toward Peoria and Dwight.

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Trip from Chatham, IL to Aurora, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Aurora, IL

National Parks Near This Route

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Chatham, IL

Aurora, IL

Same local time

28 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 34m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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