Trip from Chatham, IL to Lockport, IL

Data updated 2 hours ago

Drive Time

3h 24m

Distance

178.6 mi

287 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 12m ★

6 AM

3h 24m

8 AM

3h 49m

10 AM

3h 33m

12 PM

3h 30m

3 PM

3h 34m

5 PM

3h 47m

8 PM

3h 17m

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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Trip Overview

This trip from Chatham, Illinois, to Lockport, Illinois, covers 178.6 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 24 minutes. It's a straightforward drive, primarily utilizing I-55, I-72, and I-80, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day journey. With a projected fuel cost of around $28, it’s an economical option for exploring more of the Midwest. The route is predominantly highway-focused, offering a consistent driving experience without the need for an overnight stop. Plan for a smooth, efficient transit between these two Illinois locations.

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

89.3 miles from Chatham, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive for 94% of this 178.6-mile journey. The bulk of your travel will be on I-55, including one uninterrupted stretch of 143.7 miles. This means you'll experience a consistent pace, largely on interstates designed for efficient travel. While the route is primarily highway, the transition between I-72, I-55, and I-80 will offer minor shifts in your driving environment. It's a profile that prioritizes covering distance effectively over varied scenery.

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

There are about 16 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 143.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 72. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 42.4 miles in near I 55.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 178.6 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 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 165.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

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

7

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

8

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

7

165.6 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in

Take the exit toward I 80 East: Indiana

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 250A Toward I 80 East: Indiana

5

166.3 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

5

171.4 mi into trip | ~3h 9m in

Take the exit toward Center Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 131 Toward Center Street

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Chatham, IL to Lockport, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.

Peoria

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

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 55	143.7 mi	2h 34m
I 72	17.1 mi	19m
I 80	5.1 mi	6m
Broadway Street	4.4 mi	8m
North Main Street	3 mi	5m
South Veterans Parkway	1.2 mi	1m
West 9th Street	1 mi	1m
Hickory Street	0.7 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 55 — 143.7 mi, about 2h 34m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on IL 4

3.0 mi · 5 min · North Main Street

Use the straight lane.

2

Continue on IL 4

1.2 mi · 1 min · South Veterans Parkway

3

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min

4

Merge onto I 72; US 36

17 mi · 19 min · I 72; US 36

5

Continue on I 55

20 mi · 21 min · I 55

6

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.

7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

94 mi · 1 hr 40 min · I 55

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

8

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min

Exit 250A Toward I 80 East: Indiana Use the straight / slight right lanes.

9

Merge onto I 80

5.1 mi · 6 min · I 80

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

10

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min

Exit 131 Toward Center Street

11

Continue on South Center Street

0.3 mi · 38 sec · South Center Street

12

Continue on Hickory Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · Hickory Street

13

Turn right onto Bridge Street

348 ft · 17 sec · Bridge Street

14

Turn left onto Broadway Street

4.4 mi · 8 min · Broadway Street

15

Turn right onto IL 7

1.0 mi · 1 min · West 9th Street

Use the left lane.

16

Arrive at destination

IL 7

Trip Plan

With a duration of just over 3 hours, this trip is perfectly suited for a day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave Chatham in the morning to make the most of your day in Lockport. You'll have one primary stretch of 143.7 miles on I-55, so plan for a fuel stop before or during this segment if needed, as services can be spaced out. Given the $28 fuel cost, it’s an affordable drive, but keeping an eye on your fuel gauge on that long stretch of I-55 is a practical consideration.

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 89.3 miles from Chatham, IL, or about 1h 39m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 143.7 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 89.3 miles or 1h 39m 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 41m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lockport, 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 178.6 miles and 3h 24m.

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 143.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 89.3 mi from Chatham, IL · 1h 39m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bloomington, IL

89 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

Bloomington, 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 89.3 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 143.7 miles.

Arriving in Lockport, IL

The final approach into Lockport, 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 Lockport, 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...

3 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 12.3

View on nps.gov

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...

24 mi from route ~61 min detour Free near mile 178.6

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.92 one way

$55.84 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$30.66	$61.31
premium	$4.89	$34.37	$68.74
diesel	$5.61	$39.43	$78.87

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 62.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

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

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	53.6	$18.75	$8.57
Efficient EV	44.7	$15.63	$7.14
EV Truck/SUV	71.4	$25.00	$11.43

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 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 5 days ago

Origin

Chatham, IL

Afternoon in Chatham on Tuesday

Local time

4:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lockport, IL

Afternoon in Lockport on Tuesday

Local time

4:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

53°F

Bloomington, IL

89 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

7 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 24m 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 Chatham, IL to Lockport, IL covers 178.6 miles and takes about 3h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 55, I 72, I 80. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 89.3 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 $27.92 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.

This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 178.6 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 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 165.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

On the drive from Chatham, IL to Lockport, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.

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Trip from Chatham, IL to Lockport, 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 Lockport, IL

National Parks Near This Route

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Pullman National Historical Park

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Chatham, IL

Lockport, IL

Same local time

7 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 24m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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