Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
1h 27m
Distance
63.4 mi
102 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$10
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
Central City, IL
Angela Chacón
The drive from Chicago, IL to Central City, IL covers 63.4 miles and takes about 1h 27m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Adlai Stevenson Expressway, Stevenson Expressway, East Reed Road for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 52.2 miles on Adlai Stevenson Expressway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $9.91 one way before food or hotel costs.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 27m. Total distance: 63.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
This is a 1h 27m highway drive covering 63.4 miles, with most of the trip on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and Stevenson Expressway. The longest continuous stretch is about 52.2 miles on Adlai Stevenson Expressway.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and Stevenson Expressway. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near West Cermak Road.
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 63.4 miles you will encounter 11 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 (West Cermak Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (South Halsted Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.6 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
At end of road, turn right onto West Cermak Road
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
Lane positioning matters here
Take the ramp toward I 90 East, I 94 East
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward I 55: Saint Louis, Lake Shore Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward I 55 South: St Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Chicago, IL to Central City, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Braidwood along the way.
Braidwood
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Adlai Stevenson Expressway | 52.2 mi | 1h 4m |
| Stevenson Expressway | 5.6 mi | 7m |
| East Reed Road | 1.9 mi | 4m |
| South Broadway Road | 1.3 mi | 5m |
| Adlai E Stevenson Expressway | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| West Cermak Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| South Center Road | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| South Halsted Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago, IL and Central City, IL.
Start on this road
At end of road, turn right onto West Cermak Road
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue
Turn slight right
Take the ramp
Keep slight right at fork
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 55
Continue on I 55
Continue on I 55
Take the exit
Turn right onto East Reed Road
Turn left onto South Broadway Road
Turn left onto 3rd Street
Continue on South Center Road
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 31.7 mi from Chicago, IL · 42m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
32 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.
A short stop after about 14 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 31.7 miles from Chicago, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Central City, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$9.91 one way
$19.82 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $10.88 | $21.77 |
| premium | $4.89 | $12.20 | $24.40 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $14.00 | $28.00 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$10
Estimated CO2 emission: 22.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 19 | 0 | $6.66 | $3.04 |
| Efficient EV | 15.9 | 0 | $5.55 | $2.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 25.4 | 0 | $8.88 | $4.06 |
Gas CO2
22 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (68% 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
Evening in Chicago on Thursday
Local time
5:06 PM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Destination
Evening in Central City on Thursday
Local time
5:06 PM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
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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