Origin
Chicago, IL
Evening in Chicago on Sunday
Local time
7:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Chicago, IL to Markham, IL
Drive Time
33m
Distance
22 mi
35 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 30m
★
6 AM
0h 33m
8 AM
0h 39m
10 AM
0h 35m
12 PM
0h 34m
3 PM
0h 35m
5 PM
0h 38m
8 PM
0h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
Markham, IL
Mike Tyurin
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick trip from Chicago to Markham, you are looking at a short 22-mile journey that takes approximately 33 minutes to complete. Since this is an intra-state drive within the Midwest, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion. You won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay or budgeting for multiple tanks of gas, as the estimated fuel cost is only about $3. Navigating this route is straightforward, focusing on local roads rather than long-distance highway travel. It is a practical, no-nonsense commute that gets you from the heart of the city to your destination efficiently.
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
11 miles from Chicago, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 16m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a high-speed interstate cruise, as this route maintains a 0% highway share. You will spend your time navigating through city streets, utilizing West Cermak Road, South Halsted Street, and South Canalport Avenue to reach your destination. Because the longest stretch of uninterrupted driving is 0 miles on West Cermak Road, you should be prepared for frequent stops and turns throughout the 33-minute duration. This is not a route for cruising at high speeds, but rather a technical, localized journey that requires your full attention on urban traffic patterns.
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.
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) is the longest continuous segment at about 8.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) and I 57. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 22 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 0.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.6 miles (I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.4 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
0.7 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90, I 94 East: Indiana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 90, I 94 East: Indiana
8
1.6 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express
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
8
10.4 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
I 57
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 South: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 63
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
8
18.3 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Take the exit toward IL 83: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street
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 350
Toward IL 83: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street
10
18.5 mi into trip
|
~26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward IL 83: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 350
Toward IL 83: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) | 8.8 mi | 11m |
| I 57 | 7.9 mi | 10m |
| Kedzie Avenue | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| West 147th Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway | 0.7 mi | <1m |
| West Cermak Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| South Halsted Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| South Canalport Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
— 8.8 mi, about 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago, IL and Markham, IL.
1
Start on this road
0.2 mi
·
1 min
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto West Cermak Road
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
West Cermak Road
Use the none lane.
3
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
South Halsted Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue
285 ft
·
5 sec
·
South Canalport Avenue
Use the none lane.
5
Turn slight right
110 ft
·
4 sec
6
Take the ramp
455 ft
·
11 sec
Toward I 90 East, I 94 East
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward I 90, I 94 East: Indiana
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 90; I 94
0.7 mi
·
47 sec
·
Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
8.8 mi
·
11 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express
Use the none lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
7.9 mi
·
10 min
·
I 57
Exit 63
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
Use the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 350
Toward IL 83: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 350
Toward IL 83: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street
Use the slight right lane.
13
Turn right onto IL 83
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
West 147th Street
Use the right lane.
14
Turn left onto Kedzie Avenue
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Kedzie Avenue
Use the left lane.
15
Turn right onto 163rd Street
64 ft
·
2 sec
·
163rd Street
16
Arrive at destination
163rd Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a short 22-mile trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though avoiding peak rush hours will help you maintain a smoother pace. You won't need to plan for any scheduled stops given the brief duration of the drive. Keep in mind that because you are relying exclusively on city streets, you should stay alert for changing traffic signals and local intersections. My best advice for this specific route is to familiarize yourself with the transition points between West Cermak Road and South Halsted Street before you leave to ensure you stay on track through the city's grid. Planning ahead allows you to focus on the road instead of your GPS during the frequent turns.
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 11 miles from Chicago, IL, or about 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 8.8 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 22 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 11 miles or 16m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Markham, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL
This is one driving day of about 22 miles and 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Chicago, 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 Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) for about 8.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 11 mi from Chicago, IL · 16m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
11 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 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 11 miles from Chicago, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Markham, IL
The final approach into Markham, 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 Markham, 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
$3.34 one way
$6.68 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
8 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $3.68 | $7.37 |
| premium | $4.80 | $4.15 | $8.31 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $4.89 | $9.78 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 7.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 63% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 6.6 | 0 | $2.31 | $1.06 |
| Efficient EV | 5.5 | 0 | $1.92 | $0.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 8.8 | 0 | $3.08 | $1.41 |
Gas CO2
8 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (63% 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
Markham, IL
Evening in Markham on Sunday
Local time
7:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
54°F
Lansing, IL
11 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
33m 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 Chicago, IL to Markham, IL covers 22 miles and takes about 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Dan Ryan Expressway (Express), I 57, Kedzie Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 11 miles from Chicago, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.34 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 13 significant decision points across 22 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 0.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.6 miles (I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.4 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Chicago, IL to Markham, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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