Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
21m
Distance
12.5 mi
20 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great 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.
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
Maywood, IL
Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking to travel from Chicago to Maywood, this 12.5-mile journey is a straightforward commute that takes about 21 minutes. You will primarily navigate via the Eisenhower Expressway, South Ashland Avenue, and West Cermak Road. Because the trip is so short, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion without the need for an overnight stay. Expect to spend only about $2 on fuel, making this a highly budget-friendly transit through the Illinois Midwest region. Whether you are heading out for business or visiting, this route offers a quick connection between the city and the suburbs.
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
6.3 miles from Chicago, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 11m into the drive .
This 12.5-mile trip is heavily highway-focused, with 70% of your travel time spent on major expressways. You will spend the bulk of your time on the Eisenhower Expressway, which provides an 8.7-mile uninterrupted stretch that keeps the drive moving efficiently. While the route transitions through urban and suburban landscapes, the reliance on arterial roads ensures a consistent, fast-paced experience behind the wheel. Prepare for a functional drive that trades scenic variety for direct, high-speed connectivity. It is a no-nonsense commute that gets you to your destination with minimal technical maneuvering.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Eisenhower Expressway and South Ashland Avenue. You will hit about 9 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
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 12.5 miles you will encounter 9 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 2.7 miles (West Van Buren Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 3 miles (I 290; IL 110 / Eisenhower Expressway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
At end of road, turn left onto West Cermak Road
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto West Van Buren Street
Lane positioning matters here
Merge onto I 290; IL 110 / Eisenhower Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward 9th Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Turn uturn
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Eisenhower Expressway | 8.7 mi | 11m |
| South Ashland Avenue | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| West Cermak Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South 9th Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| West Van Buren Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| School Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| Harrison Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago, IL and Maywood, IL.
Start on this road
At end of road, turn left onto West Cermak Road
Turn right onto South Ashland Avenue
Turn left onto West Van Buren Street
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 290; IL 110
Take the exit
Turn slight left onto Harrison Street
Turn right onto South 9th Avenue
Turn right onto School Street
Turn uturn
Arrive at destination
Since this is a quick 21-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the entire 12.5-mile distance without planning for any stops, allowing for a seamless trip from start to finish. Keep in mind that the Eisenhower Expressway is the primary artery, so checking real-time traffic reports before you leave can help you avoid potential congestion. With fuel costs estimated at just $2, you do not need to worry about complex gas planning or refueling breaks. Use the efficiency of this short route to your advantage by scheduling your travel around peak traffic hours to ensure the fastest possible transit.
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 12.5 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 6.3 miles or 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Maywood, IL than in the middle of the route.
Have your navigation ready before leaving Chicago, IL.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Chicago, IL
This is one driving day of about 12.5 miles and 21m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 6.3 mi from Chicago, IL · 11m into the drive
A short stop after about 12.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 6.3 miles from Chicago, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Maywood, 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
$1.95 one way
$3.91 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $2.15 | $4.29 |
| premium | $4.89 | $2.41 | $4.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $2.76 | $5.52 |
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: 4.4 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 | $1.31 | $0.60 |
| Efficient EV | 3.1 | 0 | $1.09 | $0.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 5 | 0 | $1.75 | $0.80 |
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 Chicago on Wednesday
Local time
11:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Destination
Night in Maywood on Wednesday
Local time
11:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°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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