Trip from Chicago, IL to Randolph, IL

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

6h 40m

Distance

344.8 mi

555 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$54

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

6h 28m ★

6 AM

6h 40m

8 AM

7h 4m

10 AM

6h 48m

12 PM

6h 46m

3 PM

6h 50m

5 PM

7h 3m

8 PM

6h 33m

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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Chicago, IL

Otoniel Alvarado

Randolph, IL

Stéphane Tendon

Trip Overview

The drive from Chicago, IL to Randolph, IL covers 344.8 miles and takes about 6h 40m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 57, I 64, IL 127 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 261.9 miles on I 57. At current regular gas prices, budget about $53.91 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

172.4 miles from Chicago, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 13m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 40m. Total distance: 344.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 40m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Drive Character

This is a 6h 40m highway drive covering 344.8 miles, with most of the trip on I 57 and I 64. The longest continuous stretch is about 261.9 miles on I 57.

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

There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 57 is the longest continuous segment at about 261.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near West Cermak Road.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 344.8 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 0.2 miles (West Cermak Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.4 miles (South Halsted Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

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

0.2 mi into trip | ~1m in | West Cermak Road

At end of road, turn right onto West Cermak Road

Navigation decision point

0.4 mi into trip | ~1m in | South Halsted Street

Turn left onto South Halsted Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

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

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 straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express

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

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 57	261.9 mi	4h 46m
I 64	22.9 mi	24m
IL 127	22 mi	27m
IL 154	8.9 mi	13m
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)	8.8 mi	11m
Main Street	6.6 mi	11m
Shawneetown	5.9 mi	10m
IL 150	4.2 mi	7m

Longest stretch: I 57 — 261.9 mi, about 4h 46m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chicago, IL and Randolph, IL.

Start on this road

0.2 mi · 1 min · this road

At end of road, turn right onto West Cermak Road

0.2 mi · 26 sec · West Cermak Road

Turn left onto South Halsted Street

0.1 mi · 17 sec · South Halsted Street

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue

285 ft · 5 sec · South Canalport Avenue

Turn slight right

110 ft · 4 sec

Take the ramp

455 ft · 11 sec

Toward I 90 East, I 94 East

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 22 sec

Toward I 90, I 94 East: Indiana Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 90; I 94

0.7 mi · 47 sec · Dan Ryan Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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 straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 57

201 mi · 3 hr 40 min · I 57

Exit 63 Toward I 57 South: Memphis Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57

61 mi · 1 hr 5 min · I 57

Toward I 57 South: Memphis

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec

Toward I 64 West: Saint Louis

Merge onto I 64

23 mi · 24 min · I 64

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec

Toward IL 127

Turn straight onto IL 127

22 mi · 27 min · IL 127

Turn right onto IL 13; IL 154

0.6 mi · 50 sec · West Water Street

Turn straight onto IL 13; IL 154

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Kennedy Drive

Enter roundabout onto IL 154

168 ft · 2 sec · IL 154

Continue on IL 154

8.9 mi · 13 min · IL 154

Turn left onto IL 150

4.2 mi · 7 min · IL 150

Keep slight right at fork onto IL 150

6.6 mi · 11 min · Main Street

Continue on IL 4; IL 150

5.9 mi · 10 min · Shawneetown

Turn slight left onto Chester Road

0.1 mi · 22 sec · Chester Road

Turn left onto Wine Hill Road

131 ft · 3 sec · Wine Hill Road

Arrive at destination

Wine Hill Road

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 172.4 miles from Chicago, IL, or about 3h 13m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 261.9 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 76 miles or 1h 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 172.4 miles or 3h 13m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 15m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Randolph, 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 344.8 miles and 6h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Chicago, 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 57 for about 261.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 172.4 mi from Chicago, IL · 3h 13m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mattoon, IL

172 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

Kankakee, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 76 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mattoon, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 172.4 miles from Chicago, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 261.9 miles.

Arriving in Randolph, IL

The final approach into Randolph, 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 Randolph, 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.

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...

3 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 11.9

Caution: Road Construction Near the Park

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$53.91 one way

$107.81 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 121 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$59.19	$118.37
premium	$4.89	$66.35	$132.71
diesel	$5.61	$76.13	$152.25

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$54

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$79–$104

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 120.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $36 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	103.4	1	$36.20	$16.55
Efficient EV	86.2	0	$30.17	$13.79
EV Truck/SUV	137.9	1	$48.27	$22.07

Gas CO2

121 kg

EV CO2

40 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Chicago, IL

Afternoon in Chicago on Thursday

Local time

3:15 PM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Randolph, IL

Afternoon in Randolph on Thursday

Local time

3:15 PM

CDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

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

5 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

6h 40m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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 Randolph, IL covers 344.8 miles and takes about 6h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 57, I 64, IL 127. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 172.4 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 $53.91 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

The route from Chicago, IL to Randolph, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Trip from Chicago, IL to Randolph, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Randolph, IL

National Parks Near This Route

Pullman National Historical Park

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Chicago, IL

Randolph, IL

Same local time

5 degrees warmer at arrival

6h 40m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

Continue From Randolph, IL

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