Drive Time
40m
Distance
25.9 mi
42 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$4
one way
If you are planning a quick commute from Chicago to Northbrook, expect a straightforward 25.9-mile journey that typically takes about 40 minutes. This trip is ideally suited for a single-day excursion, as the distance is short enough that you won't need to worry about overnight accommodations. You can anticipate a fuel cost of approximately $4, making this an economical trip within the Midwest. The route relies heavily on major expressways, which keeps the travel time predictable. Because both cities are located within Illinois, you will remain in the same region throughout your drive. It is a practical, no-nonsense route that gets you from the heart of the city to the northern suburbs with minimal fuss.
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
12.9 miles from Chicago, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 19m into the drive .
This 25.9-mile journey is heavily highway-focused, with about 70% of the route spent on fast-moving lanes. You will navigate the Kennedy Expressway and the Edens Expressway, which accounts for the most significant portion of your time behind the wheel. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a 9-mile segment on the Edens Expressway, providing a consistent pace before you transition onto local roads like Waukegan Road. While the interstate sections offer a high-speed experience, the character of the drive shifts once you exit the highway and head toward your destination. Expect a functional, efficient drive that prioritizes speed and direct access over winding, scenic detours.
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Edens Expressway | 9 mi | 11m |
| Kennedy Expressway | 8.2 mi | 11m |
| Waukegan Road | 3.5 mi | 6m |
| Lake Avenue | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Walters Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| West Cermak Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| South Canalport Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago, IL and Northbrook, IL.
Since this is a short 40-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though you should keep an eye on local traffic patterns common on the Kennedy and Edens Expressways. You won't need to plan for any formal stops, as the entire distance can be covered in one go. Budgeting $4 for fuel is a safe estimate for this quick trip across northern Illinois. To make the most of your travel, try to avoid peak rush hours if you want a smoother experience on the expressway segments. Staying alert during the transition from the high-speed Edens Expressway to the surface streets of Waukegan Road will ensure you arrive in Northbrook without any unnecessary stress.
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 25.9 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 12.9 miles or 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Northbrook, IL than in the middle of the route.
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 25.9 miles and 40m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 12.9 mi from Chicago, IL · 19m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
13 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 25.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 12.9 miles from Chicago, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Northbrook, 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 Northbrook, IL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$3.85 one way
$7.69 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $4.34 | $8.67 |
| premium | $4.65 | $4.75 | $9.49 |
| diesel | $5.30 | $5.41 | $10.82 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$29–$54
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 9.1 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 7.8 | 0 | $2.72 | $1.24 |
| Efficient EV | 6.5 | 0 | $2.27 | $1.04 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 10.4 | 0 | $3.63 | $1.66 |
Gas CO2
9 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (67% 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. If you're planning ahead, check the forecast closer to your travel date.
Origin
Afternoon in Chicago on Saturday
Local time
12:06 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Afternoon in Northbrook on Saturday
Local time
12:06 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Along the Route
50°F
Evanston, IL
13 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
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
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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