Origin
Dixon, IL
Night in Dixon on Tuesday
Local time
9:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dixon, IL to Cicero, IL
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
1h 56m
Distance
98.2 mi
158 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 48m
★
6 AM
1h 56m
8 AM
2h 13m
10 AM
2h 2m
12 PM
2h 1m
3 PM
2h 3m
5 PM
2h 12m
8 PM
1h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dixon, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Connecting Dixon to Cicero, this 98.2-mile trek through the Illinois Midwest is a straightforward journey typically lasting about 1 hour and 56 minutes. Since the entire trip can be completed in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking overnight accommodations. Expect to spend approximately $15 on fuel to complete the transit between these two points. By utilizing the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway and the Eisenhower Expressway, you’ll spend the bulk of your time on efficient transit corridors before transitioning to local roads like South Laramie Avenue. Whether you are heading toward the suburbs of Chicago or returning to the heart of the state, this route serves as a practical, no-nonsense connection.
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
49.1 miles from Dixon, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a drive defined by a transition from open transit to more technical local navigation. You will spend roughly 7% of your time on highways, with the vast majority of the distance covered by an 86.5-mile stretch along the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway. Once you exit the high-speed tollway and navigate the Eisenhower Expressway, the trip evolves into a turn-heavy local drive as you approach your destination. The rhythm of the road shifts significantly during the final miles, requiring more attention to local traffic patterns and turns. It is a functional route that balances long-distance cruising with the precise maneuvering needed to reach your final destination in Cicero.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway is the longest continuous segment at about 86.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 52; IL 26 / South Galena Avenue.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 98.2 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 0.1 miles (US 52; IL 26 / South Galena Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 2.2 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.7 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 52; IL 26 / South Galena Avenue
Turn left onto US 52; IL 26 / South Galena Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
2.2 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Merge onto I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
82.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 34m in
|
I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
88.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m in
|
I 290; IL 110 / Eisenhower Expressway
Merge onto I 290; IL 110 / Eisenhower Expressway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
95.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
Take the exit toward Central Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 23B
Toward Central Avenue
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway | 86.5 mi | 1h 37m |
| Eisenhower Expressway | 7 mi | 9m |
| South Laramie Avenue | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| South Galena Avenue | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| West Roosevelt Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| South Central Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| East 6th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
— 86.5 mi, about 1h 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dixon, IL and Cicero, IL.
1
Start on East 6th Street
282 ft
·
17 sec
·
East 6th Street
2
Turn left onto US 52; IL 26
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
South Galena Avenue
3
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
4
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
5
Merge onto I 88; IL 110
80 mi
·
1 hr 29 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110
6.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 290; IL 110
7.0 mi
·
9 min
·
Eisenhower Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 23B
Toward Central Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn right onto South Central Avenue
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
South Central Avenue
10
Turn left onto West Roosevelt Road
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
West Roosevelt Road
11
Turn right onto South Laramie Avenue
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Laramie Avenue
12
Arrive at destination
South Laramie Avenue
Trip Plan
Because this is a sub-two-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though it is wise to monitor traffic levels on the Eisenhower Expressway before heading out. Since the trip is short and requires no mandatory stops, you can easily complete it in one go without needing a formal itinerary. Keep a close eye on your GPS as you transition off the main tollway, as the final leg involves more frequent turns compared to the long, steady interstate portion. Budget your $15 for fuel before leaving Dixon to avoid needing to refuel in busier, higher-traffic areas closer to the destination. Embracing the short duration allows you to focus on a direct, efficient arrival rather than planning for extensive mid-trip breaks.
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 49.1 miles from Dixon, IL, or about 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.5 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 80 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 49.1 miles or 57m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cicero, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dixon, 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 Dixon, IL
This is one driving day of about 98.2 miles and 1h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Dixon, 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 Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway for about 86.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 49.1 mi from Dixon, IL · 57m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
49 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 49.1 miles from Dixon, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86.5 miles.
Arriving in Cicero, IL
The final approach into Cicero, 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 Cicero, 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
$15.35 one way
$30.70 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $16.86 | $33.71 |
| premium | $4.89 | $18.90 | $37.80 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.68 | $43.36 |
Estimated Tolls: $5.19
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(86.5 mi)
$5.19
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 34.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29.5 | 0 | $10.31 | $4.71 |
| Efficient EV | 24.6 | 0 | $8.59 | $3.93 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 39.3 | 0 | $13.75 | $6.28 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Cicero, IL
Night in Cicero on Tuesday
Local time
9:00 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 15 mph
6% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:52PM CDT until April 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:52PM CDT until April 17 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
46°F
Aurora, IL
49 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
12 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
1h 56m on the road
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Dixon, IL to Cicero, IL covers 98.2 miles and takes about 1h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, Eisenhower Expressway, South Laramie Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 49.1 miles from Dixon, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.35 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 10 significant decision points across 98.2 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 0.1 miles (US 52; IL 26 / South Galena Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 2.2 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.7 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Dixon, IL to Cicero, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Cicero, IL
More trips to Cicero, IL
Explore more options from Dixon, IL or browse trips ending in Cicero, IL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.
Explore maps for Dixon, IL or Cicero, IL on MapSof.net.