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Trip from Evanston, IL to Dolton, IL

Drive Time

50m

Distance

29.9 mi

48 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$5

one way

EV Charging

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station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 12 min
4 AM
0h 47m ★
6 AM
0h 51m
8 AM
0h 59m
10 AM
0h 54m
12 PM
0h 53m
3 PM
0h 54m
5 PM
0h 59m
8 PM
0h 48m

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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Downtown Evanston, IL, IL

Evanston, IL

Stéphane Tendon

Downtown Dolton, IL, IL

Dolton, IL

Lorenza Magnaghi

Trip Overview

The drive from Evanston, IL to Dolton, IL covers 29.9 miles and takes about 50m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Dan Ryan Expressway (Express), North Western Avenue, South Michigan Avenue for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 8.3 miles on Dan Ryan Expressway (Express). At current regular gas prices, budget about $4.54 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

15 miles from Evanston, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 26m into the drive .

Drive Character

The drive from Evanston, IL to Dolton, IL covers 29.9 miles and takes about 50m, using a mix of highways and local roads.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 23 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 8.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 29.9 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: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.1 miles (Asbury Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 14.8 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.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

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

6
0 mi into trip | ~0m in

At end of road, turn left

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

6
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Asbury Avenue

Turn left onto Asbury Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
14.8 mi into trip | ~26m 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
8
23.2 mi into trip | ~37m in

Take the exit toward US 12, US 20: 95th Street, Chicago State University

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 62 Toward US 12, US 20: 95th Street, Chicago State...
6
23.8 mi into trip | ~39m in | South Michigan Avenue

Turn right onto South Michigan Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Evanston, IL to Dolton, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Chicago State University along the way.

Chicago State University

23.2 mi in | ~37m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) 8.3 mi 11m
North Western Avenue 5.5 mi 11m
South Michigan Avenue 4 mi 7m
Kennedy Expressway 3.6 mi 5m
Dan Ryan Expressway 2.4 mi 2m
Asbury Avenue 1.5 mi 2m
South Indiana Avenue 1.1 mi 2m
North Damen Avenue 0.8 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) — 8.3 mi, about 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Evanston, IL and Dolton, IL.

1

Start on this road

197 ft · 21 sec · this road
2

At end of road, turn left

139 ft · 15 sec
3

At end of road, turn left onto Dempster Street

213 ft · 14 sec · Dempster Street
4

Turn left onto Asbury Avenue

1.5 mi · 2 min · Asbury Avenue
Use the left lane.
5

Continue on North Western Avenue

5.5 mi · 11 min · North Western Avenue
6

Turn left onto North Clybourn Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Clybourn Avenue
Use the left lane.
7

Turn right onto North Damen Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · North Damen Avenue
8

Turn left onto West Webster Avenue

139 ft · 2 sec · West Webster Avenue
9

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward I 90 East, I 94 East
10

Merge onto I 90; I 94

3.6 mi · 5 min · Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on I 90; I 94

2.4 mi · 2 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94

8.3 mi · 11 min · Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 62 Toward US 12, US 20: 95th Street, Chicago State University Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Turn straight onto South Lafayette Avenue

0.1 mi · 15 sec · South Lafayette Avenue
15

Turn left onto US 12; US 20

0.2 mi · 32 sec · West 95th Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
16

Turn right onto South Michigan Avenue

4.0 mi · 7 min · South Michigan Avenue
Use the straight lane.
17

At end of road, turn left onto East 127th Street

0.1 mi · 12 sec · East 127th Street
18

Turn right onto South Indiana Avenue

0.3 mi · 31 sec · South Indiana Avenue
19

Turn left onto East 130th Street

344 ft · 11 sec · East 130th Street
20

Turn right onto South Indiana Avenue

0.9 mi · 1 min · South Indiana Avenue
21

Turn left onto South Leyden Avenue

0.2 mi · 32 sec · South Leyden Avenue
22

Continue on Lincoln Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · Lincoln Avenue
23

Arrive at destination

Lincoln Avenue

Trip Plan

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 15 miles from Evanston, IL, or about 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 8.3 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 29.9 miles or 50m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 15 miles or 26m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 42m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dolton, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Evanston, 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 Evanston, IL

This is one driving day of about 29.9 miles and 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Evanston, 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 8.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 15 mi from Evanston, IL · 26m into the drive

Downtown chicago-il

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chicago, IL

15 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.

Popular next leg

Chicago, IL to Dolton, IL

16.7 mi · 27m

Pacing Suggestions

Chicago, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Chicago, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 15 miles from Evanston, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Dolton, IL

The final approach into Dolton, 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 Dolton, IL.

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

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...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Free near mile 25.8
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

$4.54 one way

$9.08 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 11 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $5.01 $10.01
premium $4.80 $5.64 $11.29
diesel $5.64 $6.64 $13.29

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$5

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$30–$55

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 10.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 70% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 9 0 $3.14 $1.44
Efficient EV 7.5 0 $2.62 $1.20
EV Truck/SUV 12 0 $4.19 $1.91

Gas CO2

10 kg

EV CO2

3 kg (70% 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.

Forecast data refreshed 2 hours ago

Origin

Evanston, IL

Afternoon in Evanston on Sunday

Local time

4:16 PM

CDT

Current temp

76°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SSW 25 mph 21% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 1:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 12 at 12:16PM CDT until April 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Destination

Dolton, IL

Afternoon in Dolton on Sunday

Local time

4:16 PM

CDT

Current temp

80°F

Mostly Sunny

SSW 25 mph 12% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 1:25PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 12 at 12:16PM CDT until April 17 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

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

4 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

50m 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 Evanston, IL to Dolton, IL covers 29.9 miles and takes about 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Dan Ryan Expressway (Express), North Western Avenue, South Michigan Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 15 miles from Evanston, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $4.54 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 17 significant decision points across 29.9 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: near the start: Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.1 miles (Asbury Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 14.8 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.
On the drive from Evanston, IL to Dolton, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Chicago State University along the way.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Dolton, IL to Evanston, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

29.7 mi 50m

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