Planning a trip from Hawthorn Woods to Markham? This 55.8-mile drive should take you about 1 hour and 18 minutes, making it a very manageable day trip. You'll primarily be navigating on the Tri-State Tollway and IL 53, with a segment on I-290. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $9. Both your starting point and destination are within the Midwest region, so expect a familiar landscape. This route is straightforward and doesn't necessitate an overnight stop, offering flexibility for your schedule.
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
27.9 miles from Hawthorn Woods, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 40m into the drive
.
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Drive Character
This journey offers a mixed driving experience, with 37% of the route being highway driving. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 23.8 miles on the Tri-State Tollway, which can feel like a steady pace. The character of the drive will shift as you transition between the tollway and other state routes like IL 53 and I-290, introducing different traffic patterns and road conditions. Expect a blend of faster-paced highway segments and potentially more varied urban or suburban driving as you approach your destination.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Tri-State Tollway is the longest continuous segment at about 23.8 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
812 ft576 ft
Total Climb
90 ft
Total Descent
270 ft
Highest Point
812 ft
~4 mi in
Elevation Range
236 ft
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 around 8.2 miles in.
Route Complexity10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 55.8 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 8.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 12.9 miles (IL 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.9 miles (I 290): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
8.2 mi into trip|~14m in
Take the ramp toward IL 53 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward IL 53 South
8
12.9 mi into trip|~21m in|IL 53
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 53 toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
7
19.9 mi into trip|~30m in|I 290
Keep slight right at fork onto I 290 toward I 290 East: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 290 East: Chicago
8
29.1 mi into trip|~42m in
Take the exit toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
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 15A
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
7
54.2 mi into trip|~1h 15m in
Take the exit toward US 6: 159th Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 6B-A
Toward US 6: 159th Street
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Hawthorn Woods, IL to Markham, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Indiana along the way.
Indiana
29.1 mi in|~42m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Tri-State Tollway
23.8 mi
30m
IL 53
11.3 mi
14m
I 290
9.3 mi
12m
Quentin Road
3.7 mi
7m
North Rand Road
2.4 mi
3m
Rand Road
1.5 mi
1m
Mile-Long Bridge
0.9 mi
1m
Kedzie Avenue
0.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Tri-State Tollway
— 23.8 mi, about 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hawthorn Woods, IL and Markham, IL.
1
Start on this road
106 ft·8 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto Circle Drive
0.1 mi·19 sec·Circle Drive
3
Continue on Circle Drive
171 ft·10 sec·Circle Drive
4
Turn right onto V77
0.4 mi·50 sec·Old McHenry Road
5
Turn left onto V62
0.5 mi·1 min·Quentin Road
Use the left lane.
6
Turn left
132 ft·13 sec
7
Turn left onto V62
3.2 mi·6 min·Quentin Road
8
Turn left onto US 12
1.5 mi·1 min·Rand Road
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on US 12
2.4 mi·3 min·North Rand Road
10
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward IL 53 SouthUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto IL 53
4.4 mi·5 min·IL 53
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 53
7.0 mi·9 min·IL 53
Toward I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 290
9.3 mi·12 min·I 290
Toward I 290 East: ChicagoUse the slight right lane.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 294
0.4 mi·47 sec·Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
1.0 mi·2 min·Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
17
Merge onto I 294
137 ft·1 sec·Tri-State Tollway
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
3.5 mi·4 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi·1 min·Mile-Long Bridge
21
Continue on I 294
14 mi·17 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 6B-AToward US 6: 159th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·54 sec
Exit 6BToward US 6 West: 159th Street
24
Turn straight onto US 6
0.4 mi·56 sec·West 159th Street
25
Turn left onto Kedzie Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Kedzie Avenue
26
Turn right onto 163rd Street
64 ft·2 sec·163rd Street
27
Arrive at destination
163rd Street
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 1 hour and 18 minute drive, you have the advantage of flexibility. Consider departing outside of peak rush hour times to make the most of the 55.8 miles. While no specific stops are indicated, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 23.8-mile stretch on the Tri-State Tollway, as services can be spread out. With a fuel cost estimated at $9, topping up before you leave Hawthorn Woods is a good idea. This route is efficient enough that you won't need to break it up, but be aware of potential traffic on I-290 as you get closer to Markham.
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 27.9 miles from Hawthorn Woods, IL, or about 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.8 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 55.8 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 27.9 miles or 40m 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 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Markham, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hawthorn Woods, 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 Hawthorn Woods, IL
This is one driving day of about 55.8 miles and 1h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Hawthorn Woods, 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 Tri-State Tollway for about 23.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 27.9 mi from Hawthorn Woods, IL
· 40m into the drive
The midpoint is around 27.9 miles from Hawthorn Woods, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Markham, IL
The final approach into Markham, 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 Markham, 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
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$8.72 one way
$17.45 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg20 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$9.58
$19.16
premium
$4.89
$10.74
$21.48
diesel
$5.61
$12.32
$24.64
Estimated Tolls: $1.43
Tri-state Tollway
(23.8 mi)$1.43
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
$9
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$35–$60
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
16.7
0
$5.86
$2.68
Efficient EV
14
0
$4.88
$2.23
EV Truck/SUV
22.3
0
$7.81
$3.57
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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 1 day ago
Origin
Hawthorn Woods, IL
Evening
in Hawthorn Woods on Tuesday
Local time
6:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Markham, IL
Evening
in Markham on Tuesday
Local time
6:40 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 15 mph22% chanceLive 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
7 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 18m 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 Hawthorn Woods, IL to Markham, IL covers 55.8 miles and takes about 1h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Tri-State Tollway, IL 53, I 290. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 27.9 miles from Hawthorn Woods, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.72 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 19 significant decision points across 55.8 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 12.9 miles (IL 53): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.9 miles (I 290): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Hawthorn Woods, IL to Markham, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Indiana along the way.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 576 ft to 812 ft elevation with about 90 ft of total climbing.