Trip from New Athens, IL to Chicago, IL

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

6h 4m

Distance

309.6 mi

498 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

5h 51m ★

6 AM

6h 4m

8 AM

6h 30m

10 AM

6h 13m

12 PM

6h 10m

3 PM

6h 14m

5 PM

6h 28m

8 PM

5h 56m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

New Athens, IL

Snap Scribe

Chicago, IL

Otoniel Alvarado

Trip Overview

This 309.6-mile drive from New Athens, Illinois, to Chicago, Illinois, is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that can comfortably be completed in about 6 hours. With a highway share of 94%, you'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a solid choice for a single-day journey. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $47, which is quite manageable. This route stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel as you travel north. It's a practical option if you're looking to get from point A to point B efficiently without extensive detours.

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

154.8 miles from New Athens, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 5m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 309.6-mile journey, with 94% of the drive taking place on major roads like I 55. The majority of your travel will be on I 55, including a significant uninterrupted stretch of 271.4 miles. This means long periods of consistent driving, allowing you to maintain a steady pace. While the primary roads are interstates, you'll encounter some local street driving, particularly North Illinois Street, as you approach your destination in Chicago.

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

There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 55 is the longest continuous segment at about 271.4 miles.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

772 ft 395 ft

Total Climb

772 ft

Total Descent

578 ft

Highest Point

772 ft

~176.9 mi in

Elevation Range

377 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 13. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 143.4 miles in near I 55.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 309.6 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 143.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 172.7 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 306.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

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

143.4 mi into trip | ~2h 53m in | I 55

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 North: Chicago

172.7 mi into trip | ~3h 24m in | I 55

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria

306.7 mi into trip | ~5h 57m in

Take the exit toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue

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 290 Toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue

306.9 mi into trip | ~5h 57m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Damen Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward Damen Avenue

307.2 mi into trip | ~5h 58m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between New Athens, IL and Chicago, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City and Peoria.

Springfield

35.5 mi in | ~56m | via I 55

Kansas City

35.5 mi in | ~56m | via I 55

Peoria

172.7 mi in | ~3h 24m | via I 55

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 55	271.4 mi	4h 59m
IL 13	15.2 mi	23m
North Illinois Street	9.8 mi	15m
Stevenson Expressway	3.6 mi	4m
Vandalia Street	2.8 mi	4m
South Morrison Avenue	1.3 mi	1m
South Illinois Street	1 mi	1m
West Cermak Road	0.8 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 55 — 271.4 mi, about 4h 59m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Chester Street

63 ft · 8 sec · Chester Street

Turn left onto North Benton Street

0.5 mi · 2 min · North Benton Street

At end of road, turn left onto South Van Buren Street

0.1 mi · 19 sec · South Van Buren Street

Turn right

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Turn straight onto IL 13

15 mi · 23 min · IL 13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Turn right onto IL 159

1.0 mi · 1 min · South Illinois Street

Enter roundabout onto IL 159

177 ft · 4 sec · North Illinois Street

Continue on IL 159

9.8 mi · 15 min · North Illinois Street

Continue on IL 159

1.3 mi · 1 min · South Morrison Avenue

Continue on IL 159

2.8 mi · 4 min · Vandalia Street

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 54 sec

Toward I 55 North, I 70 East

Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40

3.8 mi · 4 min · I 55; I 70; US 40

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

108 mi · 1 hr 56 min · I 55

Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

29 mi · 31 min · I 55

Toward I 55 North: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

130 mi · 2 hr 27 min · I 55

Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 55

3.6 mi · 4 min · Stevenson Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Exit 290 Toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Toward Damen Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

440 ft · 12 sec

Toward Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue Use the left lane.

Turn straight onto South Damen Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Damen Avenue

Turn right onto South Blue Island Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Blue Island Avenue

Turn right onto West Cermak Road

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Cermak Road

Turn right

152 ft · 11 sec

Turn right

0.2 mi · 58 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour duration, starting your drive from New Athens early in the morning is your best bet to avoid traffic, especially as you near Chicago. With only one recommended stop and a 271.4-mile stretch on I 55, plan your breaks strategically. Consider stopping midway through that long stretch for fuel and to stretch your legs. The estimated fuel cost is $47, so factor that into your budget. This route is well-suited for a single day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you could split it with an overnight stay, though it's not strictly necessary.

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 154.8 miles from New Athens, IL, or about 3h 5m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 271.4 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 68 miles or 1h 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 154.8 miles or 3h 5m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 56m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving New Athens, 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 New Athens, IL

This is one driving day of about 309.6 miles and 6h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from New Athens, 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 55 for about 271.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 154.8 mi from New Athens, IL · 3h 5m into the drive

city in Macon County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Decatur, IL

155 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

Decatur, IL to Chicago, IL

179.7 mi · 3h 26m

Pacing Suggestions

Hillsboro, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bloomington, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 154.8 miles from New Athens, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 271.4 miles.

Arriving in Chicago, IL

The final approach into Chicago, 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 Chicago, 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$48.40 one way

$96.80 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 108 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$53.14	$106.29
premium	$4.89	$59.58	$119.16
diesel	$5.61	$68.36	$136.71

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$48

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 108.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	92.9	1	$32.51	$14.86
Efficient EV	77.4	0	$27.09	$12.38
EV Truck/SUV	123.8	1	$43.34	$19.81

Gas CO2

108 kg

EV CO2

36 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

New Athens, IL

Evening in New Athens on Wednesday

Local time

7:38 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Chicago, IL

Evening in Chicago on Wednesday

Local time

7:38 PM

CDT

Current temp

51°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

6 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

6h 4m 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 New Athens, IL to Chicago, IL covers 309.6 miles and takes about 6h 4m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 55, IL 13, North Illinois Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 154.8 miles from New Athens, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $48.40 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.