Trip from Oak Forest, IL to Schaumburg, IL

Drive Time

59m

Distance

42.1 mi

68 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$6

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 15 min
4 AM
0h 55m ★
6 AM
1h 0m
8 AM
1h 10m
10 AM
1h 3m
12 PM
1h 2m
3 PM
1h 4m
5 PM
1h 9m
8 PM
0h 57m

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

Downtown Oak Forest, IL, IL

Oak Forest, IL

Lauri Poldre

Downtown Schaumburg, IL, IL

Schaumburg, IL

Wolfgang Weiser

Trip Overview

Spanning 42.1 miles through the Midwest, this route from Oak Forest to Schaumburg is a straightforward trek that takes approximately 59 minutes under normal conditions. Because the journey is relatively short, you can easily complete it as a one-day trip without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the Tri-State Tollway, I-290, and Cicero Avenue to reach your destination. Budgeting about $6 for fuel is sufficient for this transit, making it a budget-friendly option for your schedule. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a day of errands, this route offers a practical connection between these two Illinois hubs.

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

21 miles from Oak Forest, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 28m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a mixed driving experience that transitions from suburban corridors to high-speed transit. With a highway share of 30%, you will spend a portion of your time on major interstates, including a 19.4-mile stretch on the Tri-State Tollway. The road personality shifts as you move between the local flow of Cicero Avenue and the more structured pace of the tollway and I-290. While the drive is functional rather than scenic, the variety in road types keeps the pace engaging. You should be prepared for changing traffic patterns as you navigate these different types of infrastructure.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 18 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 19.4 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 around 23.6 miles in near I 294 / Tri-State Tollway.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 42.1 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 23.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

8
23.6 mi into trip | ~31m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Take the exit onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 290 West, I 294 North, I 290 East: Rockford, Milwaukee, Chicago

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 31 Toward I 290 West, I 294 North, I 290 East: Roc...
7
23.6 mi into trip | ~31m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 290 West, I 294 North: Rockford, Milwaukee

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 31 Toward I 290 West, I 294 North: Rockford, Milwa...
7
24.5 mi into trip | ~33m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 290 West: Rockford

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward I 290 West: Rockford
7
25.3 mi into trip | ~35m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Saint Charles Road West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward Saint Charles Road West
8
38.1 mi into trip | ~52m in

Take the exit toward IL 72, IL 58: Higgins Road, Woodfield Road, Golf Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 1B Toward IL 72, IL 58: Higgins Road, Woodfield Ro...

Towns Along This Route

Between Oak Forest, IL and Schaumburg, IL, road signs point toward Milwaukee, Chicago and Saint Charles Road West.

Milwaukee

23.6 mi in | ~31m | via I 294

Chicago

23.6 mi in | ~31m | via I 294

Saint Charles Road West

25.3 mi in | ~35m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Tri-State Tollway 19.4 mi 24m
I 290 12.4 mi 16m
Cicero Avenue 4.1 mi 6m
East Higgins Road 1.6 mi 2m
West Higgins Road 1 mi 1m
North Roselle Road 0.7 mi 1m
West 159th Street 0.4 mi <1m
West Thacker Street 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Tri-State Tollway — 19.4 mi, about 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Oak Forest, IL and Schaumburg, IL.

1

Start on this road

116 ft · 10 sec · this road
2

Turn uturn onto US 6

0.4 mi · 50 sec · West 159th Street
3

Turn left onto IL 50

4.1 mi · 6 min · Cicero Avenue
Use the none lane.
4

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin Use the straight / right lanes.
5

Merge onto I 294

17 mi · 21 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

1.2 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit onto I 294

321 ft · 7 sec · Tri-State Tollway
Exit 31 Toward I 290 West, I 294 North, I 290 East: Rockford, Milwaukee, Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

0.8 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
Exit 31 Toward I 290 West, I 294 North: Rockford, Milwaukee
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 290 West: Rockford Use the none lane.
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Toward Saint Charles Road West Use the none lane.
11

Merge onto I 290

12 mi · 16 min · I 290
Use the none lane.
12

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 48 sec
Exit 1B Toward IL 72, IL 58: Higgins Road, Woodfield Road, Golf Road Use the right lane.
13

Turn left onto IL 72

1.6 mi · 2 min · East Higgins Road
Use the left / none lanes.
14

Continue on IL 72

1.0 mi · 1 min · West Higgins Road
15

Turn left onto North Roselle Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Roselle Road
Use the none lane.
16

Turn right onto West Thacker Street

0.1 mi · 36 sec · West Thacker Street
17

Turn left onto North Pleasant Drive

426 ft · 18 sec · North Pleasant Drive
18

Arrive at destination

North Pleasant Drive

Trip Plan

Since this is a quick trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though keeping an eye on traffic patterns is wise given the mix of urban and highway roads. You will not need to plan for any formal stops, as the 59-minute duration is easily managed in one go. Keep your toll pass ready, as you will be utilizing the Tri-State Tollway for the longest portion of your drive. By checking local traffic reports before you leave Oak Forest, you can decide whether to prioritize the highway stretches or adjust your path to avoid peak congestion. Staying mindful of your fuel gauge before starting is simple enough, especially with the modest $6 cost expectation.

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 21 miles from Oak Forest, IL, or about 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 19.4 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 42.1 miles or 59m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 21 miles or 28m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 48m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Oak Forest, 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 Oak Forest, IL

This is one driving day of about 42.1 miles and 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Oak Forest, 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 19.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 21 mi from Oak Forest, IL · 28m into the drive

Downtown Berwyn, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Berwyn, IL

21 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

Palatine, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42.1 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Berwyn, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 21 miles from Oak Forest, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Schaumburg, IL

The final approach into Schaumburg, 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 Schaumburg, 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

$6.39 one way

$12.79 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 15 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $7.05 $14.10
premium $4.80 $7.95 $15.90
diesel $5.64 $9.35 $18.71

Estimated Tolls: $1.16

Tri-state Tollway (19.4 mi) $1.16

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

$6

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$33–$58

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 14.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 12.6 0 $4.42 $2.02
Efficient EV 10.5 0 $3.68 $1.68
EV Truck/SUV 16.8 0 $5.89 $2.69

Gas CO2

15 kg

EV CO2

5 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Oak Forest, IL

Evening in Oak Forest on Sunday

Local time

7:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Schaumburg, IL

Evening in Schaumburg on Sunday

Local time

7:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

46°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

20 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

59m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Oak Forest, IL to Schaumburg, IL covers 42.1 miles and takes about 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Tri-State Tollway, I 290, Cicero Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 21 miles from Oak Forest, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $6.39 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 15 significant decision points across 42.1 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 23.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 23.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Oak Forest, IL and Schaumburg, IL, road signs point toward Milwaukee, Chicago and Saint Charles Road West.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Schaumburg, IL to Oak Forest, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

40.8 mi 59m

Explore more options from Oak Forest, IL or browse trips ending in Schaumburg, IL.

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