Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
52m
Distance
35.4 mi
57 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Plainfield, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
The drive from Plainfield, IL to Chicago, IL covers 35.4 miles and takes about 52m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 55, Stevenson Expressway, East Main Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 24.9 miles on I 55. At current regular gas prices, budget about $5.53 one way before food or hotel costs.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 52m. Total distance: 35.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
This is a 52m highway drive covering 35.4 miles, with most of the trip on I 55 and Stevenson Expressway. The longest continuous stretch is about 24.9 miles on I 55.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Stevenson Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near South Naperville Road.
Focused - busy navigation packed into a short drive
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a short but busy drive. With 12 decision points packed into just 35.4 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 52m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1 miles (South Naperville Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 1.2 miles (IL 126 / East Main Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 32.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn sharp left onto South Naperville Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
At end of road, turn left onto IL 126 / East Main Street
Lane positioning matters here
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
Keep slight left at fork toward Damen Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
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
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 24.9 mi | 33m |
| Stevenson Expressway | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| East Main Street | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| North Division Street | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| West Cermak Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Damen Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Blue Island Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| South Naperville Road | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Plainfield, IL and Chicago, IL.
Start on West Hazelcrest Drive
Turn right onto IL 59
Turn sharp left onto South Naperville Road
Turn right onto North Mill Street
At end of road, turn left onto IL 126
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 55
Continue on I 55
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Turn straight onto South Damen Avenue
Turn right onto South Blue Island Avenue
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
Turn right
Turn right
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 17.7 mi from Plainfield, IL · 25m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
18 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.
A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 17.7 miles from Plainfield, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Chicago, IL if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$5.53 one way
$11.07 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $6.08 | $12.15 |
| premium | $4.89 | $6.81 | $13.62 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $7.82 | $15.63 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$6
Estimated CO2 emission: 12.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.6 | 0 | $3.72 | $1.70 |
| Efficient EV | 8.9 | 0 | $3.10 | $1.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14.2 | 0 | $4.96 | $2.27 |
Gas CO2
12 kg
EV CO2
4 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Plainfield on Thursday
Local time
9:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Destination
Night in Chicago on Thursday
Local time
9:44 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Plainfield, IL or browse trips ending in Chicago, IL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.
Explore maps for Plainfield, IL or Chicago, IL on MapSof.net.
