Origin
Reading, IL
Morning in Reading on Thursday
Local time
11:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Reading, IL to Chicago, IL
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 10m
Distance
99.5 mi
160 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 2m
★
6 AM
2h 11m
8 AM
2h 29m
10 AM
2h 17m
12 PM
2h 15m
3 PM
2h 18m
5 PM
2h 28m
8 PM
2h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Reading, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Chicago, IL
Otoniel Alvarado
Trip Overview
If you are looking to travel from Reading to Chicago, you are facing a straightforward 99.7-mile journey through the Illinois Midwest. This trip typically takes about 1 hour and 48 minutes of driving time, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day excursion. You should budget approximately $15 for fuel to cover the distance between these two points. Since the route is manageable in less than two hours, there is no need to plan for an overnight stay unless your schedule requires it. It is a practical, direct connection within the state that allows for plenty of flexibility in your travel plans.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
49.8 miles from Reading, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 10m. Total distance: 99.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise on this 99.7-mile trek. Because the route features a 0% highway share, you will spend the entire duration navigating smaller roads that demand more active attention from the driver. This profile creates a more personal, localized experience behind the wheel compared to a high-speed transit corridor. You will find that the road surface and traffic patterns reflect these local conditions throughout the 1 hour and 48-minute duration. Prepare for a steady, hands-on driving experience that keeps you engaged with the local landscape.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 69 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
739 ft
530 ft
Total Climb
315 ft
Total Descent
351 ft
Highest Point
739 ft
~78.2 mi in
Elevation Range
209 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and East 3200 North Road. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near IL 17 / East 3000 North Road.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 99.5 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (IL 17 / East 3000 North Road): Navigation decision point; at 24 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 96.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
IL 17 / East 3000 North Road
Turn left onto IL 17 / East 3000 North Road
Navigation decision point
5
24 mi into trip
|
~37m in
|
I 55
Merge onto I 55
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
96.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 3m 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
8
96.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 4m 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
9
97.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 4m 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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 69 mi | 1h 21m |
| East 3200 North Road | 10.1 mi | 15m |
| East 3000 N Road | 5.7 mi | 8m |
| East 3000 North Road | 4.4 mi | 6m |
| Stevenson Expressway | 3.6 mi | 4m |
| E 3200 N Road | 3 mi | 4m |
| West Cermak Road | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Damen Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 69 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Reading, IL and Chicago, IL.
1
Start on Co Rd 379 E Rd
0.3 mi
·
58 sec
·
Co Rd 379 E Rd
2
Turn straight onto North 379 E Road
0.2 mi
·
50 sec
·
North 379 E Road
3
Turn left onto IL 17
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
East 3000 North Road
4
Continue on IL 17
5.7 mi
·
8 min
·
East 3000 N Road
5
Continue on IL 17
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
East 3000 North Road
6
Turn right onto IL 17
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
E 3200 N Road
7
Continue on IL 17
10 mi
·
15 min
·
East 3200 North Road
8
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 55 North: Joliet
9
Merge onto I 55
69 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
I 55
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 55
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 290
Toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward Damen Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
440 ft
·
12 sec
Toward Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue
Use the left lane.
14
Turn straight onto South Damen Avenue
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Damen Avenue
15
Turn right onto South Blue Island Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Blue Island Avenue
16
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West Cermak Road
17
Turn right
152 ft
·
11 sec
18
Turn right
0.2 mi
·
58 sec
19
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 1 hour and 48-minute duration, you have the advantage of being able to depart whenever suits your schedule best. While you do not need to worry about long-haul pacing, it is smart to keep your $15 fuel budget in mind before you head out. Since this route involves zero highway miles, traffic patterns on local roads can shift quickly, so leave a little buffer time for potential slowdowns. Because there are no scheduled stops, be sure to handle any personal needs or refueling before you depart Reading. Staying alert is essential, as the turn-heavy nature of the drive requires consistent focus throughout the entire 99.7-mile trip.
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 49.8 miles from Reading, IL, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69 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 22 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 49.8 miles or 1h 7m 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 45m
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 Reading, 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 Reading, IL
This is one driving day of about 99.5 miles and 2h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Reading, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 69 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 49.8 mi from Reading, IL · 1h 7m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
50 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 49.8 miles from Reading, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69 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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.56 one way
$31.11 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
35 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $17.08 | $34.16 |
| premium | $4.89 | $19.15 | $38.30 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.97 | $43.94 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 34.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29.8 | 0 | $10.45 | $4.78 |
| Efficient EV | 24.9 | 0 | $8.71 | $3.98 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 39.8 | 0 | $13.93 | $6.37 |
Gas CO2
35 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Chicago, IL
Morning in Chicago on Thursday
Local time
11:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
W 10 mph
75% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 9:43PM CDT until April 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 13 at 9:43PM CDT until April 19 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO
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
12 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
2h 10m 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 Reading, IL to Chicago, IL covers 99.5 miles and takes about 2h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, East 3200 North Road, East 3000 N Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 49.8 miles from Reading, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.56 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 99.5 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (IL 17 / East 3000 North Road): Navigation decision point; at 24 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 96.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Reading, IL to Chicago, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 530 ft to 739 ft elevation with about 315 ft of total climbing.
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