How far is Blackhawk, IL from Chicago, IL?

Fastest route

The distance from Blackhawk, Washington Township, IL 61074 to Chicago, Illinois is approximately 156 miles (251 kilometers). The fastest route is via I-88 E, and the estimated travel time is 3 hours and 18 minutes. There are tolls on this route.

Directions

To get from Blackhawk, Washington Township, IL 61074 to Chicago, Illinois, follow these directions:

  1. Head north on Blackhawk Trail.
  2. Turn right onto Army Depot Rd.
  3. Continue onto US-52 E/Chicago Ave.
  4. Turn right onto IL-26 S/IL-64 E.
  5. Turn right to merge onto I-39 S/US-51 S toward Lasalle/Peru.
  6. Take exit 97A to merge onto I-88 E toward Chicago (Toll road).
  7. Merge onto I-39 S/US-51 S.
  8. Take exit 97A to merge onto I-88 E toward Chicago (Toll road).
  9. Keep left to continue on W Ida B. Wells Dr.
  10. Turn left onto S Dearborn St.
  11. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Van Buren St.
  12. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto S Federal St.

Tips & Suggestions

  • 🚗 Start your journey early to avoid heavy traffic during peak hours.
  • ⛽ Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel for the journey.
  • 📱 Use a GPS or navigation app to stay on the correct route.
  • 🚦 Observe traffic signals and road signs for a safe and smooth journey.
  • 🍴 Consider making stops along the way to rest and grab a bite to eat.
  • 🚧 Be aware of any construction or road closures that may affect your route.
  • 📞 Keep emergency contact numbers handy in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
  • 🚗 Follow the speed limits and drive responsibly.
  • 🕑 Allow extra time for possible delays, especially during busy periods.
  • 📷 Enjoy the scenic views along the route and capture memorable moments.
Trip Tools

Reverse, save, or send this route

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
164.45 mi
02h 52m
Flight
134.16 mi
215.91 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Blackhawk.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
134.16 mi
Kilometers
215.91 km
Flight Time
00h 16m

Driving Distance

Road route
164.45 mi
Kilometers
264.66 km
Drive Time
02h 52m

Gas Cost Calculator

Leave and Arrive Planner

Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.

Drive time stays fixed at 02h 52m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Chicago
Thu, Apr 23, 12:44 AM CDT
Return by in Blackhawk
Thu, Apr 23, 3:37 AM CDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Blackhawk
2026-04-22T21:51
Arrive Chicago
Thu, Apr 23, 12:44 AM CDT
Route Timing
02h 52m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
10:53 AM to 12:53 PM CDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
12:44 PM CDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Blackhawk
9:30 PM CDT
Morning start is best

You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.

Halfway Point

A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.

Mid-route stop
Rochelle
IL

City in Ogle County, Illinois, United States

From Blackhawk
80.3 mi
01h 26m
To Chicago
84.2 mi
01h 26m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
79°F
Wednesday

Sunny

Starts
Wed, Apr 22 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
0 to 5 mph SE
Destination
64°F
Wednesday

Mostly Sunny

Starts
Wed, Apr 22 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
5 mph NE

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Blackhawk and Chicago.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Blackhawk and Chicago.

  1. 1

    Start on Blackhawk Trail

    102 m · 16 sec · Blackhawk Trail

  2. 2

    At the end of the road, turn right onto Army Depot Road

    2563 ft · 1 min · Army Depot Road

  3. 3

    Turn right

    11.5 mi · 18 min

  4. 4

    Continue straight

    20.5 mi · 31 min

  5. 5

    Continue on Chambers Road

    10.6 mi · 16 min · Chambers Road

  6. 6

    Continue straight

    5.6 mi · 8 min

  7. 7

    Continue on South Il Route 26

    107 m · 6 sec · South Il Route 26

  8. 8

    Continue straight

    9.3 mi · 15 min

  9. 9

    Turn left

    1065 ft · 26 sec

  10. 10

    Keep slight left

    1.1 km · 1 min

  11. 11

    Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway

    80.5 mi · 1 hr 30 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway

  12. 12

    Keep slight right to continue on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway

    6 mi · 8 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway

  13. 13

    Merge slight right onto Eisenhower Expressway

    13.2 mi · 18 min · Eisenhower Expressway

  14. 14

    Take the exit slight right toward I 90 East, I 94 East: Indiana, Taylor Street, Roosevelt Road

    616 ft · 15 sec

  15. 15

    Keep slight left to continue on I 90 East, I 94 East: Indiana

    1203 ft · 29 sec

  16. 16

    Merge slight left onto Dan Ryan Expressway

    1.2 km · 1 min · Dan Ryan Expressway

  17. 17

    Take the exit slight right toward 18th Street

    1398 ft · 34 sec

  18. 18

    Turn slight left onto South Union Avenue

    963 ft · 30 sec · South Union Avenue

  19. 19

    Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue

    154 m · 13 sec · South Canalport Avenue

  20. 20

    Turn left onto South Halsted Street

    737 ft · 19 sec · South Halsted Street

  21. 21

    Turn right onto West Cermak Road

    976 ft · 25 sec · West Cermak Road

  22. 22

    Turn left

    46 m · 11 sec

  23. 23

    Turn right

    794 ft · 58 sec

  24. 24

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Blackhawk and Chicago.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Interchange-aware route

The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.

Directions
24 steps
9 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
5
3 merges, 2 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
14.6 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
86.5 mi · 53%
Army Depot Road
21 mi · 13%
Chambers Road
16.2 mi · 10%
Eisenhower Expressway
13.2 mi · 8%
South Il Route 26
10 mi · 6%
Dan Ryan Expressway
0.75 mi
Longest Stretch

Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway

Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway

80.5 mi · 01h 30m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

A comfortable day-trip route

This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.

Drive Time
02h 52m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
05h 46m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+30.3 mi
134.2 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Rochelle
01h 26m from Blackhawk
Leave By
12:44 PM CDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Sunny leaving Blackhawk and Mostly Sunny near Chicago.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Blackhawk to Chicago?

The road trip is about 164.5 miles (264.7 km) and usually takes 02h 52m in normal driving conditions.

Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?

This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.

What is the halfway point on this route?

Rochelle is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.3 miles from Blackhawk and 84.2 miles from Chicago.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 134.2 miles (215.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.

When is the best time to leave for this route?

A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:44 PM CDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.87 one way or $43.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.5 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Sunny around Blackhawk and Mostly Sunny near Chicago.

Stop Ideas Near Rochelle

Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.

Mid-route Guidance
Local place coverage is thin around Rochelle, so nearby transit and meeting points are shown instead.
Reviewed stop coverage is still thin around this midpoint, so practical transit waypoints are shown on the right.

Transit and Meeting Points

Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Rochelle.

BUS

Rockford, Illinois

39 mi away
7559 Walton St.
RAIL

Mendota station

42 mi away
783 Main Street
RAIL

Plano

53 mi away
101 West Main Street
BUS

South Beloit, Illinois

63 mi away
15766 Manchester Road

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Blackhawk and Chicago. Straight-line distance: 134.16 mi (215.91 km).

Photo coming soon

#1 Blackhawk

Unincorporated community in Illinois

Population9,587
Coordinates42.1875200, -90.2240200
Altitude182
CountryUnited States
Chicago

#2 Chicago

The third most populous city in the United States and the center of the Chicago metropolitan area.

Population2,677,643
Coordinates41.850033, -87.6500523
Altitude179
CountryUnited States
Start: Blackhawk Trail (-90.223781, 42.187474)
End: (-87.650099, 41.850032)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 265 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)05h 28m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)04h 06m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)03h 17m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)02h 44m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)02h 20m
80 mph (129 km/h)02h 03m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
5.8 gal
21.97 L · about $21.87
Round trip
$43.74
11.6 gal · 43.94 L
Estimated CO2
51.5 kg one way
Round trip: 103.1 kg / 227 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $3.77 $21.87 $43.74
Mid-grade $4.25 $24.67 $49.33
Premium $4.65 $26.99 $53.99
Diesel $5.30 $30.76 $61.53

Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.

Prices in Illinois · Apr 23, 2026

There is no time difference between Blackhawk and Chicago. The current time is 21:51:50.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.