How far is Central, IL from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance from Central, IL to Chicago, IL is about 56.2 miles (90.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.1 miles (77.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 19m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
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.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
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 01h 09m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Central and Chicago.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Central and Chicago.
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1
Start on the route
31 m · 13 sec
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2
Turn left onto Whitewillow Road
3.6 mi · 5 min · Whitewillow Road
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3
Turn left onto Brisbin Road
2.5 mi · 3 min · Brisbin Road
-
4
Turn right
9.4 mi · 14 min
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5
Turn left onto I 55 North: Chicago
1372 ft · 33 sec
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6
Merge slight left
33.3 mi · 43 min
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7
Continue on Stevenson Expressway
3.6 mi · 5 min · Stevenson Expressway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue
912 ft · 24 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Damen Avenue
1372 ft · 34 sec
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue
134 m · 13 sec
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11
Turn straight onto South Damen Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · South Damen Avenue
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12
Turn right onto South Blue Island Avenue
2973 ft · 2 min · South Blue Island Avenue
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13
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
1.3 km · 2 min · West Cermak Road
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14
Turn right
46 m · 11 sec
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15
Turn right
794 ft · 58 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Central and Chicago.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 55 North
Merge slight left
33.3 mi · 00h 43m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Central 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 Central to Chicago?
The road trip is about 56.2 miles (90.5 km) and usually takes 01h 09m 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?
Romeoville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.7 miles from Central and 28.5 miles from Chicago.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.1 miles (77.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.1 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 4:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.47 one way or $14.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Central and Mostly Sunny near Chicago.
Stop Ideas Near Romeoville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Romeoville.
Joliet Transportation Center
Naperville
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Central and Chicago. Straight-line distance: 48.09 mi (77.39 km).
#1 Central
Region of Illinois, USA
| Population | 1,107 |
| Coordinates | 41.4739200, -88.4339600 |
| Altitude | 192 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Chicago
The third most populous city in the United States and the center of the Chicago metropolitan area.
| Population | 2,677,643 |
| Coordinates | 41.850033, -87.6500523 |
| Altitude | 179 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-87.650099, 41.850032)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 91 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.47 | $14.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.42 | $16.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.21 | $18.43 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.50 | $21.00 |
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
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.