How far is Chicago, IL from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance from Chicago, IL to Aurora, IL is about 48.8 miles (78.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35 miles (56.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 55m 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 00h 57m.
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.
Village in Downers Grove, Lisle, and York Townships, DuPage County, Illinois, US
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely
Partly Sunny then Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chicago and Aurora.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago and Aurora.
-
1
Start on the route
943 ft · 1 min
-
2
At the end of the road, turn left onto West Cermak Road
1.3 km · 2 min · West Cermak Road
-
3
Turn right onto South Ashland Avenue
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Ashland Avenue
-
4
Turn left onto West Van Buren Street
900 ft · 29 sec · West Van Buren Street
-
5
Take the ramp slight left toward I 290 West
650 ft · 16 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto Eisenhower Expressway
12.1 mi · 16 min · Eisenhower Expressway
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
1.9 mi · 2 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
-
8
Keep slight right to continue on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
22.1 mi · 27 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward IL 31, IL 56 East
3174 ft · 1 min
-
10
Turn right onto South Lincolnway Street
1904 ft · 53 sec · South Lincolnway Street
-
11
Continue on North Lake Street
2.2 mi · 5 min · North Lake Street
-
12
Turn right onto West Galena Boulevard
575 ft · 10 sec · West Galena Boulevard
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Galena Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chicago and Aurora.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Keep slight right to continue on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
22.1 mi · 00h 27m
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 Cloudy then Rain Likely leaving Chicago and Partly Sunny then Rain Likely near Aurora.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Aurora?
The road trip is about 48.8 miles (78.5 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
Downers Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.1 miles from Chicago and 27.7 miles from Aurora.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35 miles (56.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.8 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 4:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.49 one way or $12.97 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely around Chicago and Partly Sunny then Rain Likely near Aurora.
Stop Ideas Near Downers Grove
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 Downers Grove.
La Grange Road
Naperville
Summit
Chicago Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chicago and Aurora. Straight-line distance: 35.06 mi (56.42 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Aurora
The second most populous city in Illinois.
| Population | 196,383 |
| Coordinates | 41.7605800, -88.3200700 |
| Altitude | 207 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Galena Boulevard (-88.320111, 41.76053)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 79 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.49 | $12.97 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.32 | $14.63 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.00 | $16.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.12 | $18.25 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.