How far is Chicago, IL from Crete, IL?
The driving distance from Chicago, IL to Crete, IL is about 34.3 miles (55.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28 miles (45.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 38m 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 49m.
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 Chicago and Crete.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago and Crete.
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1
Start on the route
943 ft · 1 min
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Cermak Road
947 ft · 26 sec · West Cermak Road
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3
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
737 ft · 17 sec · South Halsted Street
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4
Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue
87 m · 6 sec · South Canalport Avenue
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5
Turn slight right
34 m · 5 sec
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6
Take the ramp straight toward I 90 East, I 94 East
139 m · 11 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 90, I 94 East: Indiana
929 ft · 23 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Dan Ryan Expressway
1.2 km · 48 sec · Dan Ryan Expressway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
8.8 mi · 12 min · Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
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10
Keep slight left to continue on Bishop Ford Freeway
10.8 mi · 15 min · Bishop Ford Freeway
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11
Keep slight right to continue on Calumet Expressway
2410 ft · 49 sec · Calumet Expressway
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Calumet Expressway
9.7 mi · 13 min · Calumet Expressway
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13
Turn right onto East Exchange Street
2.9 mi · 5 min · East Exchange Street
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14
Turn left onto Main Street
15 m · 1 sec · Main Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chicago and Crete.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Bishop Ford Freeway
Keep slight left to continue on Bishop Ford Freeway
10.8 mi · 00h 15m
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 Chicago and Mostly Sunny near Crete.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Crete?
The road trip is about 34.3 miles (55.2 km) and usually takes 00h 49m 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?
Burnham is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.1 miles from Chicago and 17.1 miles from Crete.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28 miles (45.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.3 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 4:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.56 one way or $9.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Chicago and Mostly Sunny near Crete.
Stop Ideas Near Burnham
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 Burnham.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chicago and Crete. Straight-line distance: 28.04 mi (45.12 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 Crete
Town in the U.
| Population | 8,493 |
| Coordinates | 41.4444800, -87.6314300 |
| Altitude | 222 |
| Country | United States |
End: Crete (-87.63143, 41.44448)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 55 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.56 | $9.13 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.15 | $10.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.63 | $11.26 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.42 | $12.84 |
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.