How far is Chicago, IL from Paxton, IL?
The driving distance from Chicago, IL to Paxton, IL is about 109.2 miles (175.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 98.8 miles (159 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 15m 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 02h 07m.
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 Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chicago and Paxton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago and Paxton.
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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 right to continue on I 57 South: Memphis
97.1 mi · 1 hr 49 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IL 9: Paxton, Gibson City
1859 ft · 40 sec
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12
Turn straight onto Ottawa Road
1.3 km · 1 min · Ottawa Road
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13
Continue on South Market Street
985 ft · 18 sec · South Market Street
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14
Turn right onto East Patton Street
133 m · 13 sec · East Patton Street
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15
Turn left onto South Railroad Avenue
1304 ft · 24 sec · South Railroad Avenue
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16
Turn right onto East Pells Street
53 m · 5 sec · East Pells Street
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17
Turn right
5 m · 1 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chicago and Paxton.
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 57 South
Keep slight right to continue on I 57 South: Memphis
97.1 mi · 01h 49m
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 Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Paxton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Paxton?
The road trip is about 109.2 miles (175.8 km) and usually takes 02h 07m 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?
Bradley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 54.6 miles from Chicago and 54.6 miles from Paxton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 98.8 miles (159 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.4 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 2:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.52 one way or $29.04 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely around Chicago and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Paxton.
Stop Ideas Near Bradley
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 Bradley.
Kankakee
Gilman
Joliet Transportation Center
Dwight station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chicago and Paxton. Straight-line distance: 98.77 mi (158.96 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 Paxton
City in Ford County, Illinois
| Population | 4,117 |
| Coordinates | 40.4603100, -88.0953200 |
| Altitude | 241 |
| Country | United States |
End: Paxton (-88.09532, 40.46031)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 176 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.52 | $29.04 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.37 | $32.75 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.92 | $35.84 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.42 | $40.84 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.