How far is Chicago, IL from Utica, IL?
The driving distance from Chicago, IL to Utica, IL is about 90.2 miles (145.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78.6 miles (126.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 41m 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 50m.
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.
City in Illinois, United States of America
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 Utica.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago and Utica.
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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 right to continue on I 55: Saint Louis, Lake Shore Drive
1820 ft · 44 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 South: St Louis
2604 ft · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left onto Stevenson Expressway
5.6 mi · 8 min · Stevenson Expressway
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10
Continue on Adlai E Stevenson Expressway
1739 ft · 27 sec · Adlai E Stevenson Expressway
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11
Continue on Adlai Stevenson Expressway
35.2 mi · 45 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 West: Iowa
1.3 km · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left
44.2 mi · 47 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward IL 178: Utica, La Salle
1915 ft · 47 sec
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15
Turn slight left
2941 ft · 1 min
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16
At the end of the road, turn right
10 m · 1 sec
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17
Turn left
31 m · 3 sec
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18
Turn straight
1.4 mi · 3 min
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19
Turn left onto West Canal Street
54 m · 8 sec · West Canal Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Canal Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chicago and Utica.
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 80 West
Merge slight left
44.2 mi · 00h 47m
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 Utica.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Utica?
The road trip is about 90.2 miles (145.1 km) and usually takes 01h 50m 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?
Minooka is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45 miles from Chicago and 45.1 miles from Utica.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78.6 miles (126.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.6 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 2:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.99 one way or $23.98 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Chicago and Mostly Sunny near Utica.
Stop Ideas Near Minooka
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 Minooka.
Joliet Transportation Center
Plano
Naperville
Dwight station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chicago and Utica. Straight-line distance: 78.6 mi (126.49 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 Utica
Village also known as Utica, in LaSalle County, Illinois
| Population | 1,988 |
| Coordinates | 41.3405900, -89.0100800 |
| Altitude | 146 |
| Country | United States |
End: Utica (-89.01008, 41.34059)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 145 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.99 | $23.98 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.52 | $27.05 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.80 | $29.60 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.87 | $33.73 |
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.