How far is Dixon, IL from Chicago, IL?
Fastest route
The route from Dixon, Illinois 61021, USA to Chicago, Illinois, USA is approximately 103 miles and takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes via I-88 E. The route has tolls.
Directions
- Start on E 6th St, Dixon, Illinois, and head west toward S Galena Ave.
- Turn left onto IL-26 S/S Galena Ave and continue on this road.
- Pass by Hardee's on the right.
- Turn left onto the I-88 ramp to Chicago/Moline.
- Keep left at the fork and follow the signs for I-88 E, then merge onto I-88 E (toll road).
- Continue on I-88 E until you reach Chicago (toll road).
- Keep left to continue on W Ida B. Wells Dr., then turn left onto S Dearborn St.
- Turn left at the first cross street onto W Van Buren St.
- Finally, turn right at the first cross street onto S Federal St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🛣️ Make sure to have enough change or an electronic toll pass for the toll roads along the route.
- ⚠️ Check the traffic conditions before starting your journey to adjust your travel time accordingly.
- 📱 Consider using a navigation app or GPS device for real-time updates and guidance during your trip.
- ⛽ Plan for any necessary fuel stops along the way to ensure you have enough gas for the entire journey.
- 🚗 Observe and follow all traffic laws and regulations while driving.
- 🍽️ If you need to take a break or grab a bite to eat, there are various dining options available along the route.
- 🏨 If you plan to stay overnight in Chicago, make sure to book accommodation in advance to secure your desired place to stay.
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 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.
Township in Kane County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dixon and Chicago.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dixon and Chicago.
-
1
Start on East 6th Street
86 m · 18 sec · East 6th Street
-
2
Turn left onto South Galena Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · South Galena Avenue
-
3
Turn left
1065 ft · 26 sec
-
4
Keep slight left
1.1 km · 1 min
-
5
Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
80.5 mi · 1 hr 30 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
-
6
Keep slight right to continue on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
6 mi · 8 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
-
7
Merge slight right onto Eisenhower Expressway
13.2 mi · 18 min · Eisenhower Expressway
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 East, I 94 East: Indiana, Taylor Street, Roosevelt Road
616 ft · 15 sec
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 East, I 94 East: Indiana
1203 ft · 29 sec
-
10
Merge slight left onto Dan Ryan Expressway
1.2 km · 1 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward 18th Street
1398 ft · 34 sec
-
12
Turn slight left onto South Union Avenue
963 ft · 30 sec · South Union Avenue
-
13
Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue
154 m · 13 sec · South Canalport Avenue
-
14
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
737 ft · 19 sec · South Halsted Street
-
15
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
976 ft · 25 sec · West Cermak Road
-
16
Turn left
46 m · 11 sec
-
17
Turn right
794 ft · 58 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 Dixon and Chicago.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
80.5 mi · 01h 30m
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.
Sunny leaving Dixon 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 Dixon to Chicago?
The road trip is about 104 miles (167.3 km) and usually takes 01h 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?
Kaneville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 51.9 miles from Dixon and 52.1 miles from Chicago.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 94.1 miles (151.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.9 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 2:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.84 one way or $27.68 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Dixon and Mostly Sunny near Chicago.
Stop Ideas Near Kaneville
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 Kaneville.
Plano
Naperville
Joliet Transportation Center
La Grange Road
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dixon and Chicago. Straight-line distance: 94.17 mi (151.55 km).
#1 Dixon
City and county seat of Lee County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 14,927 |
| Coordinates | 41.8389200, -89.4795500 |
| Altitude | 208 |
| 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: 167 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.84 | $27.68 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.61 | $31.22 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.08 | $34.16 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.47 | $38.93 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.