How far is Highland Park, IL from Chicago, IL?
Fastest route
Traveling from Highland Park, Illinois (60035) to Chicago, Illinois, the best route, due to traffic conditions, is via I-94 E. The journey is approximately 27.3 miles (43.8 kilometers) and takes about 1 hour and 8 minutes.
Directions
- 🚗 Get on US-41 S/Skokie Valley Rd/US Hwy 41 S from Deerfield Rd and Central Ave.
- 🔄 Head southeast on Green Bay Rd toward Deerfield Rd.
- ➡️ Turn right onto Deerfield Rd.
- ⬅️ Turn left to stay on Deerfield Rd.
- ⬅️ Turn left onto Central Ave.
- ➡️ Use the right lane to take the US-41 S/Skokie Valley Rd ramp.
- ➡️ Keep right at the fork, follow signs for US-41 S/Skokie Valley Rd and merge onto US-41 S/Skokie Valley Rd/US Hwy 41 S.
- 🛣️ Continue on US-41 S/US Hwy 41 S.
- 🛣️ Take I-94 E and I-90 to W Ida B. Wells Dr in Chicago.
- ➡️ Merge onto US-41 S/Skokie Valley Rd/US Hwy 41 S and continue to follow US-41 S/US Hwy 41 S.
- ⬅️ Use the left lane to take the exit toward Armitage Ave.
- ➡️ Take the exit to stay on I-90 E/I-94 E toward Dan Ryan Expwy/Indiana.
- ⬅️ Keep left, follow signs for W Adams St/200 S/51 F-G.
- ⬅️ Keep left to continue on Exit 51G, follow signs for East Jackson Boulevard.
- ⬅️ Keep left at the fork to continue on Exit 51I, follow signs for Ida B Wls.
- ⬅️ Keep left and merge onto I-290 E.
- 🛣️ Continue on W Ida B. Wells Dr.
- ➡️ Turn left onto S Dearborn St.
- ⬅️ Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Van Buren St.
- ➡️ Turn right at the 1st cross street onto S Federal St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🛣️ Plan your journey in advance to avoid traffic congestion and take advantage of the suggested best route via I-94 E.
- 🚗 Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and has enough fuel for the trip.
- ⏱️ Allow some extra time in case of unexpected delays or road closures.
- 📱 Use navigation apps to stay updated on real-time traffic conditions and alternative routes.
- 🚦 Observe traffic rules and be mindful of other drivers on the road for a safe journey.
- ☕ Take a short break during the journey to stretch your legs and stay refreshed.
- 🚧 Be aware of construction zones or roadwork along the way, and follow any detour signs if necessary.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 39m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 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 Highland Park and Chicago.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Highland Park and Chicago.
-
1
Start on Green Bay Road
1185 ft · 33 sec · Green Bay Road
-
2
Turn left onto Central Avenue
1 km · 1 min · Central Avenue
-
3
Continue on Deerfield Road
639 ft · 13 sec · Deerfield Road
-
4
Continue on Deerfield Road
932 ft · 19 sec · Deerfield Road
-
5
Take the ramp slight right toward US 41 South: Skokie Valley Road
1097 ft · 27 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto Skokie Highway
3.2 mi · 3 min · Skokie Highway
-
7
Continue on Edens Expressway
13.7 mi · 17 min · Edens Expressway
-
8
Continue on Kennedy Expressway
8.1 mi · 12 min · Kennedy Expressway
-
9
Continue on Dan Ryan Expressway
1.5 km · 1 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward 18th Street
1398 ft · 34 sec
-
11
Turn slight left onto South Union Avenue
963 ft · 30 sec · South Union Avenue
-
12
Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue
154 m · 13 sec · South Canalport Avenue
-
13
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
737 ft · 19 sec · South Halsted Street
-
14
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
976 ft · 25 sec · West Cermak Road
-
15
Turn left
46 m · 11 sec
-
16
Turn right
794 ft · 58 sec
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Highland Park and Chicago.
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.
Edens Expressway
Continue on Edens Expressway
13.7 mi · 00h 17m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Highland Park 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 Highland Park to Chicago?
The road trip is about 28.4 miles (45.7 km) and usually takes 00h 39m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Lincolnwood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 14.2 miles from Highland Park and 14.2 miles from Chicago.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 24.2 miles (38.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.2 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.77 one way or $7.54 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Highland Park and Mostly Sunny near Chicago.
Stop Ideas Near Lincolnwood
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 Lincolnwood.
Glenview station
Chicago Union Station
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Highland Park and Chicago. Straight-line distance: 24.18 mi (38.91 km).
#1 Highland Park
City in Lake County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 29,427 |
| Coordinates | 42.1816900, -87.8003400 |
| Altitude | 212 |
| 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: 46 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.77 | $7.54 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.25 | $8.51 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.65 | $9.31 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.30 | $10.61 |
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.