How far is Rock Island, IL from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance from Rock Island, IL to Chicago, IL is about 179.8 miles (289.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 152.9 miles (246.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 44m 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 52m.
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 also known as Utica, in LaSalle County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rock Island and Chicago.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rock Island and Chicago.
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1
Start on 15th Street
89 m · 10 sec · 15th Street
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2
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
124 m · 19 sec · 2nd Avenue
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3
Turn left onto 16th Street
122 m · 19 sec · 16th Street
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto 1st Avenue
908 ft · 28 sec · 1st Avenue
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5
Continue on Centennial Expressway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Centennial Expressway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 280 East: Chicago
1758 ft · 43 sec
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7
Merge slight left
15.8 mi · 17 min
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8
Keep slight left
2239 ft · 27 sec
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9
Merge slight left
116.1 mi · 2 hr 5 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North: Chicago
1892 ft · 54 sec
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11
Merge slight left
36.1 mi · 46 min
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12
Continue on Stevenson Expressway
3.6 mi · 5 min · Stevenson Expressway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Damen Avenue, Ashland Avenue
912 ft · 24 sec
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14
Keep slight left to continue on Damen Avenue
1372 ft · 34 sec
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15
Keep slight left to continue on Ashland Market Place, South Damen Avenue
134 m · 13 sec
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16
Turn straight onto South Damen Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · South Damen Avenue
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17
Turn right onto South Blue Island Avenue
2973 ft · 2 min · South Blue Island Avenue
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18
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
1.3 km · 2 min · West Cermak Road
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19
Turn right
46 m · 11 sec
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20
Turn right
794 ft · 58 sec
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rock Island and Chicago.
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 280 East
Merge slight left
116 mi · 02h 05m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Rock Island 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 Rock Island to Chicago?
The road trip is about 179.8 miles (289.4 km) and usually takes 02h 52m 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?
Utica is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.8 miles from Rock Island and 90.1 miles from Chicago.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 152.9 miles (246.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.9 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 12:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.95 one way or $47.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Rock Island and Mostly Sunny near Chicago.
Stop Ideas Near Utica
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 Utica.
Mendota station
Princeton
Plano
Dwight station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rock Island and Chicago. Straight-line distance: 152.94 mi (246.14 km).
#1 Rock Island
City in Illinois
| Population | 36,870 |
| Coordinates | 41.5094800, -90.5787500 |
| Altitude | 171 |
| 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: 289 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.95 | $47.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.01 | $54.01 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.55 | $59.11 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.68 | $67.36 |
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.