How far is Zeigler, IL from Chicago, IL?
Fastest route
Traveling from Zeigler, Illinois to Chicago, Illinois, the fastest route is via I-57 N and I-57. The total distance is 313 miles (504 kilometers), and the estimated travel time is approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes.
Directions
- Head northwest toward Church St and exit the traffic circle onto S Main St.
- Turn left onto IL-149 E/Linden St and continue to follow IL-149 E.
- At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on IL-149 E, then turn left to merge onto I-57 N.
- Follow I-57 N and keep right at the fork to stay on I-57 N, following signs for Chicago.
- Keep left at the fork to continue on I-57, then keep left at the fork to continue on I-94 Express W, following signs for I-90 Express/Pershing Rd.
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 51H for I-290 W and keep right at the fork to continue on Exit 51I, following signs for Ida B Wells Dr and merging onto IL-110 E.
- Continue on W Ida B. Wells Dr, then turn left onto S Dearborn St and finally turn right onto S Federal St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Plan for a comfortable drive by ensuring your vehicle is in good condition before the journey.
- 📅 Check traffic conditions and consider traveling during off-peak hours to avoid delays.
- ⛽ Make sure to have enough fuel for the entire trip, especially for longer stretches between gas stations.
- 🚓 Be aware of the speed limits and follow all traffic laws for a safe journey.
- 🍽️ Pack some snacks and drinks to stay refreshed during the drive.
- 📱 Keep a navigation app or GPS handy to assist with any unexpected detours.
- 🏨 If the trip is long, consider booking accommodation in Chicago in advance to rest after the journey.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 55m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
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 Zeigler and Chicago.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Zeigler and Chicago.
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1
Start on Circle Street
150 m · 15 sec · Circle Street
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2
Exit the rotary onto South Main Street
1189 ft · 38 sec · South Main Street
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3
Turn left onto Linden Street
2231 ft · 45 sec · Linden Street
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4
Continue on Illinois Route 149
5.5 mi · 10 min · Illinois Route 149
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Illinois Route 149
33 m · 2 sec · Illinois Route 149
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6
Exit the roundabout onto Illinois Route 149
1267 ft · 26 sec · Illinois Route 149
-
7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward the route
1023 ft · 17 sec
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8
Exit the roundabout
1714 ft · 42 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto Ken Gray Expressway
31 mi · 34 min · Ken Gray Expressway
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on Ken Gray Expressway
67.5 mi · 1 hr 13 min · Ken Gray Expressway
-
11
Keep slight left to continue on I 57 North: Chicago
195.2 mi · 3 hr 34 min
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12
Continue on Dan Ryan Expressway
3.3 mi · 5 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
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13
Keep slight left to continue on Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
6.2 mi · 9 min · Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward Canalport Avenue, Cermak Road
1620 ft · 40 sec
-
15
Turn slight left onto South Ruble Street
74 m · 7 sec · South Ruble Street
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16
Turn slight left
23 m · 5 sec
-
17
Turn left onto South Canalport Avenue
887 ft · 26 sec · South Canalport Avenue
-
18
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
737 ft · 19 sec · South Halsted Street
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19
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
976 ft · 25 sec · West Cermak Road
-
20
Turn left
46 m · 11 sec
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21
Turn right
794 ft · 58 sec
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Zeigler and Chicago.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
I 57 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 57 North: Chicago
195 mi · 03h 34m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Zeigler 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 Zeigler to Chicago?
The road trip is about 311.7 miles (501.7 km) and usually takes 04h 55m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Tuscola is a useful midpoint, sitting about 155.7 miles from Zeigler and 156 miles from Chicago.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 282.9 miles (455.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $41.48 one way or $82.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 97.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Zeigler and Mostly Sunny near Chicago.
Stop Ideas Near Tuscola
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 Tuscola.
Illinois Terminal
Mattoon station
Rantoul
Danville, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Zeigler and Chicago. Straight-line distance: 282.89 mi (455.26 km).
#1 Zeigler
City in Franklin County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,671 |
| Coordinates | 37.8994900, -89.0520200 |
| Altitude | 125 |
| 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: 502 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $41.48 | $82.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $46.78 | $93.57 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $51.19 | $102.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $58.34 | $116.69 |
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.