How far is Zion, IL from Evanston, IL?
The driving distance from Zion, IL to Evanston, IL is about 36.4 miles (58.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28.9 miles (46.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 47m 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 00h 53m.
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 Lake County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Cloudy then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Zion and Evanston.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Zion and Evanston.
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1
Start on 27th Street
1975 ft · 58 sec · 27th Street
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2
Turn right onto Sheridan Road
4.3 mi · 9 min · Sheridan Road
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3
Turn left onto West Greenwood Avenue
1637 ft · 32 sec · West Greenwood Avenue
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward IL 137
5.5 mi · 7 min
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5
Turn right onto Buckley Road
1.5 mi · 2 min · Buckley Road
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6
Turn left onto North Skokie Highway
5.6 mi · 7 min · North Skokie Highway
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7
Continue on Skokie Valley Road
3.4 mi · 4 min · Skokie Valley Road
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8
Continue on Skokie Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Skokie Highway
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9
Continue on Edens Expressway
4 mi · 5 min · Edens Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 41 South: Skokie Road
1.5 mi · 3 min
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11
Turn left onto Glenview Road
1.3 km · 2 min · Glenview Road
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12
Turn right onto Crawford Avenue
3078 ft · 1 min · Crawford Avenue
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13
Turn left onto Central Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · Central Street
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14
Turn right onto Green Bay Road
1.4 km · 2 min · Green Bay Road
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15
Turn right onto Asbury Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · Asbury Avenue
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16
Turn left onto Dempster Street
65 m · 9 sec · Dempster Street
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17
Turn uturn
65 m · 18 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 Zion and Evanston.
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.
North Skokie Highway
Turn left onto North Skokie Highway
5.61 mi · 00h 07m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Zion and Mostly Cloudy then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near Evanston.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Zion to Evanston?
The road trip is about 36.4 miles (58.6 km) and usually takes 00h 53m 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?
Lake Forest is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.5 miles from Zion and 18.9 miles from Evanston.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28.9 miles (46.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.5 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 4:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.83 one way or $9.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Zion and Mostly Cloudy then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near Evanston.
Stop Ideas Near Lake Forest
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 Lake Forest.
Glenview station
Chicago Union Station
La Grange Road
Sturtevant station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Zion and Evanston. Straight-line distance: 28.92 mi (46.54 km).
#1 Zion
City in Lake County, Illinois, US
| Population | 23,321 |
| Coordinates | 42.4461300, -87.8328500 |
| Altitude | 198 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Evanston
A city in Cook County, Illinois.
| Population | 72,683 |
| Coordinates | 42.0411400, -87.6900600 |
| Altitude | 187 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-87.689971, 42.041051)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 59 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.83 | $9.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.44 | $10.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.96 | $11.91 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $6.79 | $13.58 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.