Driving Time between Central City, Iowa and Chicago, Illinois

A picture depicting driving

Road Tripping from Central City to Chicago

Are you itching for a getaway to Chicago but not sure what the best travel time from Central City is? Look no further! With a handful of different routes to choose from, we’ve got everything you need to know to plan a fun and worry-free road trip.

Plan Your Journey

Your options for driving to Chicago include taking US-20 E, I-80 E, and I-88 E. All routes have varying distances and projected driving times, so it’s important to plan ahead and decide which path you want to take.

US-20 E

Stretching 245 miles one way, US-20 E is the shortest route. The standard driving time is around 4.5 hours, but this will depend on traffic and weather conditions. As you venture through countless cornfields, make sure to take an off-ramp at Illinois Winnebago County and visit the beautiful Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

I-80 E

Taking you through the quad cities, I-80 E extends 270 miles and takes approximately 5 hours to reach downtown Chicago. In the mood for some historical exploration? Visit the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, a quaint little treasure that won’t derail your travel time.

I-88 E

I-88 E weaves through rolling hills, clocking in at 280 miles and 5 hours of driving time. It’s the most scenic of the three routes, so consider stopping by the stunning Rock Island Trail State Park to stretch your legs.

Recommendations

While the journey is a main ingredient for any good road trip, the destinations you encounter along the way are what make the experience truly unforgettable. Here are some recommendations of places to check out during your drive:

  • The Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, Iowa - perfect for baseball aficionados (located halfway through US-20 E)
  • Woodstock, Illinois - a picturesque small town with charming gift shops and restaurants (located off of US-20 E)
  • The John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Illinois - a fascinating experience for farm equipment enthusiasts (located along I-80 E)

Whichever route you decide to take, the journey from Central City, Iowa to Chicago is sure to be memorable. Happy travels!