Birmingham, Alabama to Chicago: Road Trip Guide & Distance

579.2 miles 932.1 km · straight line
659.3 miles actual route 1061 km · driving distance
12h 19min estimated drive time
$63 - $78 estimated fuel cost
~1h 40min flight time
356° N bearing direction

How far is Birmingham, Alabama from Chicago?

The distance from Birmingham, Alabama to Chicago is 579.2 miles (932.1 km) as the crow flies. Chicago is located N of Birmingham, Alabama. By car, the driving distance is approximately 659.3 miles, taking about 12h 19min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 40min. Both are located in United States — Birmingham, Alabama in Alabama and Chicago in Illinois.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Heading North for this distance usually means noticeable weather changes. Make sure to check the forecast for your destination before hitting the road.

Coordinates come from public place data for Birmingham, Alabama and Chicago. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Birmingham, Alabama to Chicago

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 12h 19min $63 - $78 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 40min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~14h 47min $53–$99* Budget
Train ~16h 1min $79–$231* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Birmingham, Alabama & Chicago

Quick Facts

Birmingham, Alabama
33.52°N, 86.80°W
America/Chicago
196m elevation
Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Explore more routes from Chicago

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 193 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 48 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 43 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM