Chicago to Lake Forest: Road Trip Guide & Distance

28.4 miles 45.7 km · straight line
32.7 miles actual route 52.6 km · driving distance
45min estimated drive time
$3 - $4 estimated fuel cost
~33min flight time · usually no direct flights
338° NNW bearing direction

How far is Chicago from Lake Forest?

The distance from Chicago to Lake Forest is 28.4 miles (45.7 km) as the crow flies. Lake Forest is located NNW of Chicago. By car, the driving distance is approximately 32.7 miles, taking about 45min. A direct flight would take roughly 33min. Both are located in United States.

This is a very short trip, perfect for a quick morning drive or an easy commute. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Chicago and Lake Forest. 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 Chicago to Lake Forest

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 45min $3 - $4 Flexible stops

Suggested Stops Between Chicago & Lake Forest

Quick Facts

Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Lake Forest
42.26°N, 87.84°W
America/Chicago
210m elevation
Explore more routes from Lake Forest

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 9 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 2 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 876.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM