Chicago to Ottawa, Illinois: Road Trip Guide & Distance

72.6 miles 116.9 km · straight line
83 miles actual route 133.5 km · driving distance
1h 45min estimated drive time
$8 - $10 estimated fuel cost
~39min flight time · usually no direct flights
240° WSW bearing direction

How far is Chicago from Ottawa, Illinois?

The distance from Chicago to Ottawa, Illinois is 72.6 miles (116.9 km) as the crow flies. Ottawa, Illinois is located WSW of Chicago. By car, the driving distance is approximately 83 miles, taking about 1h 45min. A direct flight would take roughly 39min. Both are located in United States.

This is a quick and easy drive, perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. You can easily make the round trip in a single day. 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 Ottawa, Illinois. 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 Ottawa, Illinois

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 1h 45min $8 - $10 Flexible stops
Bus ~2h 6min $7–$12* Budget
Train ~1h 40min $10–$29* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Chicago & Ottawa, Illinois

Quick Facts

Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Ottawa, Illinois
41.35°N, 88.84°W
America/Chicago
147m elevation
Explore more routes from Ottawa, Illinois

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 24 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 6 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 342.8 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM