Chicago to St. Louis: Road Trip Guide & Distance

262.3 miles 422.1 km · straight line
297.1 miles actual route 478.1 km · driving distance
5h 37min estimated drive time
$29 - $35 estimated fuel cost
~1h 2min flight time
212° SSW bearing direction

How far is Chicago from St. Louis?

The distance from Chicago to St. Louis is 262.3 miles (422.1 km) as the crow flies. St. Louis is located SSW of Chicago. By car, the driving distance is approximately 297.1 miles, taking about 5h 37min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 2min. Both are located in United States — Chicago in Illinois and St. Louis in Missouri.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. 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.

Coordinates come from public place data for Chicago and St. Louis. 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 St. Louis

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 5h 37min $29 - $35 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 2min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~6h 44min $24–$45* Budget
Train ~5h 20min $36–$104* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Chicago & St. Louis

Quick Facts

Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
St. Louis
38.63°N, 90.20°W
America/Chicago
142m elevation
Explore more routes from St. Louis

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 87 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 22 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 94.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM