Gary to Rock Island: Road Trip Guide & Distance

167.2 miles 269.1 km · straight line
209 miles estimated 336.4 km · driving distance
4h 12min estimated drive time
$20 - $25 estimated fuel cost
~50min flight time
269° W bearing direction

How far is Gary from Rock Island?

The distance from Gary to Rock Island is 167.2 miles (269.1 km) as the crow flies. Rock Island is located W of Gary. By car, the driving distance is approximately 209 miles, taking about 4h 12min. A direct flight would take roughly 50min. Both are located in United States — Gary in Indiana and Rock Island in Illinois.

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. 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 Gary and Rock Island. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Gary to Rock Island

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 4h 12min $20 - $25 Flexible stops
Fly ~50min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~5h 2min $17–$31* Budget
Train ~3h 59min $25–$73* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Gary & Rock Island

Quick Facts

Gary
41.59°N, 87.35°W
America/Chicago
183m elevation
Rock Island
41.51°N, 90.58°W
America/Chicago
171m elevation
Explore more routes from Rock Island

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 56 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 14 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 148.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients