Moving from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL: Distance, Drive Time & Checklist

Moving from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL means a straight-line distance of about 597 miles (960 km) toward the northwest. By road that is typically 656 to 776 miles, which is 10 h 56 min to 14 h 06 min of non-stop driving. The move involves a change of state from District of Columbia to Illinois and a 1-hour time change (clocks go back 1 hour when you arrive, in standard time). This page gives you the numbers, a fuel estimate you can adjust, and a checklist.

What are the key numbers for this move?

How far is Washington from Chicago?

The straight-line (great-circle) distance between the two places is 597 miles, calculated from their coordinates (38.905°N, 77.016°W and 41.837°N, 87.686°W). Roads rarely run straight, so the driving distance is longer. We use a range of 10 to 30 percent more than the straight line, which gives 656 to 776 miles. The real figure depends on the route you choose, the mountains or rivers in between, and where in each city you start and finish. For a precise route, check a navigation app, and read how city distances are calculated.

How long does the drive from Washington to Chicago take?

At an average moving-truck speed of 55 to 60 miles per hour, the road distance works out to 10 h 56 min to 14 h 06 min of driving. A loaded truck or a trailer is slower than a car, and fuel, meals and rest stops add time, so most people split a trip like this into 2 driving days of about eight hours each. Plan one overnight stop along the way, and avoid arriving after dark at your destination if you can.

How much fuel will the move cost?

Fuel is the one cost this page can estimate from distance alone. The calculator below uses the road-distance range and the fuel economy and price you enter. The starting values are assumptions, not quotes, so replace them with your vehicle's real mileage and today's local price. Mover fees, truck rental rates, tolls and insurance are not included.

For comparison, a vehicle that gets 10 miles per gallon would use about 66 to 78 gallons on this route. Illustrative fuel cost at three prices:

What changes when you move from Washington to Chicago?

In our data, Chicago is about 1.6 times as large as Washington. Washington is an urban core at about 11,544 people per square mile, while Chicago is an urban core at about 11,847. The two places have a similar density profile, so daily distances may feel familiar. You will also see a 1-hour time change (clocks go back 1 hour when you arrive, in standard time). These figures are dataset estimates; see how to read density.

What should you put on your moving checklist?

• Book a truck, container or movers early, especially for the longest routes and peak summer weeks.
• Get written quotes from at least three movers and confirm whether the price is by weight, volume or hours.
• Update your address with the USPS, your bank, your employer and your insurers, and note that Chicago uses 84 ZIP codes, so check the exact code for your new street.
• Check Illinois rules for vehicle registration, driver license and voter registration after you arrive.
• Review health, car and renters or home insurance for coverage in Illinois.
• Tell recurring contacts about the move to Central time, and recheck standing meeting times and medical appointments.
• Plan overnight stops and keep essentials, medications and documents with you rather than in the truck.
• Confirm utilities and internet are scheduled to start on your arrival day.
• Keep a folder of receipts, since some moving costs may matter at tax time. Ask a tax professional.

Which other routes are popular?

If you are still deciding where to go or where to start, compare these routes.

Where to go next

Distances, drive times and fuel figures are estimates for planning, not quotes. Always confirm routes and prices with your mover or navigation provider.