Ballwin, MO → Chicago, IL
274 mi · 5h 29m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Freezing rain in Livingston County — consider delaying
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Ballwin
40°
Sangamon County
39°
Livingston County
35°
Chicago
37°
Wind gusts up to 21 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 274 mi · 5h 29m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
39°F, wind 12 mph
Rest Stops
16
Restrooms, Truck svc, water
Cameras
4 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Road Ranger
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Normal Traffic
50 construction zones along route — no other incidents
50 Construction Zones on Route
IL-3: Road work until Dec 31
IL-3: Road work until Dec 30
IL-3: Road work until Dec 30
IL-203: Road work until Jun 9
I-70: Road work until Jul 31
IL-111: Road work until Nov 20
+ 44 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via I-44 East → I-55 North → ... → I-94 West (Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)) → I-90 West (Dan Ryan Expressway (Local))
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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I-55: I-55/64 at Milepost 2.4 (#3rd St) (looking east)
IL · EB
I-55 NB: I-55 at Sangamon Avenue (looking south)
IL · NB
I-55 NB: I-55 at IL 10
IL · NB
I-55 EB: I-55 at US 51
IL · EB
I-55: I-55 NB at Mile Post 183.5 (looking north)
IL · NB
I-55: I-55 SB at Mile Post 208.0 (looking north)
IL · NB
I-55: I-55 SB at Mile Post 223.0 (looking north)
IL · NB
I-55 NB: n/o I-80 HD
IL · NB
I-64 EB: I-55/64 at Poplar St Bridge
IL · EB
I-64 EB: I-55/64 at Milepost 0.4
IL · EB
I-64 NB: IL 3 at 8th Street (looking north)
IL · NB
I-57 NB: 175th St.
IL · NB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
50 stops available
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
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Driving from Ballwin, MO to Chicago, IL covers 274 miles in roughly 5h 29m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 50 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
42° / 40°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
46° / 31°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
49° / 31°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
52° / 32°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
53° / 35°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
58° / 38°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
63° / 47°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ☀️ Clear sky at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Ballwin, MO
40°F
Wind: 9 mph
Chicago, IL
37°F
Wind: 21 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Ballwin, MO to Chicago, IL
The 274-mile drive from Ballwin, Missouri to Chicago, Illinois takes approximately 5h 29m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route crosses state lines from Missouri into Illinois, connecting Ballwin and Chicago. A drive of 274 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Sudden rain showers reducing visibility
- High winds affecting vehicle stability
- Seasonal weather changes impacting road conditions
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.
Best Time to Drive Ballwin to Chicago
For medium-distance drives like this 274-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 274-mile drive from Ballwin to Chicago takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Ballwin to Chicago?
The drive is approximately 274 miles and takes about 5h 29m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Monday, Nov 16 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Ballwin to Chicago today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Travel is not recommended at this time. Dangerous conditions are present along this route. Check back for updates or use Route Outlook to find a safer departure time.
Are there rest areas on the Ballwin to Chicago route?
Yes, there are 50 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-55 North, I-64 East, I-57 North. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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