You can plan a smooth trip from Chicago to Chicago Heights by choosing the right driving route for the time of day, using Metra Electric plus a short bus or rideshare link, and setting clear targets for time and cost. This guide lays out the best options so you reach the south suburbs without stress and make the most of a day trip or an overnight stay.
Best driving routes by time of day
Driving gives you the most control. Your choice shifts with traffic and road work. Use these tested paths and time windows.
Early morning before 7 30 a.m.
From the Loop take I 90 94 Dan Ryan south. Merge onto I 57 toward Memphis. Exit near US 30 Lincoln Highway and head east into Chicago Heights. Lanes are steady and merges are easy before the heavy wave starts. Plan 35 to 45 minutes from the Loop when roads are clear. Add ten minutes if weather is poor.
From the Near West Side or West Loop you can take I 290 to I 90 94 then follow the same I 57 line. Time is similar when you leave before the peak.
Midday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Two solid choices work in this window. I 57 to US 30 remains direct and simple. If a crash slows I 57, shift to I 90 94 to I 294 Tri State south, then I 80 east to IL 1 Dixie Highway north into Chicago Heights. That second path adds a few miles yet often keeps moving. Expect 40 to 55 minutes from the Loop.
From the North Side near Lakeview or Lincoln Park, I 90 94 south to I 57 is still the simplest move. If downtown ramps are packed, drop to Lake Shore Drive for a short leg, then cut west to the Dan Ryan at a calmer entry.
Evening peak 3 30 to 6 30 p.m.
Use the route that gives you the fewest left side merges. I 90 94 to I 57 still wins on clarity, yet you may sit near the split and again near the US 30 exit. If your start point is west of the Loop, try I 290 to I 294 south then I 80 east to Dixie Highway north. Time can swing from 50 to 80 minutes in this window. Leave a buffer and bring a snack and water.
Late night after 8 p.m.
Traffic is light. I 57 to US 30 is your fastest line. Plan 30 to 40 minutes from the Loop. Watch for work zones and lane shifts. Fuel up before you leave the city so you do not hunt for gas after midnight.
Airport starts
From Midway take Cicero south to I 294 or join I 57 via local arterials. Most drivers go Cicero to I 294 south, I 80 east, then IL 1 north. From O Hare take I 190 to I 294 south, then the same I 80 to IL 1 path. Midway runs 35 to 55 minutes. O Hare runs 60 to 90 minutes based on time of day.
Train plus bus combinations with transfer times
Metra Electric brings you close to Chicago Heights. The line runs from Millennium Station and Van Buren Street to the south suburbs. You finish the last leg by Pace bus or rideshare. Pick the station that fits your final hop.
University Park option
Ride Metra Electric to University Park. Trains run at regular intervals on weekdays and a bit less often on weekends. From University Park you can take a short rideshare to Chicago Heights. This is the most direct rail leg from downtown to the far south. Walking time from platform to pickup is about two to five minutes. Rideshare time is about 15 to 20 minutes based on traffic. Total rail time from the Loop is about 70 to 90 minutes. Total trip time including transfer is about 90 to 110 minutes.
Olympia Fields or Flossmoor option
Ride to Olympia Fields or Flossmoor. Both towns sit a short drive from Chicago Heights. Platforms have clear pickup areas. Rideshare time is about 12 to 18 minutes to the city center. Many riders like these stops for calmer platforms and fast pickups. Total loop to platform time is short. Plan 80 to 100 minutes end to end.
Homewood option
Homewood is busy and has strong links. The rideshare pool is deep at most hours. The drive to Chicago Heights is about 15 to 20 minutes outside peak. Total end to end time runs 90 to 110 minutes. If you prefer a bus, check Pace options that link Homewood to corridors near Lincoln Highway or Dixie Highway.
Transfer timing tips
- Buy a mobile ticket before boarding and keep a screenshot of your schedule
- Step off the train and move to the signed pickup zone right away
- If you use Pace, check the weekend timetable since headways can widen
- If you connect at night, set your pickup as the train enters the prior stop
- Carry a small umbrella in case you wait outdoors for a few minutes
Typical travel times and cost comparisons
Pick a mode based on your group size, luggage, budget, and schedule. These are typical ranges that help you set expectations. All times assume no extreme weather.
Time comparison from the Loop one way
- Drive off peak 30 to 45 minutes
- Drive peak 50 to 80 minutes
- Metra Electric to University Park plus rideshare 90 to 110 minutes
- Metra Electric to Homewood or Flossmoor plus rideshare 90 to 110 minutes
- CTA plus Metra mix 95 to 120 minutes based on transfer points
Cost comparison one way per person
- Drive solo fuel and parking about 8 to 15 dollars total
- Drive with two or more fuel and parking about 4 to 8 dollars per person
- Metra Electric zone fare about 6 to 8 dollars per adult
- Rideshare from a south suburban station about 15 to 28 dollars per car
- Pace bus from a station about 2 to 3 dollars per rider
Driving looks cheapest for two or more riders who can split fuel and parking. Rail plus rideshare can beat the car in rush hour when time matters more than cost. Rail plus bus is the most budget friendly path if your schedule lines up with the bus timetable.
Comfort and control
- Car trips win for door to door control and luggage
- Rail wins for a calm ride and no expressway stress
- Bus links keep costs low and work well in daylight
- Rideshare fills the gap and saves time on the last mile
Day trip vs overnight visit plans
Your plan depends on what you want to do once you arrive. Set a simple goal for each trip and match the mode to that goal.
Day trip plan with a car
Morning
Leave the Loop by 9 a.m. Take I 57 to US 30. Park near Lincoln Highway for errands or a café stop. Walk a block or two for photos and a stretch.
Midday
Drive to a park for a short walk. Eat lunch along Lincoln Highway or Dixie Highway. Keep the car in a lot with an easy exit for the next leg.
Afternoon
Handle one or two more stops. Fuel up if needed. Leave by 3 30 p.m. to miss the worst of the return peak. You can be back in the Loop by 4 30 to 5 p.m.
Day trip plan with rail
Morning
Take Metra Electric from Millennium Station to Flossmoor or Olympia Fields. Rideshare to your first stop in Chicago Heights. Walk the corridor for photos and a snack.
Midday
Use Pace or a short rideshare to a park or gallery. Keep an eye on the return schedule and set alarms for your target train.
Afternoon
Return to your station with a 15 minute cushion. Ride back to the Loop before the dinner rush. Eat downtown or at home.
Overnight plan with a car
Day one
Arrive by late afternoon. Drive a short loop to learn the grid. Dinner along Lincoln Highway. A calm evening walk near your lodging.
Day two
Morning park time. Midday errands and lunch. Afternoon gallery or community theater box office for a future show. Drive back before the late return peak.
Overnight plan with rail
Day one
Ride Metra Electric to Homewood. Rideshare to lodging in a nearby suburb. Dinner and a walk. Early night.
Day two
Rideshare into Chicago Heights. Morning in the park. Lunch along the corridor. Return to Homewood for your train back to the Loop.
How to choose
Pick a car day trip if you want to chain three or four stops and carry shopping bags. Pick a rail day trip if you want a low stress ride with a book and a coffee. Pick an overnight if you want slow mornings and sunset photos without watching the clock.
Practical tips that save time
- Leave ten minutes early so you hit a green wave on the Dan Ryan and I 57
- Keep right on Lincoln Highway for quick turns into lots
- Set your rideshare pickup on a side street if a lot is packed
- Screenshot timetables in case a site is slow to load
- Carry a power bank so maps and tickets stay live
- In winter add time for slush and salt spray on local streets
- In summer add time for brief storms that can slow traffic
Packing list by mode
Driving
License, insurance card, phone mount, water, sunglasses, paper map backup, small first aid kit, scraper in winter
Rail plus rideshare
Mobile tickets, transit card, headphones, compact umbrella, light jacket, power bank, printed address list
Rail plus bus
Exact fare or card, timetable screenshots, small tote for layers, bright hat for walks between stops
Sample budgets for two people round trip
Car
Fuel 8 to 12 dollars total based on distance and price
Parking 0 to 8 dollars based on where you stop
Snacks and coffee 10 to 20 dollars
Total about 18 to 40 dollars
Rail plus rideshare
Metra 24 to 32 dollars for two
Rideshare two short legs 30 to 50 dollars
Snacks and coffee 10 to 20 dollars
Total about 64 to 102 dollars
Rail plus bus
Metra 24 to 32 dollars for two
Pace 8 to 12 dollars for two round trip
Snacks and coffee 10 to 20 dollars
Total about 42 to 64 dollars
Pick the mix that aligns with time, cost, and comfort. A car saves money for pairs. Rail wins on mental ease during peak. Bus links stretch a budget for longer outings.
We also operate Mood Shine Cannabis Dispensary – Chicago Heights at 628 W Lincoln Hwy, Chicago Heights, IL 60411. If you need our location, you will find us on the Lincoln Highway corridor with simple access from Chicago Road, Dixie Highway, and nearby expressways.