Chicago, United States → St. Louis, United States · ✈ 1h 2min · 🚗 6h 51min
228 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: southwest
The distance from Chicago to St. Louis is 422 km (262 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 2min.
The straight-line distance from Chicago, United States to St. Louis, United States is approximately 422 kilometers (262 miles or 228 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
St. Louis is located southwest of Chicago. Chicago is in North America, in the Midwest region of United States, while St. Louis is in North America, in Midwest, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 422 km | ~1h 2min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
| 🚗 Drive | ~549 km | ~6h 51min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~506 km | ~4h 13min | Budget-friendly option |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Chicago to St. Louis. At this distance, driving gives you the most flexibility and avoids airport overhead.
Based on an estimated road distance of 549 km, fuel costs for driving from Chicago to St. Louis are approximately $44–$82 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Chicago sits at 41.8781°N, 87.6298°W, while St. Louis is located at 38.6270°N, 90.1994°W. The initial compass bearing from Chicago to St. Louis is 212° (SSW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Chicago heading roughly SSW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 3.25° and the longitude difference is 2.57°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Chicago and St. Louis is approximately 40.2597°N, 88.9455°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 211 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Chicago and St. Louis share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Chicago is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 2,693,976. Located in the Midwest region, it is an important hub in North America. Chicago is a significant metropolitan area in United States with good domestic and international transport connections.
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St. Louis is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 301,578. Situated in the Midwest region, it serves as a key destination in North America. St. Louis is a popular destination in the Midwest region of United States, known for its unique character and attractions.
422 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 422 km, the Chicago-St. Louis route is about 1.1% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 2min.
At just 422 km within United States, the Chicago–St. Louis corridor is well-suited for a day trip or weekend getaway. Consider driving for flexibility, or check regional rail connections for a hassle-free journey.
The straight-line distance from Chicago to St. Louis is approximately 422 kilometers (262 miles, 228 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 2min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 6h 51min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
St. Louis is approximately Same timezone compared to Chicago.
The estimated road distance is approximately 549 km, which is about 30% longer than the 422 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.