Mount Vernon, TX → Chicago, IL
732 mi · 14h 38m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Fog expected
Mount Vernon
80°
Logan County
77°
Dent County
74°
Sangamon County
72°
Chicago
55°
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 732 mi · 14h 38m
Weather
🌤️ Mainly clear
77°F, wind 6 mph
Incidents
1
severe
Rest Stops
20
Truck svc, Restrooms, WiFi
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Love's Travel Stop
- ● Rest Area
- ● Love's Travel Stop
Delays Expected
1 major incident reported · 3 construction zones on route
3 Construction Zones on Route
Construction on IH0030
Construction on FM0989
Construction on IH0030
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-30 East → I-440 East → ... → I-57 North → I-94 West (Dan Ryan Expressway (Express))
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-57 SB at Watson (#7014)
IL · EB
I-57/I-70 at South Tri-Level (#7006)
IL · EB
I-57/I-70 at Keller Drive (#7004)
IL · EB
I-57 SB at Green Creek Rest Area (#7002)
IL · EB
Mattis Ave. at Springfield (#5039)
IL · EB
I-57 at I-72 (#5008)
IL · NB
Mattis Ave. at Church (#5040)
IL · NB
Mattis Ave. at Bradley (#5041)
IL · NB
I-74 at Mile Post 236.9 (#5070)
IL · NB
I-74 at Mile Post 177.9 (#5069)
IL · EB
US 150 (Prospect) at University (#5037)
IL · NB
I-57 NB at Mile Post 305 (#3010)
IL · NB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
109 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 109
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌫️Sep 24: Dense fog warning for morning departures - visibility below 1/4 mile
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Mount Vernon, TX to Chicago, IL covers 732 miles in roughly 14h 38m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 109 rest areas and 1 reported incident along this corridor so you can plan around them. On a drive this length, weather can change dramatically between stops. Use the segment-by-segment forecast below to time your route.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Sep 29
92° / 80°
No precip
Tomorrow
Sep 30
91° / 74°
No precip
Thu
Oct 1
92° / 76°
No precip
Fri
Oct 2
82° / 75°
No precip
Sat
Oct 3
80° / 73°
No precip
Sun
Oct 4
81° / 69°
No precip
Mon
Oct 5
83° / 67°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌦️ Moderate rain showers at origin, ☀️ Clear sky at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☀️ Clear sky at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
🚗 Live traffic included
See if current slowdowns affect your drive time
Free • No sign-up required
Current Conditions
Mount Vernon, TX
80°F
Wind: 5 mph
Chicago, IL
55°F
Wind: 5 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Mount Vernon, TX to Chicago, IL
The 732-mile drive from Mount Vernon, Texas to Chicago, Illinois takes approximately 14h 38m 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 long-distance route crosses state lines from Texas into Illinois, connecting Mount Vernon and Chicago. Covering 732 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
- Hurricane and tropical storm impacts (June through November)
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 Mount Vernon to Chicago
For long drives like this 732-mile journey, planning is essential. Consider breaking the trip into segments if weather looks challenging. The best approach is to check conditions for multiple departure times using Route Outlook's optimizer, which considers weather at each point when you'll actually be there.
Driving Strategy
Covering 732 miles from Mount Vernon to Chicago is a full-day or multi-day drive that requires advance planning. Break the route into manageable segments, planning fuel and rest stops every 2-3 hours. Weather that looks fine at departure may deteriorate significantly at the midpoint. Consider booking overnight accommodation if the forecast shows deteriorating conditions in the latter half. Route Outlook's segment-level weather data helps you identify exactly where and when conditions will change.
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 Mount Vernon to Chicago?
The drive is approximately 732 miles and takes about 14h 38m 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, Today (Sep 29) looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Mount Vernon to Chicago today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Use caution and allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance as conditions warrant.
Are there rest areas on the Mount Vernon to Chicago route?
Yes, there are 109 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 Other. 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?
There is currently 1 active incident along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
10 Essential Winter Driving Tips for Long Road Trips
Planning a winter road trip? Here are the essential safety tips to help you navigate snow, ice, and cold weather conditions.
🧊Black Ice: The Invisible Killer on Winter Roads
Black ice forms when rain or melting snow refreezes on cold road surfaces. Here's how to spot the conditions that create it.
🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
Road Trip Guides Through This Area
Texas Hill Country Loop
Wine, BBQ, and Live Music in the Heart of Texas
Lake Michigan Circle Tour
A Complete Lap Around America's Third-Largest Lake
Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica
The Mother Road — America's Most Famous Highway
Great River Road: Minneapolis to New Orleans
Following the Mississippi from North to South
Texas Hill Country Weekend: Austin to Fredericksburg
Live Music, BBQ, and Hill Country Wine — All Within 90 Minutes
Explore More Routes
More routes from Mount Vernon
More routes to Chicago
Similar-distance drives
More routes starting in TX
Don't Drive Blind Into Weather
Route Outlook shows you conditions at every point along your route—at the exact time you'll be there.
Open Planner