Christmas and New Year road trip

Chicago to St. Louis for Christmas and New Year

Distance
300 mi
Driving
4.5 hrs + traffic
Halfway
Bloomington

The next Christmas and New Year lands on Friday, December 25, 2026. On I-55 (old Route 66), the heaviest traffic usually hits the weekend before Christmas and January 2. Check mountain pass and winter weather the night before every leg.

Plan this drive in XCRSN

Book the halfway night early

Bloomington sits about 136 miles from Chicago and 164 miles from St. Louis. Holiday weekends sell out the rooms near the highway first.

Total trip cost

Gas uses today's regional averages along this route. Add the nightly rate you find to see the full total.

Gas, about 300 miles
Checking prices
Lodging, 1 night
Add a rate
Estimated total
-
Compare rates in Bloomington

Along the way

Full drive guide for this route

XCRSN planner: plan the whole drive before you leave. Live corridor fuel, overnight stops, Apple and Google Maps export.

More planning help