Christmas and New Year road trip

New York to Chicago for Christmas and New Year

Distance
790 mi
Driving
12 hrs + traffic
Halfway
Cleveland

The next Christmas and New Year lands on Friday, December 25, 2026. On I-80 and I-90, 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

Cleveland sits about 449 miles from New York and 341 miles from Chicago. 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 790 miles
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Lodging, 1 night
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Estimated total
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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