Where to stop

Best places to stop between Chicago and Denver

The I-80 and I-76 drive runs about 1,000 miles and 15 hours. These are the towns worth pulling off for, in the order you reach them, with how far into the drive each one sits.

1. Mile 337 of 1000

   1. Des Moines, IA

   A good first break, about 5.1 hours out of Chicago. Stretch, refuel and grab real food.

   Hotels in Des MoinesWhere to stay in Des Moines

2. Mile 470 of 1000

   2. Omaha, NE

   This is the halfway mark and the best overnight on the route, with 530 miles left to Denver.

   Hotels in OmahaWhere to stay in Omaha

Sights worth the detour

• Great Platte River Road Archway
• Omaha's Old Market
• Sandhills views across Nebraska

Gas, food and rest areas by mile

Open the route in XCRSN to see every gas station, EV charger, rest area and restaurant listed by mile, with live fuel prices.

More on this drive

• Full drive guide
• Can you drive it in one day?
• Halfway point
• Gas cost