Driving Time between Aiken, South Carolina and Fairfield, Illinois

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Road Tripping from Aiken, SC to Fairfield, IL: How Long Will it Take?

Are you planning a road trip from Aiken, South Carolina to Fairfield, Illinois? This exciting cross-country adventure promises to be a lot of fun, but one of the most crucial aspects to consider is how long it will take to get there. The good news is, we’ve done the research to help you prepare!

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route to travel from Aiken to Fairfield will generally be to take I-20 W through Augusta, Atlanta, Birmingham, and Memphis before switching to I-57 N in Sikeston, MO. This route is 731 miles and should take approximately 11 hours and 20 minutes of uninterrupted driving, without accounting for traffic or stops.

For those in no hurry or wanting to see some different sights, there’s a scenic route through the Appalachian Mountains via Chattanooga, Nashville, St. Louis, and Mt. Vernon. This route takes US-64 W and US-60 W through Chattanooga, TN, and then you’ll transition to I-40 W which takes you through the Ozarks and into St. Louis before moving to I-64 W to head the rest of the way to Fairfield. This route is approximately 856 miles long and could take roughly 13-14 hours, depending on stops and traffic.

Traffic Patterns

The most significant time impacts on these two routes are traffic and weather. Departing from Aiken during a weekday morning rush hour could add at least 20-30 minutes onto either route, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but it can add up if you hit traffic multiple times. Forecasting the weather conditions beforehand can also provide insight into any potential delays that you may face en route.

Additionally, peak travel during holiday seasons can cause significant disruptions to your ETA if you’re not prepared for the possibility of large crowds adding to the traffic. Be sure to schedule extra time when you’ve got specific travel dates in mind.

Driving Time Estimates

Using Google Maps data, we were able to estimate the driving times based on traffic patterns throughout the journey.

Fastest Route

  • Ideal driving without stops: 11 hours and 20 minutes
  • Potential traffic and minor stops: 12 hours and 30 minutes
  • Peak traffic delays: up to 14 hours

Scenic Route

  • Ideal driving without stops: 13 hours and 25 minutes
  • Potential traffic and minor stops: 14 hours and 45 minutes
  • Peak traffic delays: up to 16 hours

Summing it up

With these estimated driving times in mind, you’re now ready to take off on your road trip. Be well-prepared for the journey, including carrying hydration, snacks, and any other emergency supplies you may need for the ride. Stopping during these extended trips is also essential, both for refueling and stretching breaks. Take care, have fun, and safe travels!