Road Trip to Sparta, Illinois: How Long Will It Take?

Summer is here and it’s time to hit the road! Are you thinking about a road trip from Amarillo, Texas to Sparta, Illinois? Maybe you have family there, or you just want to explore somewhere new and exciting. Before you pack your bags and head out, let’s take a closer look at how long this road trip will take and your best route options.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

The quickest route from Amarillo to Sparta is via I-44 E and US-50 E, with a total driving distance of approximately 673 miles. This route should take you around 10 hours and 30 minutes, assuming that you are driving at a steady pace. But keep in mind that this route will often have construction and heavy traffic which may impact your travel time.

Alternatively, if you’re in no rush and you want to experience the beauty of America’s heartland, you can take the slower scenic route. By taking US-287 N and I-20 E, you will travel a total of 828 miles which can take up to 13 hours and 30 minutes. This route passes through fascinating towns like Fort Worth and Dallas, and the countryside of the Texas panhandle and the rolling hills of central Missouri.

Traffic and Peak Times

Now let’s consider the traffic patterns of these routes. When traveling through major metropolitan areas such as Dallas or St. Louis, expect traffic delays during peak congestion hours such as rush hour and holiday peak hours. Keep in mind that traffic can add a significant amount of time to your trip, so it’s important to plan ahead.

For example, if you depart from Amarillo around 7:00 am, you can expect traffic to be quite heavy in both Dallas and St. Louis. This may add an additional 45 minutes to an hour to your journey. To avoid this, consider leaving Amarillo earlier or later, or even driving through the night to take advantage of lighter traffic.

Final Thoughts

In short, there are many factors to consider when calculating the driving time from Amarillo to Sparta. Whether you take the fastest or most scenic route, allow yourself ample time for breaks and rest along the way. And of course, always check for road closures or weather advisories before hitting the road. Safe travels!