Driving from Ann Arbor to Chicago: How Long Will It Take?

If you're planning a trip from Ann Arbor, Michigan to Chicago, Illinois, you might be wondering how long it will take you to get there. The answer, of course, depends on several factors, including the route you take and the time of day you travel. Here, we'll break down a few different routes and give you an idea of how long they'll take.

Route Options

There are a few different routes you can take when driving from Ann Arbor to Chicago, but there are two primary ones:

1. I-94W: This route runs straight from Ann Arbor to Chicago and is the most direct option.

2. I-69S and I-94W: This route will take you down through Indiana before connecting you with I-94W as you get closer to Chicago.

The fastest route will depend upon where you are starting from in Ann Arbor and the traffic patterns.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

Regardless of your preferred route, there are ways to make your journey more enjoyable. So, let's dive into the two primary routes and their respective distances.

Fastest Route: I-94W

This route covers a distance of roughly 270 miles and will take about 4.5-5 hours to drive, depending on traffic patterns and road conditions. During low traffic times, this route can take up to 4 hours to complete, while at peak traffic times, it can take up to 6 hours.

Slowest Route: I-69S and I-94W

This route covers a distance of roughly 324 miles. It will take anywhere from 5-6 hours to drive, depending on traffic patterns. During low traffic times, this route can take up to 4.5 hours to complete, while at peak traffic times, it can take up to 7 hours.

Conclusion

Driving from Ann Arbor to Chicago is a quick and easy trip. However, the driving time can vary significantly based on the route you choose and traffic. By using these guidelines, you'll have a better idea of the time it will take you to get there, allowing you to plan accordingly. Safe travels!