"Antioch to Pacific: A Tale of Two Routes"

If you're planning a road trip from Antioch, Illinois to Pacific, Missouri, the first thing you should know is that there are two main routes you can take: one that's faster but longer, and one that's shorter but slower. Which one you pick depends on what's more important to you -- time or distance. Here's what you need to know about both routes.

The fastest, longest route

The fastest route from Antioch to Pacific is to take I-94 West to I-55 South, which will take you all the way to Pacific. This route clocks in at about 370 miles, and on a good day without traffic, it should take you around 5 and a half hours to get there. As with any major highway, you'll want to keep an eye out for rush hour traffic, which can slow things down considerably. If you're driving during peak traffic times, it might take anywhere from 6-7 hours to get to your destination.

Despite its length, this route is the fastest option because it takes advantage of major highways that allow you to quickly cover ground. You'll pass through Chicago, St. Louis, and other major metropolitan areas along the way, so you'll be able to stop and stretch your legs if you need to. Plus, if you're traveling with kids, there are plenty of places along this route to take breaks and grab a bite to eat.

The shortest, slowest route

If you're looking for a more scenic drive, or you just don't want to spend all day on the highway, there's another option to consider. You can take IL-173 West to US-12 West, which will eventually connect to I-355 South. From there, you'll take I-55 South until you get to Pacific. This route is about 285 miles long and, depending on traffic, it can take you anywhere from 6-7 hours to get to your destination.

While this route is shorter than the first option, it's also much slower because you'll be driving on smaller roads for much of the trip. You'll be passing through smaller towns, so there are fewer places to get food or gas along the way. If you're in a rush or you just don't want to deal with heavy traffic, this might not be the best option for you.

Which route should you take?

At the end of the day, the choice between these two routes depends on what you're looking for. If you're short on time and you just want to get to Pacific as quickly as possible, taking the fastest, longest route is probably your best bet. However, if you're looking for a more leisurely drive and you don't mind taking your time, the shorter, slower route might be the way to go. Whatever you decide, just make sure you pack plenty of snacks, charge up your phone, and buckle up for the ride!