Road-Tripping from Arlington Heights to Memphis: Your Guide to the Best Route and Driving Time
Ready for a road trip from suburban Arlington Heights to the soulful city of Memphis, Tennessee? Let's face it, road trips just naturally take time, but that time can be minimized by taking the fastest and least congested routes. As someone who has traveled this path, I'll provide you with a breakdown of the best routes and driving times for your convenience.
Route Options and Distance
The fastest route from Arlington Heights to Memphis is about 551 miles, and depending on traffic you can make it in around 8 hours. The quickest way involves taking I-55 South and I-57 South while keeping an eye out for any detours that could increase drive time.
The alternative—though slightly longer—route would take you on a drive of roughly 618 miles. You'll take I-57 South and then switch to I-24 West to Memphis. This path takes about 9 hours to complete if traveling with light traffic, which isn't too bad as an option but does add an hour to your trip compared to the more direct route.
Aside from the distance, the time it takes to get to Memphis depends a lot on the traffic patterns and how heavy they are. Let's take a look at two possible routes and their corresponding travel times.
Driving Time Based on Traffic
Fastest Route (551 miles)
- 8 hours (assuming light traffic)
- Up to 10-11 hours (with heavy traffic)
Alternative Route (618 miles)
- 9 hours (assuming light traffic)
- Up to 11-12 hours (with heavy traffic)
Honestly, we would all prefer to have light traffic while traveling by car, but this isn't always possible. Keep in mind that certain times of the day may result in more traffic due to construction, sports events or high pedestrian activity.
Final Thoughts
There's no doubt that taking a road trip from Arlington Heights to Memphis can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it's important to plan ahead. By knowing the fastest and least congested routes, and allowing enough time to account for traffic, your road trip can be a memorable experience for all the right reasons.
So, whether you decide to take the direct route or the more scenic alternative, remember to keep traffic patterns in mind and stay relaxed. With the right outlook, this trip can be just as much about the journey as the destination. Safe travels!