The Insider's Guide to Driving From Arlington Heights to Oswego, Illinois

As someone who's driven from Arlington Heights to Oswego a few times, I understand the importance of taking the right route to make the commute easier. As you might expect, there are a few different routes to consider, each with their own pros and cons. In this post, I'll break down the fastest and slowest options, the distance of each route, and the time it takes to get from one city to the other depending on traffic patterns.

Taking the fastest route

The shortest route from Arlington Heights to Oswego is via the I-294 S and I-88 W. The distance is approximately 43 miles, and if you're lucky enough to avoid traffic, it should take you about 55 minutes. That being said, traffic on this route is highly unpredictable, and if you end up hitting peak hour traffic, the drive can take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. So, if you're taking this route, it's a good idea to plan your journey around non-peak hours.

Taking the scenic route

If you have more time, and want to take in some beautiful scenery, consider taking the I-90 W and I-39 S. Yes, it'll take you longer, and the distance is roughly 86 miles, but you'll be treated to some stunning views along the way. As with the faster route, traffic is highly unpredictable, but at peak hours, you can expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Avoiding the congestion

If avoiding traffic is a top priority, then consider taking the US-20 W to the IL-47 S. Compared to the other two routes, this one has fewer traffic jams and can be faster at peak times. You'll drive approximately 53 miles, and at peak times, the drive will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Final thoughts

It's important to remember that the route you take can greatly impact your journey time. Based on your priorities, you may choose to take the faster, but less scenic route, or the slower, but more scenic one. Regardless of which route you take, it's always good to check traffic updates before you set off, especially during peak times. Safe driving, and enjoy your journey through Illinois!