Road Trip! The Time it Takes to Drive from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL

Are you planning a road trip from Arlington, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois? The distance between the two cities is about 700 miles, which means the journey can take quite some time. Fortunately, there are several routes you can take, each with different driving times depending on factors like traffic and weather conditions.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

If you’re looking for the fastest route, then taking I-76 west to I-70 west through Ohio and Indiana is the way to go. This route will take you through some small towns and rural areas, but it also has the least amount of traffic. When you drive with little to no traffic, the trip to Chicago should take you around 10 and a half hours. However, if you’re driving during peak traffic hours, like rush hour, you may add an extra two hours to your drive time.

Of all the routes from Arlington to Chicago, the slowest is via I-95 north to I-81 south to I-76 west to I-70 west. This route will take you through several big cities, including Baltimore, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh. While the route offers beautiful views, it can be very congested during rush hour, especially in major metropolitan areas. It can take around 13 hours or more to drive this route.

Driving Distances

One important factor when planning a road trip is the driving distance. The distance from Arlington to Chicago is about 700 miles. If you take the route via I-76 west to I-70 west, you will cover approximately 670 miles. The route via I-95 north to I-81 south to I-76 west to I-70 west is longer, approximately 780 miles.

Time on the Road

Assuming you're driving with an average speed of 70 mph, you should be able to reach Chicago within 10 hours and 30 minutes if you take the fastest route. Keep in mind that if you're traveling during a busy holiday weekend or rush hour, your travel time could be longer.

If you take the longer route, it will take more than 13 hours to reach your destination. This route takes you through busier, more populated regions, which means you will likely encounter more traffic. During peak traffic hours, expect to add several hours to your drive time.

In conclusion, there's no single answer when it comes to how long it takes to drive from Arlington, Virginia, to Chicago, Illinois. The time it takes depends on the route you take and the time you travel. Keep in mind that it's always a good idea to build in additional time for stops, gas, meals, and unexpected delays. Plan ahead, and you're sure to enjoy a fun and stress-free road trip!