Driving Time between Atlanta, Georgia and Lake Forest, Illinois

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Driving From Atlanta to Lake Forest, IL: Time Estimates & Best Routes

Do you have a weekend trip coming up? Or are you moving to the Great Lakes area? Wherever you’re headed, driving from Atlanta, GA to Lake Forest, IL is certainly a considerable journey. But with careful planning, you can make it as smooth and quick as possible. In this article, we’ll review the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the estimated time it takes based on traffic patterns.

Route Options

There are several routes you can take to get from Atlanta to Lake Forest, but the two most common are via I-65 N and via I-24 W/I-57 N. I-65 N takes you through Nashville, Louisville, and Indianapolis, while I-24 W/I-57 N takes you through St. Louis.

Fastest Route: I-65 N

If you’re in a rush and want to take the fastest route, I-65 N is your best bet. It’s 726 miles long and approximately takes 11 hours to complete, depending on traffic. The route should be relatively straightforward without any significant changes in direction. Keep in mind that stretches of this highway can be busy during rush hour, especially in cities like Nashville and Indianapolis.

Slowest Route: I-24 W/I-57 N

On the other hand, if you’re not pressed for time, you might want to take I-24 W/I-57 N. This route is 772 miles long, and it takes on average 11-12 hours to complete. It’s longer and slower than I-65 N, with more turns and direction changes because you’ll be passing through multiple major cities. However, the route also offers scenic views and access to interesting places to visit, like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Traffic Patterns

Traffic can vary by day and hour, and it’s essential to avoid peak times to reduce travel times. Peak times in major metropolitan areas along the journey include morning and evening rush hours. Here are the estimated driving times for the I-65 N and I-24 W/I-57 N routes.

I-65 N

  • Low traffic time: 10 hours and 43 minutes
  • Peak traffic time: 11 hours and 57 minutes

I-24 W/I-57 N

  • Low traffic time: 10 hours and 54 minutes
  • Peak traffic time: 12 hours and 6 minutes

Conclusion

Whether you’re taking the fastest or slower route, it’s best to travel during low traffic hours to avoid adding extra time to your journey. Consider alternative routes if heavy traffic is anticipated. And as always, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and alert, and observe traffic rules and speed limits. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a fun, stress-free trip from Atlanta to Lake Forest, IL.