Road Trip: Driving from Austin, Texas to Peoria, Illinois

Are you planning a road trip from Austin, Texas to Peoria, Illinois? Well, buckle up and get ready for an adventure because there’s a lot to see and do on this drive. But before you hit the road, you should know that there are different routes you can take, and your driving time will vary depending on the route you choose and the traffic you encounter. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fastest and slowest routes and estimate the driving time for different scenarios.

The Fastest Route

If you’re in a hurry to get to Peoria, the fastest route is to take I-35 North to I-35E North in Lewisville, then follow I-35E North to I-44 East in Wichita Falls, and finally take I-44 East to I-55 North in Eureka, MO. From there, continue on I-55 North until you reach IL-116 in Pontiac, and follow that road to Peoria. This route covers a distance of approximately 1135 miles and takes around 17 hours to drive without any stops.

However, keep in mind that this route includes toll roads, and depending on the time of day and traffic conditions, you may encounter delays and congestion in urban areas such as Dallas and St. Louis. Also, note that during winter months, there can be significant snowfall along this route, which can result in slower driving times.

The Scenic Route

If you’d like to take a more scenic drive and enjoy some of the Midwest’s beautiful landscapes, consider taking the US-69 North and US-75 North route. This route will take you through some charming towns, including McLoud and Sapulpa in Oklahoma and Parsons and Iola in Kansas. From there, follow US-54 East until you reach I-55 North in Springfield, IL, and continue as described in the fastest route.

The distance covered on this route is approximately 1223 miles, and it takes around 20 hours to drive without any stops. Keep in mind that this route includes some slower, two-lane roads, and depending on the time of year, there may be road closures or detours due to construction or weather.

Driving Time Based on Traffic Patterns

It’s important to remember that driving times will vary depending on traffic patterns. If you travel during rush hour or holidays, you’ll likely experience congestion and delays in urban areas. On the other hand, if you travel during off-peak hours, you can expect smoother and faster driving conditions.

Assuming you take the fastest route, during peak traffic hours, you can expect a driving time of around 20-21 hours. In contrast, during off-peak hours, your driving time can be as low as 14-15 hours. However, keep in mind that these are estimates, and traffic conditions can vary widely, which is why it’s always a good idea to plan some buffer time into your itinerary.

In conclusion, driving from Austin, Texas to Peoria, Illinois can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to plan your routes and driving times carefully. With these tips in mind, you can make the most of your trip and enjoy all that the Midwest has to offer. Safe travels!