Road Trip to the Windy City: Bargersville, Indiana to Chicago, Illinois

Are you planning a trip to the vibrant city of Chicago from Bargersville, Indiana? The drive may seem daunting, but don't worry, we've got you covered! Here's everything you need to know about the time it takes to drive from Bargersville to Chicago, the fastest and slowest routes, and the traffic patterns you should expect.

The Routes and Distances

There are mainly two routes you can take from Bargersville, Indiana, to Chicago, Illinois. The first route goes directly north on I-65 and covers approximately 190 miles. The second route goes west to I-74, then north-east to Chicago on I-57. This route measures about 250 miles.

While the first route on I-65 is generally the quickest, taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, the route on I-74 and I-57 certainly has its advantages. If you want to break up the journey and enjoy some beautiful Midwestern scenery, this route may be more appealing. It’ll take around 4 hours and 15 minutes, so you’ll want to pack some snacks and water. You can also stop in the charming city of Champaign, Illinois, which is known for its craft beer scene and excellent restaurants.

Traffic and Time of the Day

Your journey time will significantly fluctuate based on the time of day you set off. During peak traffic times, you can add approximately an hour to your journey time. If you start your journey during off-peak times, you can expect to arrive in Chicago about 30 minutes earlier. It’s well worth considering traffic before you set off, as you may prefer to plan your journey to avoid the early morning or late afternoon rush-hour traffic.

The Bottom Line

So, how long does it take to drive from Bargersville, Indiana, to Chicago, Illinois? It all comes down to your route and time of day. If you take the quickest route on I-65 and travel during off-peak times, it will take approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. If you choose to take the I-74 and I-57 route, factor in about an hour extra. It's always good to be safe and add some buffer time for rest areas, meal stops, and potential traffic snarls.

Whichever route you choose, safe travels, and happy exploring in the Windy City!