Commuting from Berwyn, Illinois to Chicago, Illinois: The Fastest and Slowest Routes

Commuting to Chicago, Illinois, from Berwyn, Illinois, can be a pain in rush hour. However, with the right route and a bit of planning, you’ll be able to get there in no time. Here are some of the best and worst routes to take, and how long it typically takes to get from the one place to the other.

The Fastest Route

When it comes to expediency, there is only one route you should consider taking on a regular basis. The quickest way to get from Berwyn to Chicago is to take the I-290 route. The entire route is just over 10 miles, and it takes around 15-20 minutes to get to Chicago, depending on the time of day and traffic flow. If the roadways are clear, you can easily make this drive in less than 15 minutes.

The Slowest Route

The slowest route connects Berwyn to the Chicago Lakeshore, just over 12 miles away. However, due to the increased traffic and the longer distance, this route can take up to 45 minutes or more to traverse, especially during rush hour.

Time It Takes Based on Traffic Patterns

The I-290 route is the most straightforward route for commuting at roughly 10 miles from Berwyn to Chicago. You also avoid downtown traffic by taking the Eisenhower Expressway between these two places. The travel duration on this route heavily depends on the time when you are driving. If you are driving in peak hours, say 7 AM or 5 PM, it can take between 35-45 minutes. On average, there might be a slight delay due to traffic jams, and it may take about 20-25 minutes during off-peak hours.

If you’re not in a rush and enjoy a scenic drive, consider taking Lake Shore Drive. This route has a distance of approximately 12 miles and takes around 30-45 minutes during peak traffic times. However, weekend trips during off-peak hours can take just about 20-25 minutes. While it is a beautiful drive that runs along the shore of Lake Michigan, it's not a good option during rush hours.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the quickest route from Berwyn to Chicago, then take the I-290. But if you're looking for a scenic drive and are not in a rush, Lake Shore Drive is the way to go. However, bear in mind that this route takes more time than the former due to the heavy traffic. Regardless of the route you choose, consider planning your commute time according to traffic patterns so you can get to your destination hassle-free.