Road Trip Time: Driving from Bethesda, Maryland to Chicago, Illinois

Planning a road trip across this great country of ours can be exciting, but it’s important to know how long it’s going to take so you can plan accordingly. If you’re heading from Bethesda, Maryland to Chicago, Illinois, you’ll want to be prepared for some long hours behind the wheel. In this post, we’ll break down the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and how long it takes to drive based on peak and low traffic times.

The Fastest Route: I-70 & I-68

The fastest route from Bethesda to Chicago is to take Interstate 70 West from Hagerstown, Maryland and eventually merge onto Interstate 68 West. From there, you’ll continue on to Interstate 79 North, then I-79 West, and eventually onto Interstate 70 West again. This route covers a distance of approximately 725 miles, and under normal traffic patterns, it will take you around 10 hours to complete.

However, be aware that this route can be extremely congested during peak travel times, especially around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. If you plan on leaving during rush hour, you should expect to tack on at least another hour or two to your travel time.

The Scenic Route: I-80

If you’re not in a hurry and want to experience some of the beauty of the Midwest, consider taking Interstate 80 West from Bethesda all the way to Chicago. This route covers approximately 763 miles and passes through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

While the scenery is beautiful, this is not the fastest route. You should anticipate the trip taking around 11 to 12 hours. This route is also subject to heavy traffic during peak travel times, especially around Indianapolis, so plan accordingly.

The Slowest Route: US-35 Through Ohio

If you want to take the slowest route from Bethesda to Chicago, consider taking US-35 West all the way through Ohio. This route covers around 807 miles and travels through several smaller towns in Ohio, providing a glimpse of small-town America that might be missed on those other routes.

However, this route is not recommended if you’re in a hurry. It can take upwards of 12 to 13 hours to complete, even under good traffic conditions. During peak travel times, you can expect even more delays, so make sure you have plenty of time built in to your road trip.

No matter which route you choose, make sure you’ve got a fully charged phone, plenty of snacks, and a few good podcasts downloaded to help you pass the time. Safe travels!