The Road From Birmingham to South Beloit: How Long Will It Take?

Every year, thousands of people travel from Birmingham, Alabama to South Beloit, Illinois. Whether you’re planning a cross-country move or visiting family, you’ll want to know how long it will take to get there. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the estimated driving time based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Birmingham to South Beloit is to take I-65 North to I-74 West. This route is the shortest distance at 649 miles and takes approximately 9 hours and 45 minutes to drive non-stop. The traffic pattern on this route is moderate, but it can get congested around large cities such as Indianapolis and Chicago.

If you’re planning a road trip with multiple stops or need to take a break from driving, we recommend breaking up this route into a two-day trip. This will allow you to take in some sights along the way and avoid driving fatigue.

The Slowest Route

The slowest route from Birmingham to South Beloit is to take I-65 North to I-90 West. This route is 785 miles and takes approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes to drive non-stop. While it adds an additional hour and 45 minutes to your travel time, this route offers a scenic drive through major cities such as Louisville and Indianapolis.

You'll need to factor in heavy traffic around major cities like Nashville, Louisville, and Chicago, especially during rush hour when traffic can come to a standstill. If you’re not in a hurry and want to enjoy the scenery, this route is a great option.

Peak and Low Traffic Times

If you have some flexibility in your travel schedule, it is always best to avoid rush hour. On the fastest route, I-65 North to I-74 West, traffic can get heavy around major cities such as Indianapolis and Chicago during peak travel times, adding an hour or more to your estimated travel time. If you can travel outside of rush hour, you should be able to make good time.

On the slowest route, I-65 North to I-90 West, traffic can get heavy during rush hour throughout Louisville, Indianapolis, and Chicago. In addition, this route features several construction zones which can add significant delays to your travel time. Avoiding rush hour and checking your route for construction delays can help you estimate your arrival time more accurately.

Final Thoughts

The road trip from Birmingham, Alabama to South Beloit, Illinois can be a fun and exciting adventure. It's important to plan your route carefully and consider travel time based on traffic patterns. If you're in a hurry, the fast route is your best bet, while those looking for a scenic drive can enjoy the slower route. Always be sure to check your route for construction delays and avoid traveling during rush hour if possible. With a little planning, you'll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.