How Long Does it Take to Drive from Bloomington, Illinois to Lexington, Kentucky?

Driving from Bloomington, Illinois to Lexington, Kentucky requires traversing across state lines and miles of highways. As such, it's essential to be adequately informed about the distance and time it will take to cover the route effectively. In this post, we'll discuss different routes to drive from Bloomington, Illinois to Lexington, Kentucky, the distance covered, and driving times at peak and low traffic times.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are several routes for driving from Bloomington, Illinois, to Lexington, Kentucky. The quickest and most straightforward route is to take I-74 East and exit onto I-75 South. This is the fastest route at 352 miles and will typically take around 5 hours if traffic is ideal. If you're looking for a more scenic route, you can take Route US 51S, US 45S, and I-24E. Covering a distance of 386 miles, this route can take around 6 to 6.5 hours during low-traffic times.

Distance and Time based on Traffic Patterns

Going through the shortest route along I-74 East, your distance will be around 352 miles. However, driving on this route can be slower during rush hours, especially around Cincinnati. peak traffic times can increase driving time up to 7 hours. If you're taking the scenic route to Lexington through Route US 51S, US 45S, and I-24E, you will cover a distance of 386 miles, and the driving time can be up to 7.5 hours during rush hours.

Driving times at Peak and Low Traffic Times

If you're looking to save time on the route, it's best to avoid peak traffic times by departing early in the morning or late in the evening. But if you can't avoid rush hour or busy traffic, you need to allow yourself additional time to get to your destination.

For instance, if you plan to leave at 9 am on a weekday from Bloomington, Illinois, and follow the quickest route via I-74E and SEOUL Rd, you should expect to arrive in Lexington, Kentucky, around 2 pm. However, if you're leaving on the same route at 4 pm, traffic may make your trip last around 7 hours.

Conclusion

Driving from Bloomington, Illinois to Lexington, Kentucky, can be a long journey, depending on the route you choose and traffic patterns. While the shortest route - I-74E and SEOUL Rd - is a more convenient option, taking a scenic route or avoiding peak traffic times can make for a more pleasant drive. In any case, providing additional time and planning ahead will help reduce any frustrations you may encounter during your trip.