Road Tripping: Brownsville, TN to Chicago, IL

Are you planning a road trip from Brownsville, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois? Whether it's for business or pleasure, knowing your route and estimated drive time is crucial for a successful journey. In this blog post, I'll break down the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Route

The fastest route from Brownsville to Chicago is via I-55 N, which is approximately 557 miles. You should be able to cover this distance in around 8 hours depending on traffic. However, this route can be quite busy with many trucks using this interstate to transport goods, so expect heavy traffic during peak travel times.

Scenic Route

If you'd rather enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, then the slowest route from Brownsville to Chicago is via US-45 N, which is approximately 698 miles. This route will take you through picturesque towns in Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. However, expect the drive to take longer than 12 hours due to slower speeds and longer distance.

Most Convenient Route

If you want a balance between scenic and fast, then you can take I-57 N, which is around 591 miles. While not as scenic, this route has less traffic than I-55 N and avoids the congestion in downtown St. Louis. The estimated drive time is around 9 hours.

Rush Hour Traffic

During peak travel times, driving from Brownsville to Chicago can take significantly longer. Rush hour traffic can add an extra hour or two to your journey. If you have to travel during peak travel times, plan your route accordingly, or even better, take the train or plane.

Low Traffic Route

If you're looking to avoid traffic altogether, then driving overnight or during non-peak times is your best bet. Taking the I-55 N route during off-peak hours can take just over 7 hours, while the I-57 N route is just under 9 hours. The US-45 N route can take just over 11 hours, but with less traffic, making for a more peaceful and relaxing drive.

In conclusion, the best route from Brownsville, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois will depend on your priorities. If the priority is fast travel time, then I-55 N is the best option. If capturing scenic memories is your priority, then driving via US-45 N is the right option. If you want a balance between scenic beauty and fast travel time, then I-57N would be your pick. Happy travels!