Road Tripping: Chicago to Washington DC

Are you planning a road trip from Buffalo Grove, Illinois to the capital of the United States in Washington, District of Columbia? Whether you’re heading there to explore the large monuments, gorgeous parks, or to absorb the politics of the city, one of the most daunting aspects of planning your trip will be the distance and time it takes to reach your destination.

The quickest route from Chicago to Washington is about 700 miles. There are a number of routes you could take, but below we’ll highlight the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of that route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

Quickest Path: I-90 East

The fastest route from Buffalo Grove to Washington is via I-90 E. This is the main interstate highway that takes you from Chicago, through Indiana, and on to Ohio. The full distance of this route is 712 miles and the expected time it takes to complete the drive is around 11 hours without any stoppages, including driving time, rest time, fuel and meal stops.

To avoid traffic and to make this journey as quick as possible, aim to leave early in the morning or late in the evening. This route can take you through the most major cities during rush hour, but it is mostly clear the rest of the day.

Longer, but More Scenic: I-80 East and I-76 East

If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience and have a bit more time to spare, plotting your journey through I-80 E and I-76E is a possibility. This route is approximately 811 miles. It will take you through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, where you will catch a glimpse of the Allegheny Mountains.

It is more scenic, but much slower. Traffic speeds are slower on this route than I-90 E because of the twists and turns, and also due to regular road maintenance. You can expect to take about 12 hours to complete this drive, including required stops along the way.

Traffic Patterns and Best Time of Day to Drive

Traffic is one of the most unpredictable components of a road trip journey. Major cities such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia can experience slower speeds due to regular rush hour congestion. As such, you should plan your drive to go through these cities on weekends or during non-peak hours if you can.

It is also important to be cautious when driving through major cities, especially if you’re new to the roads. Watch for road signs, listen to traffic updates, and follow traffic signals as much as possible.

Final Thoughts

So, how long does it take to drive from Buffalo Grove, Illinois to Washington, DC? This will depend on the route you take and the time of day you depart. Therefore, if you're looking for the quickest route, it'll take about 11 hours via I-90 E. On the other hand, you can also take a more scenic route that takes about 12 hours via I-80 E and I-76 E.

Plan your journey wisely, choose the optimal time to depart, and avoid rush hour traffic. Get the most out of your road trip from Buffalo Grove to Washington DC while keeping the safety of you and your passengers in mind.