How Long Does It Take To Drive From Cary to Chicago Ridge?

If you're planning a road trip from Cary, Illinois to Chicago Ridge, Illinois, you're probably wondering how much time you should allow for the journey. The good news is that there are several different routes you can take. The bad news is that traffic can be unpredictable, so it's hard to know exactly how long the trip will take. Here's a breakdown of the fastest and slowest routes, their distances, and driving times based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route: I-294 S and I-55 N (59.7 miles, 1 hour)

If you're in a hurry to get from Cary to Chicago Ridge, the best route is to take I-294 S and I-55 N. This route takes you through the western suburbs of Chicago, which can be busy during rush hour, but is generally the quickest way to get to your destination. According to Google Maps, this drive takes about 1 hour in normal traffic conditions. However, during peak traffic times, such as weekday mornings and evenings, the journey can take as long as 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The Scenic Route: IL-53 and IL-171 (52.9 miles, 1 hour 25 minutes)

For a more scenic drive, you could take IL-53 south and then turn onto IL-171. This route takes you through several small towns and follows the Des Plaines River for part of the journey. The distance is shorter than the I-294 S and I-55 N route, but the drive takes longer due to the lower speed limits on these roads. According to Google Maps, this drive takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes in normal traffic conditions. During peak traffic times, the journey can take as long as 2 hours.

The Slowest Route: Local Roads (50.9 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes)

If you don't mind taking your time and want to avoid fast-moving highways, you could take local roads from Cary to Chicago Ridge. This route takes you through many small towns and can be a scenic drive. However, the traffic on these roads can be slow during rush hour, and there are several stops along the way. According to Google Maps, this drive takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes in normal traffic conditions. During peak traffic times, the journey can take as long as 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Conclusion

In summary, the fastest route from Cary to Chicago Ridge is I-294 S and I-55 N, taking about 1 hour in normal traffic conditions. The scenic route is a little longer but takes you through some lovely towns and roads, and takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. Finally, the slowest route is via local roads, taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes. However, if you're travelling during rush hour, all these times can be significantly longer. So, plan your journey carefully, and if you can, avoid travelling during peak traffic times.