Driving Time between Chicago, Illinois and Alice, Texas

A picture depicting driving

Road Trip Chronicles: Adventure from the Windy City to the Lone Star State

Route 66: Classic Scenic Delight 🚗💨

Discover the thrill of the open road as you embark on an epic journey from the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois to the charming town of Alice, Texas. Buckle up and get ready to create lifelong memories as we explore the various routes and attractions along the way!

Distance: Approximately 1,116 miles

Estimated Driving Time: 17-19 hours

Chicago ➡️ St. Louis

The first leg of our trip takes us south on the historic Route 66, immersing ourselves in the nostalgia of this iconic highway. As you cruise through the states of Illinois and Missouri, keep an eye out for quirky roadside attractions and classic diners serving up delicious comfort food. The driving distance from Chicago to St. Louis is around 297 miles, with an estimated travel time of 4-5 hours.

St. Louis ➡️ Oklahoma City

Continuing on Route 66, we cross the mighty Mississippi River and venture into the beautiful state of Oklahoma. Prepare to be captivated by rolling hills, picturesque farmland, and small-town charm. This leg of the trip covers approximately 487 miles and will take you roughly 7-8 hours to complete. Along the way, consider stopping at the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis or the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City ➡️ Amarillo

As we bid farewell to Oklahoma and enter the great state of Texas, the journey becomes even more exciting. Take a detour from Route 66 by heading south on US-287 to experience the unique Texan charm in the city of Amarillo. This stretch spans around 262 miles and can usually be conquered in 3-4 hours. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Cadillac Ranch, an art installation featuring a row of half-buried cars, before hopping back on Route 66.

Amarillo ➡️ Alice

The final leg of our adventure leads us through the breathtaking landscapes of West Texas as we head south on US-287 and US-281 towards Alice. Covering a distance of approximately 70 miles, this last stretch is a breeze and will only take about 1 hour. Celebrate the end of your road trip by exploring the charm of Alice, a city known for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage.

Fast and Furious: The Interstate Dash 💨💨

For those seeking a speedier alternative, a direct route from Chicago to Alice is also available via the interstate highway system. While this option lacks the scenic charm of Route 66, it offers a quicker journey if time is of the essence.

Distance: Approximately 1,161 miles

Estimated Driving Time: 17-18 hours

The fastest route takes you south on I-55 from Chicago to St. Louis, covering roughly 290 miles in about 4-5 hours. From there, continue south on I-44 through Missouri and into Oklahoma, crossing around 450 miles in 6-7 hours. Progressing further south on I-44 until it merges with I-40 will lead you to Amarillo, covering an additional 296 miles in approximately 4-5 hours. Finally, head south on US-287 and US-281 to complete the remaining 70-mile journey to Alice, which should take approximately 1 hour.

Places to Savor Along the Way 🛣️🌮

Both routes offer a plethora of delicious dining options and exciting attractions for you to savor along the way. Here are some highly recommended stops that are sure to make your road trip even more unforgettable:

  1. Lou Mitchell's (Chicago, IL): Kickstart your journey with a hearty breakfast at this iconic diner, a Route 66 tradition since 1923.
  2. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (St. Louis, MO): Satisfy your sweet tooth with a mouthwatering frozen custard from this St. Louis institution.
  3. The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo, TX): Test your appetite and take on the famous 72-ounce steak challenge at this legendary steakhouse.
  4. Strickland's Frozen Custard (Canton, OH): Cool down with some velvety smooth frozen custard in this Route 66 friendly town.

Get ready to create memories, embrace the joy of the open road, and witness the diverse beauty of the Midwest and Southwest. Whether you choose the scenic Route 66 or the speedy interstate, this unforgettable road trip from Chicago to Alice is bound to leave you with stories to share for years to come. Happy driving! 🚘✨