Road Tripping from Arkansas to Illinois: How Long Will It Take?

Are you planning a road trip from Arkansas to Illinois? You may be wondering how long the drive will take and what routes to take. Luckily, we've done the research for you!

Route Options

The fastest route from Little Rock, Arkansas to Chicago, Illinois is via I-40 and I-55, which takes approximately 9 hours and covers a distance of 622 miles. However, if you want to take a more scenic route, you can opt for taking US-67 and I-55, which covers a distance of 631 miles and takes about 10 hours. The slowest route takes about 11 hours and covers 652 miles via I-30 and I-55.

Traffic Patterns

Peak traffic times can add significant time to your journey. Be prepared for delays if you're driving through large cities such as Memphis or St. Louis during rush hour. To avoid heavy traffic, try to plan your journey outside of peak times or use a traffic monitoring app to find alternate routes.

At low traffic times, it should take approximately 8-9 hours to complete the journey on the fastest route. However, during peak traffic times, you can expect that time to increase to 10-11 hours. Be sure to plan your journey accordingly!

Recommended Route

Based on our research, we recommend taking the fastest route via I-40 and I-55. Not only is it the quickest option, but it also has the most amenities, including numerous rest stops and dining options. This route also passes through some of the most scenic areas in the region, including the Ozarks and the Mississippi River.

In conclusion, the time it takes to drive from Arkansas to Illinois can vary depending on the route you take and the traffic patterns. Be prepared for delays during peak traffic times and plan accordingly. Taking the fastest route via I-40 and I-55 should take about 9 hours, but if you want a more leisurely journey, consider taking US-67 and I-55. Whatever route you take, enjoy the drive and take in the beautiful scenery along the way!