Road Tripping From Austin to Chicago: What's the Estimated Drive Time?

Do you fancy a road trip from Austin to Chicago? If so, you'll want to understand how long the drive will take. Road trips through different states can be both fun and exciting, but they also require some planning. In this guide, we're going to breakdown the fastest and slowest routes, along with the respective time it takes to get from Austin to Chicago based on traffic patterns.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The quickest route to drive from Austin to Chicago is via TX-27 East, I-44 East, and I-55 North, covering a distance of 1,090 miles and estimated driving time of 16 hours and 10 minutes. However, this route is usually longer due to traffic patterns and the risk of running into various slow-downs.

If you're looking to avoid the interstate routes, then you can take a more scenic route via US-290 East, US-79 North, and I-55 North. This route has an estimated distance of 1,142 miles and takes roughly 18 hours and 10 minutes to travel. It's undoubtedly a slower route, but with less traffic, it affords the chance to explore some new places.

Time it Takes Based On Traffic Patterns

Regardless of the route you choose to take, traffic can be a significant factor that determines how long the journey can take. Typically, the best time for a low-traffic drive on this route is either very late at night or early in the morning, outside of rush-hour traffic.

Suppose you happen to drive during peak traffic hours, namely on weekdays in the morning and late afternoon. In that case, it can add several hours to the drive time, especially in larger cities such as Memphis or St. Louis. It's wise to adjust accordingly and plan your itinerary if you need to reach your destination on time.

Conclusion

The driving time from Austin to Chicago is approximately 16 hours and 10 minutes, covering a distance of 1,090 miles via the fastest route, although this timing can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions. Taking a more scenic route on US-290 East, US-79 North, and I-55 North adds another two hours to the journey and can be adventurous to explore various locations on the way.

Remember to plan your trip with weather and rush-hour traffic conditions in mind for a stress-free journey to the windy city. We hope this guide helps you plan better as you hit the road from Austin to Chicago. Safe travels!