A Guide to Driving from Buffalo Grove to Chicago

Are you planning a trip to the Windy City but not sure how long it will take to drive from your hometown? Well, let us help you out! We’ve put together a guide on the time it takes to drive from Buffalo Grove, Illinois to Chicago, Illinois.

Fastest Route

If you’re looking for the fastest route, take I-94 E. It’s a straight shot from Buffalo Grove to Chicago and only takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The distance is approximately 29.4 miles.

Slowest Route

On the other hand, if you want a more scenic drive, take IL-21 S. Although it's more pleasant to soak in the surroundings, this route is much slower and more indirect. The distance is about 34.1 miles and can take up to an hour and 15 minutes in heavy traffic.

Traffic Patterns

As you may expect, traffic during rush hour can add significant time to your drive. On a typical weekday morning between 7-9 am, the drive can take up to an hour on either route, but it can be a bit longer with IL-21 S. In the evening, traffic is usually heavy 4-6 pm. Weekends will, of course, have lighter traffic than weekdays during peak hours.

Plan Your Trip Smartly

If you’re looking to get to Chicago quickly and with the least amount of bumps, take the fastest route in the mornings or at night. For those who want a leisurely drive, take I-21 S but beware of traffic patterns. Keep up-to-date on traffic before your trip using GPS maps or even the Google Maps website which can provide real-time traffic updates.

Conclusion

There you have it! We hope this guide on the time it takes to drive from Buffalo Grove to Chicago has helped ease any anxiety you may have had about the drive. Whether you opt for the faster or slower route, just remember when traffic will be at its heaviest and plan your trip accordingly. Now grab your keys and hit the road!