The Great Illinois Drive: Time it Takes to Drive from Batavia to Bloomington
Looking to take a road trip from Batavia to Bloomington? If the answer is yes, then this post is for you! The drive, relatively short but scenic nonetheless, stretches for about 125 miles, and takes you through the historic Illinois towns of Aurora, Joliet and Pontiac along the way. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the fastest and slowest routes from Batavia to Bloomington, distances covered, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.
The Fastest Route
Perhaps, the fastest route is the shortest one, which is from Batavia to Bloomington via I-55 S. This drive is approximately 107 miles long, and it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours to reach your destination at off-peak hours. During peak periods, however, the drive can take longer, with travel time increasing by up to 30 minutes or more. Nevertheless, this route is fantastic, with great scenery on both sides of the highway.
The Scenic Route
If you are an adventurer and prefer to take the less-traveled scenic routes, then this route is for you. The slowest, or rather, the scenic route, runs from Batavia to Bloomington via US-66 W. While this route provides a more beautiful drive with more townships to explore, this route is 18 miles longer than the first route and can take about 3 hours to reach your destination at off-peak times. Also, this route cuts through several towns, and traffic, especially in Joliet, can significantly slow you down.
The Time of Day Matters
The time of day and the day of the week, to some extent, affect how long your trip will take. The quickest and most popular route of about 107 miles (via I-55 S), typically takes less time early in the morning, during the middle of the day, or late evenings on weekdays. During peak times, such as rush hours, holidays, and weekends, travel times can extend by an hour or more.
Making this drive will take patience, adequate preparation and, perhaps, leaving early or later than usual to avoid traffic snarl-ups. To avoid the worst of the traffic, planning your route at non-peak hours or using digital tools such as Google maps can help you to find the fastest and most efficient travel times.
In conclusion, regardless of the route you chose, your Batavia to Bloomington drive will not disappoint as it takes you through some of the most scenic countryside in the Midwest. So pack a picnic, gather your travel companions, and hit the road for a truly unforgettable road trip in Illinois.