The Road Trip of a Lifetime: Driving from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Chicago, Illinois

Are you planning on taking a road trip from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Chicago, Illinois? The route you take can greatly affect the time it will take you to reach your destination. In this blog post, we’ll explore a few different routes and provide an estimate on the time it should take.

The Fastest Route

If you’re looking to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, taking I-80 E and I-88 E is the way to go. This route covers approximately 224 miles and should take you about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete under normal traffic conditions.

At peak traffic times, this route may take longer, and it’s always a good idea to check traffic updates before hitting the road. If you’re looking to avoid traffic altogether, consider taking this route during off-peak hours.

The Scenic Route

If you’re not in a hurry and want to enjoy the beauty of the Midwest, consider taking the scenic route on US-20 E. This route covers approximately 284 miles and should take you about 5 hours and 30 minutes to complete under normal traffic conditions.

This route will take you through small towns and rural areas, so be prepared for slower speeds. However, the views on this route are breathtaking, and it can be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the interstate.

The Slowest Route

If you’re really in no hurry and want to take your time getting to Chicago, consider taking US-30 E. This route covers approximately 333 miles and should take you about 7 hours to complete under normal traffic conditions.

While this route can be slow-going, it takes you through some charming small towns and scenic country roads. If you’re looking to stop and explore along the way, this route might be your best bet.

Estimated Times for Traffic

While we’ve provided estimated drive times under normal traffic conditions, it’s always a good idea to be aware of how traffic can affect your drive. During peak traffic times, such as rush hour or holiday weekends, it’s likely that your drive will take significantly longer.

For I-80 E and I-88 E, you can expect an additional hour added to your drive time during peak traffic. For US-20 E, add an additional hour and a half. For US-30 E, add two hours.

In summary, the route you take can greatly determine how long it will take you to reach Chicago from Cedar Rapids. Choose the route that best fits your travel style and keep in mind that traffic can always affect your drive time. Safe travels!