What Is The Best Route To Avoid Chicago? A Complete Guide

Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, is known for its bustling traffic and congested roads. Whether traveling for work or pleasure, finding the best route to bypass Chicago can save you time and frustration.

With several major highways and alternate routes, planning and considering traffic patterns and time of day is important. If you’re planning a road trip and want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Chicago, there are several routes you can take. Some routes may be more convenient depending on your starting point and final destination.

From taking a long way around to using alternative modes of transportation. There are many ways to bypass Chicago’s traffic and congestion. Here, we’ll explore what is the best route to avoid Chicago and make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

What Is The Best Route To Avoid Chicago? With Tips And Tricks

Here, you know what is the best route to avoid Chicago. If you’re looking to avoid the traffic and congestion of Chicago, you can take a few routes. One option is to take I-294 around the city, which can help you bypass some of the busiest areas. Another option is to take I-90 or I-80 through northern Indiana and then return to your destination once you’ve passed Chicago.

Additionally, if you have flexible travel plans, consider traveling during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late at night, to avoid rush hour traffic. Whatever route you choose, use a GPS or map app to help guide you and avoid getting lost. With these tips and tricks, you can successfully navigate Chicago and easily reach your destination.

Coming From North

Suppose you’re coming from the north and looking to avoid Chicago. You can take a few different routes depending on your destination. One option is to take I-39 South to I-80 West, bypassing Chicago entirely and taking you toward Iowa.

Another option is to take I-94 west towards Milwaukee and then connect with I-90 or I-43, which will take you around the city. It’s important to consider the time of day and potential traffic patterns when choosing your route, as some routes may be more congested during rush hour.

A GPS or map app can also help find alternate routes in case of unexpected traffic or road closures. If you’re trying to avoid the evening rush hour in Chicago, taking a north route can be your best bet. The highways in and around Chicago tend to get extremely busy during peak traffic hours, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

South East Route

Approaching from the east, otherwise south, you must reverse that direction to go west or north. From the Illinois or Iowa “Quad Cities” area, I-74 is a good route, with lesser traffic than I-80 to I-65. I-74 and I-39 are great roads with much less traffic.

Accidents frequently would slow, and you might be stuck in traffic for a long time. Miserably, coming from Northeast Ohio, you truly do not have many options. We have much experience with travel hacking and finding the best deals on airfare and hotels.

Worst Traffic

Some of the worst traffic is around Gary, Indiana, where I-80, 90, 94, and 65 intersect within a few miles. If you take 90 or 94 over the city, going over the south side of Chicago, know you will be okay on the interstates. However, if you have to wander off the highway for gas or a meal, you might easily be in some of the higher crime localities.

You could stay on I-80 to I-294, the Tri-State Tollway, and take it around the city’s west side. You could still encounter heavy traffic and construction. However, it keeps you out of the center of the city. If you’re closer to I-70 than I-80, you might ponder an end-run totally around the city: I-70 to I-74 in Indianapolis; I-74 to I-39 in Bloomington, IL; I-39 north to Madison plus then state highways to Appleton.

However, adding so much extra distance might suck up the same–or more–time than sitting in Chicago traffic. We could follow I90/39 South to I-80 E if we are approaching from Madison; otherwise, west. We can follow I94 to 294 S to I80 E If we are coming through Milwaukee.

Consider Timing

If you’re looking to avoid the traffic and congestion of Chicago, timing is key. Rush hour in Chicago typically occurs between 6:00 am and 10:00 am and 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on weekdays. Plan your travel outside these peak hours to avoid the worst possible traffic.

Additionally, weekends have less traffic overall, so traveling during this time may be a good option. Another factor to consider is your route – depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re headed, alternative routes may help you bypass Chicago altogether. Do your research and plan to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

How To Bypass Chicago

Navigating through Chicago can be a nightmare for many drivers. Fortunately, there are several routes you can take to bypass the city and avoid the traffic. One option is to take I-294 around the city’s west side, which offers a more direct route and fewer traffic lights than other roads.

Another option is to take I-355 south of the city, which can help you avoid some of the congestion on I-55. Alternatively, you can take I-90 or I-94 through Indiana if traveling east or westbound. Remember that these routes may add some extra miles to your trip but can save you time and frustration in the long run.

How To Avoid Traffic

Navigating through Chicago traffic can be daunting, but there are ways to avoid the congestion. One of the best routes to take is to bypass the city altogether by taking I-294 around the western and southern edges of the metropolitan area.

This route can help you save time and avoid the worst of Chicago’s traffic jams. Another option is to plan your travel during non-peak hours. Such as early or late at night when traffic is lighter. Using real-time traffic apps or GPS devices is also a good idea.

Stay updated on current traffic conditions and adjust your route accordingly. By being prepared and strategic in your approach, you can successfully navigate through Chicago without getting stuck in traffic.

Heavy Traffic And Congested Roads

Chicago may be known for its deep-dish pizza and bustling city life. But it also has a reputation for heavy traffic and congested roads. If you’re looking to avoid Chicago while traveling, there are several routes you can take. One option is to bypass Chicago altogether by taking I-80 or I-90 through northern Indiana.

Another option is to take I-39/I-90 south of Madison, Wisconsin, bypassing the city. If you must travel through Chicago, try to time your trip outside of rush hour, as traffic can be especially heavy during peak commuting times. By planning and choosing the right route, you can avoid the headache of navigating through Chicago’s busy streets and making your journey a little smoother.

Use Common Sense

When avoiding Chicago traffic, the best route is often to use common sense. While there are a variety of highways and alternate routes you can take, it’s important to consider factors such as the time of day, weather conditions, and construction zones.

In general, it’s best to avoid rush hour traffic if possible and plan your route ahead of time using GPS or a map app. Keeping traffic updates and road closures up-to-date can help you avoid unexpected delays. Using common sense and taking these precautions, you can easily navigate Chicago and avoid getting caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Conclusion

There are several routes you can take to avoid Chicago traffic. The best route will depend on your starting point, destination, time of day, and current traffic conditions. Some popular alternatives include taking I-294 around the city or using I-88 to bypass the downtown area.

You may also want to consider using public transportation, such as trains or buses, to avoid driving through the city altogether. With a little planning and flexibility, you can find the best route to avoid Chicago traffic and arrive at your destination stress-free.

There are certainly some tolls. However, the entire Illinois toll plaza has open-road tolling. Thus, you save time and money by getting an EZ pass. There are no monthly or yearly fees if you acquire your EZ-Pass from Pennsylvania, select paperless billing, and fix your credit card for a regular reload of money. We hope now you know what is the best route to avoid Chicago.

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