Driving from Charlotte to Chicago : best route? (Shelby: construction, train) - City-Data Forum

kkn006 · 07-07-2010, 08:30 PM

I'm planning to drive to Chicago, IL on this weekend. My goal is to finish the trip as fast as I can, any suggestions on routes where I don't get stuck in traffic or no congested roads etc..

Here is google maps link (reverse the trip to see the routes suggested from Charlotte to Chicago).

Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC - Google Maps

chicagocubs · 07-08-2010, 04:34 AM

There is actually a discussion on this subject in another thread...

I go back to the city rather often. It takes a minimum of 13 hours, no matter what you do. That being said, time your trip so that you do not end up there during rush hour (which applies on the weekends, too) from 6-8 am. We usually leave around midnight and drive thru the night. Traffic is lighter and it is also cooler (at this time of year).

We take 77 North to 64 West and then follow the same route as the Google Map. Going thru W. VA on 77 is still mountains, but, they are not as curvy as the ones thru NC and if you are not a fan of mountains (like I am NOT) it is an easier ride. Plus, at this time of year, it really might be less traffic. It does not add/subtract from any time. HOWEVER, there are tolls going this way and they are $1.00 apiece. Think that there might be 3 of them.

Since you are from the city, I think, then you know not to take the newly privatized Skyway bridge into the city, go around it on 94. If you have an I-pass, that will work on the WVA tolls.

hope this helps.

JanuaryGirl · 07-08-2010, 04:49 PM

The way the above poster mentioned may be best... I know that going the Google route, a section of I40 was closed in the mountains due to a rock slide... I think they've mostly fixed it, but my understanding is that not all lanes are open so it may slow you down for a few miles.

Correllbil · 07-08-2010, 07:22 PM

The last time that I made the trip, I went the route that kkn006 posted. My wife and I stayed the night in Shelbyville. We left Chi town about 3 PM. We got to Shelbyville at about 8PM. We enjoyed the trip except for the construction on I65 between Gary and Indianapolis.

kkn006 · 07-15-2010, 06:12 PM

Alright, I returned from Chicago this Monday and here is experience that I want to share with forum members..

I went from Charlotte to Chicago via I77, I64 thorough west virginia etc through Indianapolis, refer to the link I provided in my posting..total time about 14 hours. I stayed at night in Indianapolis, IN.

On my return trip, I took different, route, I came by I65, ashville route and total time is 12 hours, no delays...this route is good.

thesearch · 07-15-2010, 07:21 PM

I would head up to Benton Harbor/Grand Rapids MI area. Someone told me there is a train that will take you into Chicago from there. Might be better for traffic reasons.

WillmissAH · 07-15-2010, 08:34 PM

We just went up on the 1st and back on the 10th.... 12 hours to the northwest burbs, but we ate sandwiches in the car and gas stops only. we went 85 to 321 to 40 to 75 at lexington 64 to 65.

chicagocubs · 07-16-2010, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillmissAH

We just went up on the 1st and back on the 10th.... 12 hours to the northwest burbs, but we ate sandwiches in the car and gas stops only. we went 85 to 321 to 40 to 75 at lexington 64 to 65.

Thats the way that we used to go....until the rock slides on 40 which closed the road. So, we started the 77n route and actually like it better due to the quality of the roads.