How Long Is a Road Trip From Chicago to Florida?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning a road trip from Chicago to Florida, one of the first things you may wonder is how long the journey will take. The answer depends on several factors such as your route, mode of transportation, and stops along the way.

Travel Options

Driving: Driving is the most popular option for a road trip from Chicago to Florida. The distance between Chicago and Miami is approximately 1,200 miles, which translates to around 18 hours of driving time. However, this can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Flight: If you’re short on time or simply prefer flying, there are several airlines that offer direct flights from Chicago to various cities in Florida. The flight time ranges between 2-3 hours depending on your destination.

Rail: Another option is taking a train from Chicago to Florida. Amtrak’s Silver Service/Palmetto line runs from Chicago Union Station to Miami International Airport with stops in several cities along the way.

Possible Routes

  • I-65 South and I-24 East Route:
  • This route takes you through Nashville, TN and Atlanta, GA before arriving in Miami. This route covers approximately 1,300 miles and takes around 20 hours of driving time.

  • I-57 South Route:
  • This route takes you through Memphis, TN and Birmingham, AL before arriving in Tampa or Orlando. This route covers approximately 1,200 miles and takes around 19 hours of driving time.

  • I-75 South Route:
  • This route takes you through Atlanta before branching off towards various cities in Florida such as Gainesville, Ocala, Orlando or Tampa Bay Area before finally ending up at Miami Beach.

Stops Along the Way

If you’re planning a road trip, it’s always a good idea to make some stops along the way to break up the journey. Here are some popular destinations and attractions worth checking out:

Nashville, TN

Known as the music capital of the world, Nashville is a must-stop destination for country music fans. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or catch a live show at the Grand Ole Opry.

Atlanta, GA

The capital city of Georgia has plenty to offer from world-class museums like The Atlanta History Center to fun-filled theme parks such as Six Flags Over Georgia.

Orlando, FL

Home to Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando is a top destination for families with kids. Don’t forget to visit SeaWorld Orlando and Gatorland while you’re there.

In Conclusion

Regardless of your mode of transportation or route choice, a road trip from Chicago to Florida can be an exciting adventure. Just make sure you plan carefully and take breaks along the way to enjoy all that this journey has to offer!