How Long Is a Road Trip to Florida From Chicago?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a road trip from Chicago to Florida? If so, you may be wondering how long it will take to get there.

The distance between Chicago and Florida is approximately 1,200 miles, which means that the length of your road trip will depend on several factors. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how long it takes to travel by car from Chicago to Florida.

Factors That Affect the Length of the Road Trip

There are several factors that can affect the length of your road trip from Chicago to Florida. Some of these include:

  • The route you take
  • The time of year you travel
  • The number and length of stops you make along the way
  • The speed at which you drive

Route Options for Driving from Chicago to Florida

There are a few different routes that you could take when driving from Chicago to Florida. One popular option is to take Interstate 65 South through Indiana and Kentucky, then connect with Interstate 24 East in Nashville, Tennessee. From there, you can take Interstate 75 South all the way to Florida.

Another option is to take Interstate 55 South through Missouri and Arkansas, then connect with Interstate 40 East in Memphis, Tennessee. From there, you can take Interstate 440 East around Little Rock and connect with Interstate 30 East towards Texas. Once in Texas, you can connect with Interstate 20 East towards Louisiana and Mississippi before connecting with Interstate 10 East into Florida.

Estimated Travel Times by Route

The estimated travel time for a road trip from Chicago to Florida will vary depending on the route you choose. Here are some estimated travel times based on the two routes mentioned above:

Route Option #1:

  • Chicago to Nashville: Approximately 6 hours
  • Nashville to Atlanta: Approximately 4 hours
  • Atlanta to Orlando: Approximately 7 hours
  • Total travel time: Approximately 17 hours

Route Option #2:

  • Chicago to Memphis: Approximately 8 hours
  • Memphis to Little Rock: Approximately 2.5 hours
  • Little Rock to Dallas: Approximately 4.5 hours
  • Dallas to Houston: Approximately 3.5 hours
  • Houston to New Orleans: Approximately 6.5 hours
  • New Orleans to Tallahassee: Approximately 5.5 hours
  • Tallahassee to Orlando: Approximately 4 hours
  • Total travel time:Approximately 35 hours

Tips for a Successful Road Trip from Chicago to Florida:

  • Pack plenty of snacks and drinks: Bring along a cooler with plenty of snacks and drinks for the road, as well as non-perishable food items in case you get stuck in traffic.

    Don’t forget entertainment: Bring along books, music, and games to keep yourself entertained on the long drive.

    Plan your stops ahead of time: Research rest areas, gas stations, and restaurants along your route before you leave so that you can plan your stops ahead of time.

    Be prepared for the weather: Florida can get quite hot and humid, so be sure to pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen.

    Stay safe on the road: Avoid driving during rush hour and take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue. Also make sure your vehicle is in good condition before you leave.

    The Bottom Line

    The length of your road trip from Chicago to Florida will depend on several factors, including the route you take, the time of year you travel, and the number of stops you make along the way. By following these tips and planning ahead, you can ensure a successful road trip that is both safe and enjoyable!