The drive from Chicago to Phoenix takes approximately 24h 0min, covering 1750 miles via I-90. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $204 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 34–35+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
20h 24m
🔵 Typical
24h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
34h 48m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1750 miles (2816 km)
Drive Time24h 0min
RouteI-90
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~58.3 gallons
Est. Cost$204
Route Tips: I-90
The longest Interstate, coast to coast. Tolls in several states (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois).
You'll likely need 4 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Chicago to Phoenix
For a long drive like Chicago to Phoenix, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
24h 0min
~$204 gas
✈️ Flying
6h 0m
~$262–$612 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 30m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
24h 0min
~$204
🚌 Bus
38h 53m
~$140–$315
🚂 Train
31h 49m
~$210–$525
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Wichita
📍 Oklahoma City
📍 Tulsa
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Phoenix?
The drive from Chicago to Phoenix takes approximately 24h 0min covering 1750 miles via I-90. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Chicago to Phoenix?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $204 on gas for this 1750-mile trip. You'll need about 58.3 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Chicago to Phoenix?
Late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Chicago to Phoenix route?
Yes, expect approximately $50 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
