How Long Is the Drive from Chicago to Washington Dc?
The drive from Chicago to Washington Dc takes approximately 11h 0min, covering 700 miles via I-90. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $81 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 15–16+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
9h 21m
🔵 Typical
11h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
15h 57m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance700 miles (1126 km)
Drive Time11h 0min
RouteI-90
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~23.3 gallons
Est. Cost$81
Route Tips: I-90
The longest Interstate, coast to coast. Tolls in several states (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois).
You'll likely need 1 fuel stop along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Chicago to Washington Dc
For a long drive like Chicago to Washington Dc, 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
11h 0min
~$81 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 54m
~$105–$245 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 24m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
11h 0min
~$81
🚌 Bus
15h 33m
~$56–$126
🚂 Train
12h 44m
~$84–$210
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:
📍 Columbus
📍 Cleveland
📍 Toledo
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Washington DC?
The drive from Chicago to Washington DC takes approximately 11h 0min covering 700 miles via I-90. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Chicago to Washington DC?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $81 on gas for this 700-mile trip. You'll need about 23.3 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Chicago to Washington DC?
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 Washington DC route?
Yes, expect approximately $21 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
