Myrtle Beach to Chicago

17h 28m
Drive Time
961
Miles
$112
Gas Cost
7
Stops
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How Long Is the Drive from Myrtle Beach to Chicago?

The drive from Myrtle Beach to Chicago takes approximately 17h 28m, covering 961 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $112 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 24–25+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
14h 51m
🔵 Typical
17h 28m
🔴 Heavy traffic
25h 20m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance961 mi
Drive Time17h 28min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$112
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$127-$162

Route Tips: I-70

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Myrtle Beach to Chicago

For a long drive like Myrtle Beach to Chicago, 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: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
17h 28m
~$112 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 25m
~$144–$336 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 55m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
17h 28m
~$112
🚌 Bus
21h 21m
~$77–$173
🚂 Train
17h 28m
~$115–$288

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:

📍 Huntington WV
📍 Lexington
📍 Charleston WV

FAQ

How long is the drive from Myrtle Beach to Chicago?
The drive takes approximately 17 hours and 28 minutes covering 961 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 32 gallons of gas, costing approximately $112 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.

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