How Long Is the Drive from New Orleans to Chicago?
The drive from New Orleans to Chicago takes approximately 18h 4min, covering 1085 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $126 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 25–26+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
15h 21m
🔵 Typical
18h 4min
🔴 Heavy traffic
26h 12m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1085 miles (1746 km)
Drive Time18h 4min
RouteI-10
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~36.2 gallons
Est. Cost$126
Route Tips: I-10
Stretches coast-to-coast from LA to Jacksonville. Desert sections in Arizona/New Mexico can be monotonous — bring plenty of water.
You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from New Orleans to Chicago
For a long drive like New Orleans 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:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
18h 4min
~$126 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 40m
~$163–$380 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 10m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
18h 4min
~$126
🚌 Bus
24h 7m
~$87–$195
🚂 Train
19h 44m
~$130–$326
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:
📍 Memphis
📍 Nashville
📍 Mammoth Cave
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from New Orleans to Chicago?
The drive from New Orleans to Chicago takes approximately 18h 4min covering 1085 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for New Orleans to Chicago?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $126 on gas for this 1085-mile trip. You'll need about 36.2 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from New Orleans to Chicago?
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 New Orleans to Chicago route?
Yes, expect approximately $32 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
