Chicago to Jacksonville FL: A 1,150-Mile Trek

Travel Time and Distance

The distance from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, FL is approximately 1,150 miles. The estimated driving time is around 19 hours without considering any stops.

Driving Route Options

Option 1: Via I-65

• Distance: 1,205 miles
• Driving Time: 19 hours, 30 minutes
• Route: I-65 S through Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida.

Option 2: Via I-57 and I-20

• Distance: 1,122 miles
• Driving Time: 18 hours, 30 minutes
• Route: I-57 S through Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi; then I-20 E through Alabama and Georgia.

Flight Options

The average flight time from Chicago to Jacksonville is around 3 hours. Numerous airlines offer direct flights, including:

• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Southwest Airlines

Costs of Travel

Driving

• Gas: $150-$250 (estimated)
• Tolls: $20-$50 (estimated)
• Parking: $20-$100 (average daily rate)

Flying

• Round-trip airfare: $150-$400 (economy class)

Considerations for Choosing a Route

Time

• The fastest driving route is Option 2 (I-57/I-20), with an estimated 18 hours, 30 minutes of driving time.

Distance

• The shortest driving route is Option 2 (I-57/I-20), with a distance of 1,122 miles.

Cost

• Driving is generally cheaper than flying, especially if multiple people are traveling.

Convenience

• Flying is more convenient, as it eliminates the need for long hours of driving.

Other Factors

• Traffic conditions
• Personal preferences
• Availability of public transportation

Points of Interest Along the Driving Route

Option 1 (Via I-65)

• Indianapolis, IN
• Louisville, KY
• Nashville, TN
• Birmingham, AL
• Montgomery, AL

Option 2 (Via I-57 and I-20)

• St. Louis, MO
• Memphis, TN
• Little Rock, AR
• Birmingham, AL
• Atlanta, GA

Tables

Table 1: Driving Route Comparison

Table 2: Estimated Travel Costs

Table 3: Points of Interest

Table 4: Travel Time Comparison

Conclusion

Traveling from Chicago to Jacksonville can be done by car or plane. The best option depends on factors such as time, distance, cost, and convenience. Both driving routes offer their own advantages, with Option 1 providing a slightly longer but more scenic drive, while Option 2 is shorter and faster.