What time should I leave to be in Chicago by 3PM?

Question

I'm leaving from Michigan to a hotel in upper Chicago. Mapquest says It will take 5 hours to get to the hotel. I know there is an hour timezone difference from where I live to the hotel, but I'm not sure how early to leave in order to take Chicago traffic into consideration. I need to be there at around 3PM. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

5 hrs travel time has nothing to do with time zones...it will take 5 hrs.  I would leave MI at around 8:30 am.  This gives you an extra 1/2 hr and is adjusted to the time zone difference.

Answer 2

You should leave Michigan by 10:00 AM (Michigan time). If you do, for sure you will get to Chicago around 2:30. My family drove from Chicago to Toronto, and back a few times, and it only takes 5 hours max to get to Chicago from Michigan.

@ tichur: Leaving at 8:30 AM would give 7 1/2 hours of time.

Answer 3

Well, I got one tip for you. The tollway is always "in construction." Plus, if it's important that you be there on time, best to leave early, time zone same or not. Have fun over there.