kansas to chicago road trip

[alpatchinao]

Hello guys

I am planning to do my first road trip alone from Kansas city to Chicago.
As all mobile maps and GPS gives estimation without break and speed limit based time to travel.

As it is going to 8-9 hours trip i want to make atleast 4 stops between to stretch and relax to me and my car.

Please give suggestions , any travel in this route suggest places to stop

[glc]

Welcome to RTA!

I assume you will be taking I-35 and I-80? They both have plenty of rest areas, just stop when you feel the need. No need to get off the Interstate unless you want to or need gas. You will find services at most exits, there will be signs at every exit saying what services are available.

[DonnaR57]

If you're taking I-35 to I-80, it's about 525 miles. That's a one-way drive, but not 8 hours -- probably closer to 10 hours. You're right, those electronic mapping programs give you only actual drive time, not including time for stopping for gas, food, stretching your legs (and resting your mind) time. The driving time also assumes you're going to go the speed limit the whole time, and never run into any traffic or construction zones.



Donna

[Lifemagician]

Before leaving home, be sure to pick up some good maps of the States you will cover. Good maps are available from AAA (free if you are a member) or in a good road atlas such as Rand McNally.

You will find not only all the routes you could possibly take - no need to stick to the interstates if you want a change - as well as places of interest and all rest areas and exit numbers. You can't be without good maps. Don't rely on a little screen, it will never give you all the information you need to visualise your complete route.

Lifey

[glc]

You aren't going to be able to do this in 1 day unless you take the Interstates.

[alpatchinao]

If you're taking I-35 to I-80, it's about 525 miles. That's a one-way drive, but not 8 hours -- probably closer to 10 hours. You're right, those electronic mapping programs give you only actual drive time, not including time for stopping for gas, food, stretching your legs (and resting your mind) time. The driving time also assumes you're going to go the speed limit the whole time, and never run into any traffic or construction zones.



Donna

yeah probably i expected same time
i am planning via springfield, IL which is i-35, 72 and 55

[alpatchinao]

i am going through interstate only..

[Midwest Michael]

yeah probably i expected same time
i am planning via springfield, IL which is i-35, 72 and 55

Be aware, that is not a route that is all interstates. I-72 only goes a few miles into Missouri. You'll be using US-36 for most of the trip Missouri, which is still a decent choice where you'll make ok time, but it's not Interstate Quality, so you'll have some cross traffic and lower speed limits.

[glc]

You are depending on electronics too much if you are choosing that way - it is definitely not the fastest way. The fastest way is I-35 to I-80.

[DonnaR57]

Having traveled much of US-36 across Missouri, I can state that Michael's comments about it are "right on". It is decent quality road, but it is NOT interstate. There are places where you will stop for a traffic light, whether you like it or not.

Other than I-35 to I-80, your other "all interstate route" would be I-70 to MO-370 to I-270 to I-55 and into Chicago that way. It's a bit longer, Plus you have to traverse through KC, Columbia, St Louis, and Springfield. The I-35 to 80 route saves you a lot of cities, which slow one down a little.



Donna