When is Rush Hour in Chicago? A Chauffeur’s Guide
by Ellie Smith / March 25, 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Chicago may be known for its deep-dish pizza and iconic skyscrapers, but it’s also home to some of the most frustrating traffic in the country.
Driving in the Windy City is a true test of patience, with gridlock turning quick trips into slow-moving marathons. Between the stop-and-go crawl on the Kennedy Expressway (I-90) and the bottlenecks along the Stevenson (I-55), getting from point A to point B often feels like a game of endurance rather than efficiency.
At Blacklane, we’ve been chauffeuring Chicago’s travelers for years, helping them move seamlessly through the city despite its ever-changing traffic patterns. In this article, we’ll break down the city’s traffic landscape, highlight its rush hour patterns, and reveal the best time to drive through Chicago, giving you a clearer picture of what it really means to navigate one of America’s busiest cities.
Table of contents
How bad is Chicago traffic?
Chicago's traffic congestion has been a significant concern, impacting daily commutes and the city's overall mobility.
Average time spent in traffic: According to traffic data specialists INRIX, Chicago drivers lost an average of 102 hours to traffic congestion in 2024, tying with New York City for the highest in the United States, according to recent traffic data.
Cost of congestion: This heavy congestion not only increased travel times but also resulted in an estimated $1,826 in lost productivity and fuel costs per driver.
When is rush hour in Chicago?
Morning rush hour: Traffic congestion typically builds between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., with the heaviest delays occurring from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Evening rush hour: The evening rush extends from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., peaking between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Lunch hour traffic: Chicago experiences a midday traffic surge between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. due to lunch breaks, particularly in the city center.
Busiest days of the week:
Fridays: Traffic volumes increase on Fridays, especially in the evenings, as residents and visitors head into the city for events and nightlife.
Thursdays: Traffic data indicates that more drivers are on the road on Thursdays, contributing to increased congestion.
Best times to drive through Chicago
Morning hours: If you’re up before the sun, you’re in luck. Before 5 a.m. is one of the rare times you’ll get a smooth ride in Chicago. Late mornings between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. are a slightly better bet, but don't expect empty roads, just fewer brake lights.
Afternoon and evening hours: Early afternoons from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. often experience reduced traffic. After 7 p.m., traffic starts to calm down. Remember it’s still Chicago though, so don’t get your hopes too high.
Most congested streets in Chicago
In 2024, Chicago had five of the 10 most congested roads in the U.S., making it one of the most challenging cities for drivers. If you’ve ever wondered why your quick trip took an hour, these stretches are likely to blame:
Stevenson Expressway (I-55) Southbound from I-90 to South Cicero Avenue: Ranked 5th nationwide, this stretch cost drivers 79 hours in stop-and-go traffic over the year.
Kennedy Expressway (I-90) Eastbound from Cicero Avenue to W. Fullerton Avenue: Tied for 6th place, this segment saw significant congestion, slowing travel times considerably.
Kennedy Expressway (I-90) Eastbound from Cicero Avenue to Ohio Street: Coming in at 7th place, this stretch resulted in 76 hours lost in traffic delays throughout the year.
Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) Eastbound from South Wolf Road to Harlem Avenue: Ranked 9th nationwide, the "Ike" accounted for 66 lost hours in 2024, making rush hour even longer for commuters.
Kennedy Expressway (I-90) Westbound from W. Ontario Street to W. Irving Park Road: 10th on the list of worst corridors in the U.S., this stretch contributed to 64 hours of delays for drivers over the year.
Traffic safety and accidents in Chicago
Traffic crashes remain a major concern in Chicago, with data from 2024 marking one of the city’s worst years for injuries.
Total Crashes: 112,006 collisions were reported.
Total Fatalities: 124 lives were lost in these crashes.
Total Injuries: 25,692 people were injured, the highest number ever recorded.
How to avoid Chicago traffic
If you’re wondering why Chicago traffic is so bad, you’re not alone. Here expressways feel more like parking lots, and if you’re hoping the side streets will save you, think again. Public transportation? It works when it’s on time. But between overcrowded L trains, unpredictable delays, and transfers, even that can feel like a gamble.
So what’s the best way to deal with Chicago traffic? We say Blacklane.
With Blacklane’s premium chauffeured rides, you don’t have to stress about detours, delays, or bumper-to-bumper madness. No more circling for parking, no navigating through gridlock, just a comfortable, seamless ride whether you’re heading to O’Hare airport, a business meeting or simply getting around town. Chicago traffic may be unavoidable, but how you experience it is up to you.
