How long is the drive from Chicago to HH?

[princesses2]

Thinking of going next Summer. But the airfare will probably be too much (family of 5) and the only way we'll be able to afford week in HH is if we drive to keep it within our budget (I'm saving most of our budget for WDW trip next year). So has anyone done the drive? I'm thinking maybe we'll go to HH either second week of June (right after school is out) or second week of August (just before school starts). Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Doctor P]

We're driving from the Chicago area next spring and all indications are that it is about a 16 hour drive.

 

[goodcook5]

we drove overnight, but it was a heck of a long night. Traffic was less by driving over the wee hours, so we saved a little time. About 15 to 16 hours with occasional stops. And that included a little more time from the northwest burb area.

 

[kaseyC]

We are making the drive this June. It looks like it will be about 16 hrs. We are planning to spend the night in Asheville, NC on June 4th and complete the drive on the 5th. We are also a family of 5 and since we are planning to fly to WDW in Dec., I figured driving to HH would be better since we are planning to basically relax once we get there.

 

[cgcw]

Easily 16 hours. We've done the drive for the past 4 summers. We leave home about 3 am and traveled as far as we could. First trip, we made it to Asheville, NC before calling it a day. Next trip, we hit bad weather and only made it to Seaverville, TN. It was raining cats & dogs and although we were disappointed to stop early in the afternoon, we felt it safer that way. I think the next year we made it to about the same spot, can't recall exactly. Last summer, we drove all the way to Columbia, SC. Made a very easy trip the next day.

We found when the kids would start moaning and groaning about wanted to stop, putting on a LONG movie really helped to pass the time for them. I can't imagine not having a DVD player for them in the car.

I just bought airline tickets for July this past week. We took a trip to Gettysburg last month and although it wasn't as long as a drive as to Hilton Head, I think we've decided to spoil ourselves and fly from now on. I booked us on Independence Air. I've read varying things so I hope it turns out to be a positive experience.

It's not really a bad drive. Indiana is the biggest state to travel through. And, we've learned to come to a compromise in our car as far as traveling through the mountains. DH drives, I look at the floor and keep my mouth shut. I was convinced we were going to drive off the road no matter how slow DH drove.

 

[RobDoc]

We are located just off I-65 about 2 hours south of Chicago. It takes us between 12 - 13 hours for the trip, depending on traffic, stops and conditions.

It's always been well worth the trip!

Enjoy!

 

[Laurabearz]

Airfare from Chicago to SAV sucks, big time, with United offering the only Non stop....

This year we are flying into Jacksonville Florida and driving the 3 hours (or so ) to HHI.

When the kids get older, we will drive...... or I should say I will drive and hubby will deal with the kids

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

About 15 hours or a little less, depending on what part of Chicago your starting from. Be sure to get to the I-80/94 mess at an early hour in the morning. There is always construction, and summer traffic always bogs there. Our kids are totally on program with car trips, and driving works well especially with the Disney sing-along CD collection (4 CD set of every "camp song" from years gone by). When we go to HH we always try to do more driving the first day, and like to make it to Asheville. The trip is actually very pretty, and before you know it, your there.

 

[princesses2]

Thank you for your replies. When I told DH about the 16 hour drive, he didn't look too happy. Last time we drove (only 1 baby back then), we went to Toronto which took about 10 hours. Never did that again. The most we'll drive now is 3 hours to go to Galena. DVD is a must for our kids as well.

Hmm...16 hours, huh...kids bickering, whining, crying in the back...hmm....

 

[Doug Wolfe]

Hi Chicago.... We are in Central Illinois, down in Decatur.
We also did the Toronto driving trip with a baby. NEVER AGAIN!

We are now a family of 5 too. We are going to HH next month by air.

Since it is a long time before you fly, I would search the internet for airfare deals. Hopefully, after the summer, these fuel prices will drop and so will airfare.

In our case we are driving to Bloomington, Illinois and taking AirTran. It's all jet service. We land in Atlanta and take a short connector to Savanah. We are renting a vehicle for the week in Hilton Head. Also, the parking at the Bloomington airport is free.

I love my kids. But I don't have enough hair left for a 16-hour drive, because I would pull out what is left. Anyway, you may want to start saving for jet fare and a car rental. Good luck.

 

[momsgoofy]

Wow! I checked the randmcnally site for travel time from the southern part of the state...we are 15 mins. from the intersection of I57 and I24...and they said for us it would be a 17 hour drive...but I guess they could be wrong...and could drive the speed limits...but in no way would I want to drive that far with just DH and DS (13), let alone 5 kids....AARGH!!!

I'd look into alternate airports...a cruise buddy from last Thansgiving who lives in Crown Point IN drives down to Indianapolis and gets great rates and uses a hotel ther and parks the car for free.

For us we're 2 1/2 hrs. from St. Louis, 4 hrs from Nashville, and 4 hrs. from Indianapolis that I always check the three airports for the best fare...for our June trip...St. Louis...for December it looks like Indy will get our business. It might be worth checking into the alternate airports to see what ya can find...