route thru Chicago area

Stay far far away from 30, it goes through the burbs of Chicago, with awful stop & go city traffic, lights every block. The last time I drove it, the potholes were big enough to lose a VW Bug in them.

I80, even if there is traffic, is 4 lane, much better. As Bumpy said if going north, I39 is the way to go.

There are 3 digit interstates that go around the city. Most are toll-free.

I go west at least a couple of times a year. I always go I-80 preferably early in the morning or after 9 a.m. If going through at night the later the better. When I came through there June 30th, week-end of the 4th. I did so around 11 p.m. and was never under 65 mph. If I'm headed north and west of Chicago I do as bumpy said. Go west to I-39 and you only have 2 toll booths the one at the 90/80 split and again at Rockford Il.

I took I-80 one time and US 30 another time. I sat in traffic both times. LOTS of traffic.
The next time I go to west, I'll go out of my way to bypass Chicago. :)

Jacksons wrote:
which would be better east west route through Chicago, I 80 or 30??

It depends on what your objective is.
Mid-day or evenings, 80 would likely be quicker.

If you want frequent stops at eclectic local places, then 30 is good.

Neither really is "through" Chicago.

I-80 would be much quicker as it's an interstate.

I took these "shortcuts" like 30 once, never again. go across and if going north, pick up I-39
bumpy