Charlotte to Chicago road trip: Best stops, distance & time

The best road trip stops on the Charlotte to Chicago drive are New River Gorge, Dayton OH and Indianapolis. The distance from Charlotte to Chicago by car is 755 miles, with an 11h42m driving time.

Planning a Charlotte to Chicago road trip itinerary

The Charlotte to Chicago drive connects the biggest cities in North Carolina and Illinois.

Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina. Major attractions include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the thrill-packed Carowinds amusement park and the Billy Graham Library. Another popular option is the Sea Life aquarium.

For top Charlotte activities, try historical city tours by golf cart, Segway tours through the Uptown neighbourhood and after dark ghost tours.

Well-reviewed and central Charlotte accommodation options include the AC by Marriott and the Hyatt House.

Chicago’s skyscrapers, music scene and massive collection of cultural attractions make it arguably the most exciting city in the US to visit.

Highly recommended Chicago experiences include an architecture river cruise, a gangsters and ghosts tour of famous Mob sites and a bike tour of the lakefront neighbourhoods. It’s also worth paying a visit to the Field Museum, the 360 Chicago observation deck at the Hancock Tower and the Chicago Architecture Center.

Recommended Chicago hotels include the Club Quarters Central Loop for astonishingly good value. Also consider the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile for its amazing, historic pool, and the entertainingly science-themed Hotel EMC2.

Our favourite thing to do in Chicago

The Chicago architecture cruise has a phenomenal wow factor, with the boat gliding between some of the world’s most legendary skyscrapers.

We found the commentary matches the views, too. Expect a fascinating run-down of the city’s history – and plenty of surprising detail about the buildings you’re seeing.

Book mobile-friendly tickets here.

Charlotte to Chicago distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Charlotte to Chicago is 755 miles. That makes for a driving time of around 11 hours and 42 minutes. The quickest route is along the I-77, US-35, I-70 and I-65.

The best stops to add to a Charlotte to Chicago road trip itinerary are New River Gorge, Dayton OH and Indianapolis.

Best stops between Charlotte and Chicago: New River Gorge, West Virginia

Near Beckley WV, the New River has carved the longest and deepest river gorge in the Appalachians. In the surrounding forests of New River Gorge National Park, several hiking trails lead to dramatic gorge views. Meanwhile rock climbers get some serious practice in on the steep walls.

The upper stretch of the river is beloved by white water canoeists, while the Lower Gorge has often ferocious rapids.

It is, therefore, one of the best places in the country to do a whitewater rafting tour. Nearby, you can also try ATV adventures and ziplining.

Best stops between Charlotte and Chicago: Dayton OH

Dayton, Ohio, isn’t a massive city, but it has more than played its part in history. It was here that Orville and Wilbur Wright created the first plane capable of manned, sustained flight. The original Wright Cycle Company Shop that still stands is not where the Wright Flyer was made – that was a future incarnation of the company HQ – but it was home to their bicycle business.

In Dayton, you can also visit the SunWatch Indian Village, a recreated Native American village, and the National Museum of the US Air Force.