The Great New Jersey-to-Chicago Odyssey: How Far You Ask? Further Than You Think, But Not As Far As You Can Throw a Bagel
Hey there, travel enthusiasts (or maybe just people who accidentally booked a flight to the wrong Chicago - there's one in Illinois and Gary, Indiana, which...well, let's just say it has a different kind of charm), and welcome to the burning question that's plagued philosophers for ages: just how far is Chicago from New Jersey?
Breaking News: It's Not Exactly Next Door
Yeah, sorry to burst any bicoastal dreams you might have had. New Jersey and Chicago are definitely not neighbors sharing a cup of sugar (although, depending on your experience with New Jersey drivers, sharing the road might be a different story).
The Miles Matter: How Far We Talkin' Here?
So, how far exactly are we talking? Buckle up, buttercup, because we're entering some geographical fight club territory. Here's the lowdown on distance, depending on how you plan to tackle this Windy City adventure:
-
By Plane: As the crow flies (or rather, as the plane flies!), Chicago is roughly 700 miles away from the Garden State. That translates to around 2-3 hours of snoozing in a slightly uncomfortable airplane seat (because let's be honest, airplane seats were designed by people who clearly hate knees).
-
By Car: Now, this is where things get interesting. If you're the adventurous type who enjoys quality time with your car and questionable gas station snacks, then a road trip of approximately 800 miles (and 12-14 hours) awaits! Just be prepared to dodge rogue shopping carts in Ohio and strategize the perfect playlist to avoid a singalong mutiny from your travel companions.
-
By Train: There's always the scenic route (or should we say "sleep-inducing" route) by train. This option clocks in at around 745 miles and takes a cool 27 hours. Perfect for catching up on that novel you've been meaning to finish, or, you know, staring out the window and contemplating the meaning of life.
So, is Chicago Worth the Trek?
Absolutely! Chicago is a vibrant city with stunning architecture, world-class museums, and enough deep-dish pizza to satisfy even the most ravenous carb lover. Just be sure to factor in travel time and distance when you're planning your trip, unless you're aiming to break a world record for the fastest bagel delivery across state lines.
Bonus Tip: If you're feeling overwhelmed by the options, remember, there's always New York City a little closer by. It might not be Chicago, but hey, at least you can find a decent slice of pizza there too (just don't tell Chicago I said that).
Happy travels!
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
