S.

Compared to other major cities, how difficult is driving in Chicago? Thanks in advance!

Chicagoan

Just be aggressive, don't let others take advantage. If you do you will get nowhere fast.

Paul Rabe

I've driven in Chicago dozens of times and found it much better than New York, Boston, or Philadelphia. Note that you don't need a car for Chicago, as its mass transit system is excellent.

Be aware of the names of the freeways as you listen to traffic reports; you'll hear "A big jam-up on the Eisenhower" not "A big jam-up on I-290"

marilyn

I think it's easier, but I have the advantage of familiarity! That said, Chicago has a grid system of streets that is easy to navigate, with relatively few angle streets. The traffic is heavy, but not near as bad as New York, or as difficult as Boston with its confusing street patterns. Just remember: the lake is always east!

Brad

Depends *where* in Chicago. Sometimes it's a breeze, other times it's a nightmare. For the most part, downtown really isn't too bad and neither are the highways. Traffic WILL be a nightmare during rush hour (and possibly other times too!).

Streets like Sheridan north of Lake Shore are quite treacherous because, like many other major roads in Chicago, it's a four lane road without decent (or any often) turn lanes, so there is a lot of stopping and sudden lane changes.

Melissa

I live in the Chicago suburbs. Traffic in rush hour is bad, but it is very easy to find your way around the city (aside from a handful of one-way streets). Just know that upper and lower wacker drives are under major construction and many streets are changed in that area b/c of the construction.

Rachel

I hate driving in NY and Boston, but Chicago isn't bad at all. The only distraction is the high cost of parking, which is no different than other large cities. chicago does have terrific mass transit if you want to avoid city driving and parking. Note that a couple of underground garages along the Magnificent Mile (in really tall buildings) were inspecting trunks over Thanksgiving weekend before allowing people to park there. I don't know if that practice is continuing, but at least there are security measures in place for our protection

Susan

Michigan Ave & Lake Shore Drive will probably be your most difficult drives, always extremely busy & on LSD, people drive like maniacs!!

Maggie

Susan, your answer sure brought a smile to my face! 25 years ago, the guys down the hall in my college dorm were always playing that song! Thanks for the memory.