How far is Benton, IL from Centralia, IL?
The driving distance from Benton, IL to Centralia, IL is about 48.3 miles (77.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 53m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 56m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City located near the center of Jefferson County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Benton and Centralia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Benton and Centralia.
-
1
Start on Public Square
133 m · 10 sec · Public Square
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2
Exit the rotary onto West Main Street
3144 ft · 55 sec · West Main Street
-
3
Take the ramp slight right
1685 ft · 41 sec
-
4
Merge slight left onto Ken Gray Expressway
24 mi · 26 min · Ken Gray Expressway
-
5
Keep slight left to continue on I 64 West: Saint Louis
12.7 mi · 14 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward US 51: Centralia, Ashley
1040 ft · 25 sec
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7
Turn right onto United States Route 51
8.6 mi · 10 min · United States Route 51
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8
Continue on Elm Street
1.6 mi · 4 min · Elm Street
-
9
Turn left onto East 2nd Street
133 m · 27 sec · East 2nd Street
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10
Turn left onto South Poplar Street
123 m · 11 sec · South Poplar Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Poplar Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Benton and Centralia.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Ken Gray Expressway
Merge slight left onto Ken Gray Expressway
24 mi · 00h 26m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Benton and Mostly Cloudy near Centralia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Benton to Centralia?
The road trip is about 48.3 miles (77.7 km) and usually takes 00h 56m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mount Vernon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.2 miles from Benton and 24.1 miles from Centralia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 10 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.41 one way or $12.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Benton and Mostly Cloudy near Centralia.
Stop Ideas Near Mount Vernon
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mount Vernon.
Mt. Vernon, IL
Centralia station
Du Quoin
Marion, IL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Benton and Centralia. Straight-line distance: 38.3 mi (61.63 km).
#1 Benton
City in Illinois
| Population | 6,784 |
| Coordinates | 37.9967200, -88.9200700 |
| Altitude | 144 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Centralia
Township in Marion County, Illinois
| Population | 12,142 |
| Coordinates | 38.5250500, -89.1334000 |
| Altitude | 150 |
| Country | United States |
End: Centralia (-89.1334, 38.52505)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 78 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.41 | $12.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.23 | $14.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.91 | $15.82 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.02 | $18.03 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Illinois · Aug 26, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.