How far is Carbondale, IL from Champaign, IL?
The driving distance from Carbondale, IL to Champaign, IL is about 200 miles (321.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 173.2 miles (278.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 17m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 08m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Township in Fayette County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Carbondale and Champaign.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carbondale and Champaign.
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1
Start on East Main Street
539 ft · 21 sec · East Main Street
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2
Turn left onto South University Avenue
721 ft · 17 sec · South University Avenue
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3
Turn left onto West Walnut Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · West Walnut Street
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4
Continue on East Main Street
9.7 mi · 14 min · East Main Street
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5
Continue on West Deyoung Street
3.3 mi · 4 min · West Deyoung Street
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6
Take the exit slight left
1.2 mi · 3 min
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7
Merge slight left onto Ken Gray Expressway
41.3 mi · 45 min · Ken Gray Expressway
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8
Keep slight right to continue on Ken Gray Expressway
67.5 mi · 1 hr 13 min · Ken Gray Expressway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 57 North: Chicago
71.4 mi · 1 hr 16 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I-72 East: University Avenue
2610 ft · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left
1.6 km · 1 min
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12
Continue on West University Avenue
1.9 mi · 5 min · West University Avenue
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13
Turn left onto North Randolph Street
111 m · 12 sec · North Randolph Street
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14
Turn right onto West Park Avenue
140 m · 15 sec · West Park Avenue
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15
Turn right onto North Neil Street
97 m · 11 sec · North Neil Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Neil Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Carbondale and Champaign.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 57 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 57 North: Chicago
71.4 mi · 01h 16m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Carbondale and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Champaign.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Carbondale to Champaign?
The road trip is about 200 miles (321.8 km) and usually takes 03h 08m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
La Clede is a useful midpoint, sitting about 99.9 miles from Carbondale and 100 miles from Champaign.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 173.2 miles (278.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:42 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.62 one way or $53.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Carbondale and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Champaign.
Stop Ideas Near La Clede
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 La Clede.
Effingham
Centralia station
Mt. Vernon, IL
Mattoon station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Carbondale and Champaign. Straight-line distance: 173.16 mi (278.68 km).
#1 Carbondale
City in Illinois, USA
| Population | 25,036 |
| Coordinates | 37.7272700, -89.2167500 |
| Altitude | 126 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Champaign
The most populous city in Champaign County, Illinois.
| Population | 89,390 |
| Coordinates | 40.1164200, -88.2433800 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Neil Street (-88.243515, 40.11642)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 322 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.62 | $53.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.03 | $60.05 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.86 | $65.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.45 | $74.89 |
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 · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.