How far is Centralia, IL from Benton, IL?
The driving distance from Centralia, IL to Benton, IL is about 48.6 miles (78.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 54m 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 57m.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Centralia and Benton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Centralia and Benton.
-
1
Start on South Poplar Street
10.3 mi · 14 min · South Poplar Street
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2
Turn slight left onto Mount Vernon
107 m · 13 sec
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3
Take the ramp left toward Mount Vernon
1182 ft · 29 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
16.7 mi · 18 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on Ken Gray Expressway
20 mi · 22 min · Ken Gray Expressway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IL 14: Christopher, Benton
1972 ft · 50 sec
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7
Turn left onto West Main Street
1.4 km · 1 min · West Main Street
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8
Enter the roundabout toward Public Square
106 m · 6 sec · Public Square
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Public Square
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Centralia and Benton.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Ken Gray Expressway
Keep slight right to continue on Ken Gray Expressway
20 mi · 00h 22m
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.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Centralia and Sunny near Benton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Centralia to Benton?
The road trip is about 48.6 miles (78.2 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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 24.3 miles from Centralia and 24.3 miles from Benton.
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 10.3 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 $6.45 one way or $12.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Centralia and Sunny near Benton.
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 Centralia and Benton. Straight-line distance: 38.3 mi (61.63 km).
#1 Centralia
Township in Marion County, Illinois
| Population | 12,142 |
| Coordinates | 38.5250500, -89.1334000 |
| Altitude | 150 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Benton
City in Illinois
| Population | 6,784 |
| Coordinates | 37.9967200, -88.9200700 |
| Altitude | 144 |
| Country | United States |
End: Benton (-88.92007, 37.99672)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 78 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 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 | $6.45 | $12.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.27 | $14.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.96 | $15.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.07 | $18.14 |
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.