How far is Champaign, IL from Brighton, IL?
The driving distance from Champaign, IL to Brighton, IL is about 159.6 miles (256.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 125.5 miles (201.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 20m 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 10m.
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.
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Champaign and Brighton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign and Brighton.
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1
Start on North Neil Street
13 m · 6 sec · North Neil Street
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2
Turn right onto West University Avenue
141 m · 17 sec · West University Avenue
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3
Turn right onto North Randolph Street
721 ft · 28 sec · North Randolph Street
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4
Turn left onto West Church Street
1.9 mi · 5 min · West Church Street
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5
Continue straight
79.9 mi · 1 hr 26 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 South, I 72 West: Saint Louis, Jacksonville
5.3 mi · 7 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis
39.7 mi · 43 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IL 16: Gillespie, Litchfield
2998 ft · 57 sec
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9
Turn straight onto County Road 1200 North
8.4 mi · 12 min · County Road 1200 North
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10
Turn right onto Broadway Street
8 mi · 12 min · Broadway Street
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11
Turn right onto 8000N
4.4 mi · 6 min · 8000N
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12
Continue on East Railroad Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · East Railroad Street
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13
Continue on 8000N
4.7 mi · 7 min · 8000N
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14
Turn left onto Main Street
4.9 mi · 7 min · Main Street
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15
Continue on North Main Street
1966 ft · 60 sec · North Main Street
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16
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Main Street
42 m · 9 sec · South Main Street
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17
Turn left onto North Market Street
104 m · 9 sec · North Market Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Market Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Champaign and Brighton.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West Church Street
Continue straight
79.9 mi · 01h 26m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Champaign and Showers And Thunderstorms near Brighton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Champaign to Brighton?
The road trip is about 159.6 miles (256.9 km) and usually takes 03h 10m 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?
Clear Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.7 miles from Champaign and 79.9 miles from Brighton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 125.5 miles (201.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.1 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 10:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.23 one way or $42.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Champaign and Showers And Thunderstorms near Brighton.
Stop Ideas Near Clear Lake
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 Clear Lake.
Springfield station
Lincoln
Carlinville
Uptown Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Champaign and Brighton. Straight-line distance: 125.46 mi (201.91 km).
#1 Champaign
The most populous city in Champaign County, Illinois.
| Population | 89,390 |
| Coordinates | 40.1164200, -88.2433800 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Brighton
Village in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,967 |
| Coordinates | 39.0397700, -90.1406600 |
| Altitude | 202 |
| Country | United States |
End: Brighton (-90.14066, 39.03977)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 257 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 19m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.23 | $42.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.94 | $47.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.20 | $52.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.86 | $59.72 |
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.