How far is Champaign, IL from Carbondale, IL?
The driving distance from Champaign, IL to Carbondale, IL is about 199.6 miles (321.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 173.2 miles (278.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 30m 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 45m.
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Champaign and Carbondale.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign and Carbondale.
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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
1.3 mi · 2 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 57 South: Memphis
1515 ft · 43 sec
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7
Merge slight left
77.4 mi · 1 hr 23 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 57 South: Memphis
65.7 mi · 1 hr 11 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on Ken Gray Expressway
37.4 mi · 40 min · Ken Gray Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward IL 13: Harrisburg, Marion, Carbondale
1758 ft · 43 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on IL 13: Harrisburg, Marion, Carbondale
2421 ft · 59 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on IL 13: Harrisburg, Marion, Carbondale
913 ft · 22 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto West Deyoung Street
3.4 mi · 4 min · West Deyoung Street
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14
Continue on IL-13
11 mi · 17 min · IL-13
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Champaign and Carbondale.
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 South
Merge slight left
77.4 mi · 01h 23m
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 Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carbondale.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Champaign to Carbondale?
The road trip is about 199.6 miles (321.2 km) and usually takes 03h 45m 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 Champaign and 99.7 miles from Carbondale.
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 26.4 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 9:30 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.55 one way or $53.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.6 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 Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carbondale.
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 Champaign and Carbondale. Straight-line distance: 173.16 mi (278.68 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 Carbondale
City in Illinois, USA
| Population | 25,036 |
| Coordinates | 37.7272700, -89.2167500 |
| Altitude | 126 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carbondale (-89.21675, 37.72727)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 321 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 38m |
| 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 | $26.55 | $53.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.94 | $59.88 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.76 | $65.53 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.34 | $74.68 |
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.