How far is Champaign, IL from Empire, IL?
The driving distance from Champaign, IL to Empire, IL is about 31.5 miles (50.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 27.8 miles (44.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 20m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 40m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Champaign and Empire.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign and Empire.
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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
1.2 km · 2 min · North Randolph Street
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto West Bradley Avenue
140 m · 13 sec · West Bradley Avenue
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5
Turn slight right onto Bloomington Road
1.1 km · 2 min · Bloomington Road
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6
Turn right onto North Prospect Avenue
1327 ft · 39 sec · North Prospect Avenue
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7
Take the ramp left toward I 74 West: Bloomington
1635 ft · 40 sec
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8
Merge slight left
27.8 mi · 30 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 136: Rantoul, Heyworth
1490 ft · 26 sec
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10
Turn right onto East 200 North Road
810 ft · 16 sec · East 200 North Road
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11
Turn right onto East 150 North Road
1.1 mi · 4 min · East 150 North Road
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 150 North Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Champaign and Empire.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 74 West
Merge slight left
27.8 mi · 00h 30m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Champaign and Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Champaign to Empire?
The road trip is about 31.5 miles (50.7 km) and usually takes 00h 40m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mansfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 15.7 miles from Champaign and 15.8 miles from Empire.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 27.8 miles (44.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.7 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.19 one way or $8.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Champaign and Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Stop Ideas Near Mansfield
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 Mansfield.
Illinois Terminal
Rantoul
Uptown Station
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Champaign and Empire. Straight-line distance: 27.76 mi (44.68 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 Empire
Township in McLean County, Illinois
| Population | 4,024 |
| Coordinates | 40.3055900, -88.7075700 |
| Altitude | 231 |
| Country | United States |
End: Empire (-88.70757, 40.30559)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 51 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.19 | $8.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.72 | $9.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.17 | $10.33 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.89 | $11.77 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.