How far is Champaign, IL from Independence, IL?
The driving distance from Champaign, IL to Independence, IL is about 161 miles (259.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 141.1 miles (227.1 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.
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 Independence.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign and Independence.
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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
-
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 right to continue on I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
62.5 mi · 1 hr 7 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 54, IL 107: Griggsville, Pittsfield
1298 ft · 25 sec
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9
Turn slight left
5.3 mi · 9 min
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10
Turn left onto East Washington Street
123 m · 9 sec · East Washington Street
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11
Turn right onto South Illinois Street
130 m · 24 sec · South Illinois Street
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12
Turn left onto East Fayette Street
109 m · 17 sec · East Fayette Street
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13
Turn right onto Piper Lane
2017 ft · 1 min · Piper Lane
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14
Continue on County Highway 7
5 mi · 12 min · County Highway 7
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15
Turn right onto Road 900
79 m · 11 sec · Road 900
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Road 900
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Champaign and Independence.
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Champaign and Mostly Sunny near Independence.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Champaign to Independence?
The road trip is about 161 miles (259.1 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?
Clear Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.3 miles from Champaign and 80.7 miles from Independence.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 141.1 miles (227.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.9 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 $21.42 one way or $42.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Champaign and Mostly Sunny near Independence.
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 Independence. Straight-line distance: 141.12 mi (227.11 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 Independence
Township in Saline County, Illinois
| Population | 1,044 |
| Coordinates | 39.5314400, -90.7915200 |
| Altitude | 203 |
| Country | United States |
End: Independence (-90.79152, 39.53144)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 259 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.42 | $42.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.16 | $48.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.43 | $52.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.13 | $60.25 |
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.