How far is Champaign, IL from New Salem, IL?
The driving distance from Champaign, IL to New Salem, IL is about 156.6 miles (252 km), with a travel time of about 02h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 53m 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 02h 56m.
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.
Village in Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Champaign and New Salem.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign and New Salem.
-
1
Start on North Neil Street
13 m · 6 sec · North Neil Street
-
2
Turn right onto West University Avenue
141 m · 17 sec · West University Avenue
-
3
Turn right onto North Randolph Street
721 ft · 28 sec · North Randolph Street
-
4
Turn left onto West Church Street
1.9 mi · 5 min · West Church Street
-
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
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
66.2 mi · 1 hr 11 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward Pittsfield, New Salem
1788 ft · 44 sec
-
9
Turn right onto Pittsfield Road
2.7 mi · 7 min · Pittsfield Road
-
10
Turn right onto Griggsville Street
23 m · 2 sec · Griggsville Street
-
11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Griggsville Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Champaign and New Salem.
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 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 Sunny leaving Champaign and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near New Salem.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Champaign to New Salem?
The road trip is about 156.6 miles (252 km) and usually takes 02h 56m 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?
Riverton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.2 miles from Champaign and 78.4 miles from New Salem.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 140.9 miles (226.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.85 one way or $41.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Champaign and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near New Salem.
Stop Ideas Near Riverton
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 Riverton.
Springfield station
Lincoln
Carlinville
Uptown Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Champaign and New Salem. Straight-line distance: 140.87 mi (226.71 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 New Salem
Township in Pike County, Illinois
| Population | 5,337 |
| Coordinates | 39.7075500, -90.8476300 |
| Altitude | 239 |
| Country | United States |
End: New Salem (-90.84763, 39.70755)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 252 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.85 | $41.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.52 | $47.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.74 | $51.47 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.33 | $58.66 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.