How far is Champaign, IL from Thornton, IL?
The driving distance from Champaign, IL to Thornton, IL is about 117.6 miles (189.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 105.6 miles (170 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 34m 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 17m.
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.
Township in Iroquois County, Illinois
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 Thornton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign and Thornton.
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1
Start on North Neil Street
13 m · 9 sec · North Neil Street
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2
Turn left onto East University Avenue
73 m · 12 sec · East University Avenue
-
3
Turn left onto North Walnut Street
1377 ft · 45 sec · North Walnut Street
-
4
Turn right onto East Washington Street
77 m · 13 sec · East Washington Street
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5
Turn left onto North Market Street
4.3 mi · 7 min · North Market Street
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6
Take the ramp right toward I-57 North: Kankakee
1642 ft · 40 sec
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7
Merge slight left
103.9 mi · 1 hr 53 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East: Indiana
2657 ft · 50 sec
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9
Merge slight left
3 mi · 4 min
-
10
Keep slight left
2.1 mi · 3 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward IL 1: Halsted Street
1185 ft · 29 sec
-
12
Keep slight right to continue on IL 1 South: Halsted Street
2096 ft · 51 sec
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13
Turn straight onto Halsted Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Halsted Street
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14
Turn left onto Ridge Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Ridge Road
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15
At the end of the road, turn right onto Margaret Street
1.4 km · 2 min · Margaret Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Margaret Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Champaign and Thornton.
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 North
Merge slight left
104 mi · 01h 53m
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 Mostly Sunny near Thornton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Champaign to Thornton?
The road trip is about 117.6 miles (189.3 km) and usually takes 02h 17m 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?
Ashkum is a useful midpoint, sitting about 58.8 miles from Champaign and 58.8 miles from Thornton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 105.6 miles (170 km), while the road route adds roughly 12 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 1:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.65 one way or $31.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Champaign and Mostly Sunny near Thornton.
Stop Ideas Near Ashkum
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 Ashkum.
Gilman
Kankakee
Dwight station
Pontiac station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Champaign and Thornton. Straight-line distance: 105.65 mi (170.03 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 Thornton
Village in Cook County, Illinois, USA
| Population | 2,367 |
| Coordinates | 41.5680900, -87.6081000 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| Country | United States |
End: Thornton (-87.6081, 41.56809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 189 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.65 | $31.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.65 | $35.30 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.31 | $38.63 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.01 | $44.02 |
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.