How far is Chicago, IL from Urbana, IL?
The driving distance from Chicago, IL to Urbana, IL is about 135.3 miles (217.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 123.7 miles (199 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 22m 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 41m.
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 United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chicago and Urbana.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago and Urbana.
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1
Start on the route
943 ft · 1 min
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Cermak Road
947 ft · 26 sec · West Cermak Road
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3
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
737 ft · 17 sec · South Halsted Street
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4
Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue
87 m · 6 sec · South Canalport Avenue
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5
Turn slight right
34 m · 5 sec
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6
Take the ramp straight toward I 90 East, I 94 East
139 m · 11 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 90, I 94 East: Indiana
929 ft · 23 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Dan Ryan Expressway
1.2 km · 48 sec · Dan Ryan Expressway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
8.8 mi · 12 min · Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 57 South: Memphis
117.8 mi · 2 hr 11 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Market Street
1379 ft · 27 sec
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12
Turn left
29 m · 5 sec
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13
Turn left onto Market Street
3.9 mi · 6 min · Market Street
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14
Turn left onto East Bradley Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · East Bradley Avenue
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15
Turn right onto North Goodwin Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · North Goodwin Avenue
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16
Turn left onto West University Avenue
1189 ft · 34 sec · West University Avenue
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17
Turn right onto North Lincoln Avenue
2194 ft · 1 min · North Lincoln Avenue
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18
Turn left onto West Green Street
2901 ft · 1 min · West Green Street
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19
Turn right onto South Race Street
87 m · 13 sec · South Race Street
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20
Turn left
70 m · 22 sec
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21
Turn left
37 m · 11 sec
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22
Turn right
14 m · 3 sec
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chicago and Urbana.
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
Keep slight right to continue on I 57 South: Memphis
118 mi · 02h 11m
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 Chicago and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny near Urbana.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Urbana?
The road trip is about 135.3 miles (217.7 km) and usually takes 02h 41m 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?
Chebanse is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.7 miles from Chicago and 67.6 miles from Urbana.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 123.7 miles (199 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.6 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 1:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.99 one way or $35.98 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Chicago and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny near Urbana.
Stop Ideas Near Chebanse
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 Chebanse.
Kankakee
Gilman
Dwight station
Joliet Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chicago and Urbana. Straight-line distance: 123.65 mi (198.99 km).
#1 Chicago
The third most populous city in the United States and the center of the Chicago metropolitan area.
| Population | 2,677,643 |
| Coordinates | 41.850033, -87.6500523 |
| Altitude | 179 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Urbana
County seat of Champaign County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 7,093 |
| Coordinates | 40.1105900, -88.2072700 |
| Altitude | 222 |
| Country | United States |
End: Urbana (-88.20727, 40.11059)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 218 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.99 | $35.98 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.29 | $40.57 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.20 | $44.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.30 | $50.60 |
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.