How far is Columbia, IL from Bloomington, IL?
The driving distance from Columbia, IL to Bloomington, IL is about 171.7 miles (276.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 155 miles (249.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 11m 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 35m.
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.
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia and Bloomington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia and Bloomington.
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1
Start on the route
24 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn left onto North Main Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · North Main Street
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3
Take the ramp slight right
85 m · 7 sec
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4
Merge slight left
1.5 km · 1 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I 255 North, IL 3 North, US 50 East: East Saint Louis, Chicago, Great River Road Illinois North
18.2 mi · 22 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North, I 70 East: Indianapolis, Chicago
1.2 km · 2 min
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7
Merge slight left
8.3 mi · 10 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
107.9 mi · 1 hr 57 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 North: Chicago
29.4 mi · 31 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on South Veterans Parkway
1680 ft · 21 sec · South Veterans Parkway
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11
Continue on South Veterans Parkway
2.1 mi · 3 min · South Veterans Parkway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 51 Business
1386 ft · 40 sec
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13
Turn left onto South Main Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
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14
Continue on South East Street
2717 ft · 1 min · South East Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North East Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia and Bloomington.
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 55 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
108 mi · 01h 57m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Columbia and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Bloomington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia to Bloomington?
The road trip is about 171.7 miles (276.4 km) and usually takes 02h 35m 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?
Farmersville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 85.7 miles from Columbia and 85.9 miles from Bloomington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 155 miles (249.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.7 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 1:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.85 one way or $45.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Columbia and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Bloomington.
Stop Ideas Near Farmersville
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 Farmersville.
Carlinville
Springfield station
Alton
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia and Bloomington. Straight-line distance: 155 mi (249.45 km).
#1 Columbia
City in Illinois, United States
| Population | 10,627 |
| Coordinates | 38.4436600, -90.2012200 |
| Altitude | 153 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Bloomington
The second most populous city in McLean County, Illinois.
| Population | 77,132 |
| Coordinates | 40.4842000, -88.9936900 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
End: North East Street (-88.993738, 40.484193)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 276 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.85 | $45.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.77 | $51.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.20 | $56.41 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.14 | $64.28 |
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 26, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.