How far is Decatur, IL from Chatham, IL?
The driving distance from Decatur, IL to Chatham, IL is about 50.1 miles (80.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 41.4 miles (66.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 02m 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 01h 01m.
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 Sangamon County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Decatur and Chatham.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Decatur and Chatham.
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1
Start on East Wood Street
155 m · 23 sec · East Wood Street
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2
Turn left onto South Franklin Street
1982 ft · 49 sec · South Franklin Street
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3
Turn left onto West Eldorado Street
35.8 mi · 41 min · West Eldorado Street
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4
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 South, I 72 West: Saint Louis, Jacksonville
5.3 mi · 7 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I 72 West, US 36 West: Jacksonville
3.4 mi · 4 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IL 4: Springfield, Chatham
2551 ft · 55 sec
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7
Keep slight left
81 m · 9 sec
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8
Turn left onto South Veterans Parkway
1173 ft · 23 sec · South Veterans Parkway
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9
Continue on South Veterans Parkway
1.5 mi · 2 min · South Veterans Parkway
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10
Continue on North Main Street
3 mi · 5 min · North Main Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Decatur and Chatham.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West Eldorado Street
Turn left onto West Eldorado Street
35.8 mi · 00h 41m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Decatur and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Chatham.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Decatur to Chatham?
The road trip is about 50.1 miles (80.7 km) and usually takes 01h 01m 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?
Buffalo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25 miles from Decatur and 25.1 miles from Chatham.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 41.4 miles (66.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.7 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 4:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.67 one way or $13.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Decatur and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Chatham.
Stop Ideas Near Buffalo
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 Buffalo.
Springfield station
Lincoln
Carlinville
Uptown Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Decatur and Chatham. Straight-line distance: 41.41 mi (66.64 km).
#1 Decatur
The most populous city in Macon County, Illinois.
| Population | 70,007 |
| Coordinates | 39.8403100, -88.9548000 |
| Altitude | 205 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Chatham
Village in Illinois, USA
| Population | 13,159 |
| Coordinates | 39.6761600, -89.7045400 |
| Altitude | 184 |
| Country | United States |
End: Chatham (-89.70454, 39.67616)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 81 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.67 | $13.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.53 | $15.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.24 | $16.48 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.39 | $18.78 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.