How far is Decatur, IL from Effingham, IL?
The driving distance from Decatur, IL to Effingham, IL is about 72.9 miles (117.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 54.4 miles (87.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 20m 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 40m.
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 the United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Decatur and Effingham.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Decatur and Effingham.
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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 · 45 sec · South Franklin Street
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3
Turn right onto West Eldorado Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West Eldorado Street
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4
Turn slight right
3.3 mi · 5 min
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5
Continue on South Mount Zion Road
2.1 mi · 3 min · South Mount Zion Road
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6
Continue on North State Route 121
35.3 mi · 51 min · North State Route 121
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7
Continue on Dewitt Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · Dewitt Avenue
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8
Turn right onto North 19th Street
2731 ft · 60 sec · North 19th Street
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9
At the end of the road, turn left onto Charleston Avenue
117 m · 10 sec · Charleston Avenue
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10
Turn right onto Lakeland Boulevard
3.7 mi · 6 min · Lakeland Boulevard
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11
Take the ramp right toward I-57 South: Effingham
2021 ft · 49 sec
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12
Merge slight left
21.4 mi · 23 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 45: Sigel, Effingham
1753 ft · 35 sec
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14
Turn left
1.9 mi · 3 min
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15
Turn right onto East Fayette Avenue
705 ft · 18 sec · East Fayette Avenue
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16
Turn right onto South 5th Street
6 m · 1 sec · South 5th Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 5th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Decatur and Effingham.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
North State Route 121
Continue on North State Route 121
35.3 mi · 00h 51m
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.
Sunny leaving Decatur and Sunny near Effingham.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Decatur to Effingham?
The road trip is about 72.9 miles (117.3 km) and usually takes 01h 40m 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?
Allenville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36.5 miles from Decatur and 36.5 miles from Effingham.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 54.4 miles (87.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.5 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 3:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.69 one way or $19.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Decatur and Sunny near Effingham.
Stop Ideas Near Allenville
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 Allenville.
Mattoon station
Effingham
Illinois Terminal
Rantoul
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Decatur and Effingham. Straight-line distance: 54.39 mi (87.53 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 Effingham
City in Illinois
| Population | 12,601 |
| Coordinates | 39.1200400, -88.5433800 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| Country | United States |
End: Effingham (-88.54338, 39.12004)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 117 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.69 | $19.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.93 | $21.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.96 | $23.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.63 | $27.26 |
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.