How far is Decatur, IL from Upper Alton, IL?
The driving distance from Decatur, IL to Upper Alton, IL is about 105.1 miles (169.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.5 miles (145.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 40m 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 20m.
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 Montgomery County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Decatur and Upper Alton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Decatur and Upper Alton.
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1
Start on East Wood Street
91 m · 16 sec · East Wood Street
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2
Turn left onto South Main Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
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3
Turn right onto West South Side Drive
1.5 km · 1 min · West South Side Drive
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4
Turn left onto South Taylorville Road
12.9 mi · 15 min · South Taylorville Road
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5
Continue on County Road 2080 E
18.4 mi · 23 min · County Road 2080 E
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6
Continue on County Road 975 N
3056 ft · 52 sec · County Road 975 N
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7
Continue on Sarpy Street
12.2 mi · 21 min · Sarpy Street
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8
Continue on Front Street
7.6 mi · 11 min · Front Street
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9
Turn left onto I 55 South: East Saint Louis
1822 ft · 44 sec
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10
Merge slight left
32.9 mi · 35 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IL 140: Alton, Greenville
1756 ft · 43 sec
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12
Turn right onto East State Street
1 km · 1 min · East State Street
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13
Continue on State Route 140
9.6 mi · 13 min · State Route 140
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14
Continue on East Bethalto Drive
1.8 mi · 4 min · East Bethalto Drive
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15
Continue on East MacArthur Drive
1.4 mi · 3 min · East MacArthur Drive
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16
Continue on West Macarthur Drive
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Macarthur Drive
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17
Continue on College Avenue
2.4 mi · 4 min · College Avenue
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18
Turn right onto Washington Avenue
2989 ft · 60 sec · Washington Avenue
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Decatur and Upper Alton.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 55 South
Merge slight left
32.9 mi · 00h 35m
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 Mostly Sunny near Upper Alton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Decatur to Upper Alton?
The road trip is about 105.1 miles (169.2 km) and usually takes 02h 20m 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?
Zanesville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 52.5 miles from Decatur and 52.6 miles from Upper Alton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.5 miles (145.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.6 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 1:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.99 one way or $27.98 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Decatur and Mostly Sunny near Upper Alton.
Stop Ideas Near Zanesville
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 Zanesville.
Carlinville
Springfield station
Alton
Gateway Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Decatur and Upper Alton. Straight-line distance: 90.54 mi (145.71 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 Upper Alton
City in Madison County, Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 29,251 |
| Coordinates | 38.9114400, -90.1506600 |
| Altitude | 166 |
| Country | United States |
End: Upper Alton (-90.15066, 38.91144)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 169 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.99 | $27.98 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.78 | $31.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.27 | $34.53 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.68 | $39.36 |
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.