How far is Empire, IL from Bloomington, IL?
The driving distance from Empire, IL to Bloomington, IL is about 21.3 miles (34.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 19.4 miles (31.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 01m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 30m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Illinois, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Empire and Bloomington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Empire and Bloomington.
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1
Start on East 150 North Road
1.1 mi · 4 min · East 150 North Road
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2
Turn left onto East 200 North Road
784 ft · 13 sec · East 200 North Road
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3
Take the ramp right toward I 74 West: Bloomington
2041 ft · 50 sec
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4
Merge slight left
16.1 mi · 17 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 51 South, US 51 Business North: Bloomington
1673 ft · 41 sec
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6
Turn right onto South Main Street
2.8 mi · 6 min · South Main Street
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7
Continue on South East Street
2717 ft · 1 min · South East Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North East Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Empire and Bloomington.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 74 West
Merge slight left
16.1 mi · 00h 17m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny leaving Empire and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny near Bloomington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Empire to Bloomington?
The road trip is about 21.3 miles (34.2 km) and usually takes 00h 30m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Downs is a useful midpoint, sitting about 10.6 miles from Empire and 10.6 miles from Bloomington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 19.4 miles (31.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.83 one way or $5.66 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny around Empire and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny near Bloomington.
Stop Ideas Near Downs
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall - Town of Normal
City of Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington Finance Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Downs.
Uptown Station
Lincoln
Pontiac station
Rantoul
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Empire and Bloomington. Straight-line distance: 19.47 mi (31.33 km).
#1 Empire
Township in McLean County, Illinois
| Population | 4,024 |
| Coordinates | 40.3055900, -88.7075700 |
| Altitude | 231 |
| 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: Bloomington (-88.99369, 40.4842)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 34 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.83 | $5.66 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.19 | $6.38 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $3.49 | $6.98 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $3.98 | $7.96 |
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.