How far is Independence, IL from Champaign, IL?
The driving distance from Independence, IL to Champaign, IL is about 160.5 miles (258.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 141.1 miles (227.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 07m 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 33m.
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Independence and Champaign.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Independence and Champaign.
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1
Start on Road 900
79 m · 17 sec · Road 900
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2
Turn left onto County Highway 7
5 mi · 12 min · County Highway 7
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3
Continue on Piper Lane
2017 ft · 2 min · Piper Lane
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto East Fayette Street
109 m · 18 sec · East Fayette Street
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5
Turn right onto South Illinois Street
130 m · 24 sec · South Illinois Street
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6
Turn left onto East Washington Street
123 m · 11 sec · East Washington Street
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7
Turn right onto North Jackson Street
5.1 mi · 8 min · North Jackson Street
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8
Take the ramp right toward I 72 East, US 36 East: Springfield
1361 ft · 33 sec
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9
Merge slight left
67.2 mi · 1 hr 12 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 72 East, US 36 East: Decatur
37 mi · 40 min
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11
Continue straight
43.2 mi · 47 min
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12
Continue on West University Avenue
1.9 mi · 5 min · West University Avenue
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13
Turn left onto North Randolph Street
111 m · 12 sec · North Randolph Street
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14
Turn right onto West Park Avenue
140 m · 15 sec · West Park Avenue
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15
Turn right onto North Neil Street
97 m · 11 sec · North Neil Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Neil Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Independence and Champaign.
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 72 East
Merge slight left
67.2 mi · 01h 13m
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 Independence and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny near Champaign.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Independence to Champaign?
The road trip is about 160.5 miles (258.3 km) and usually takes 02h 33m 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?
Clear Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.1 miles from Independence and 80.3 miles from Champaign.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 141.1 miles (227.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.4 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 1:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.34 one way or $42.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Independence and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny near Champaign.
Stop Ideas Near Clear Lake
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 Clear Lake.
Springfield station
Lincoln
Carlinville
Uptown Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Independence and Champaign. Straight-line distance: 141.12 mi (227.11 km).
#1 Independence
Township in Saline County, Illinois
| Population | 1,044 |
| Coordinates | 39.5314400, -90.7915200 |
| Altitude | 203 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Champaign
The most populous city in Champaign County, Illinois.
| Population | 89,390 |
| Coordinates | 40.1164200, -88.2433800 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Neil Street (-88.243515, 40.11642)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 258 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.34 | $42.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.07 | $48.14 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $26.34 | $52.68 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.02 | $60.04 |
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.