How far is Kankakee, IL from Champaign, IL?
The driving distance from Kankakee, IL to Champaign, IL is about 77.6 miles (124.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 72.2 miles (116.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 32m 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 16m.
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 Iroquois County, Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Patchy Blowing Dust
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Kankakee and Champaign.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kankakee and Champaign.
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1
Start on East Court Street
3 m · 4 sec · East Court Street
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2
Turn right onto South Indiana Avenue
2351 ft · 48 sec · South Indiana Avenue
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3
Turn right onto East River Street
776 ft · 21 sec · East River Street
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4
Turn left onto South Schuyler Avenue
2.5 mi · 4 min · South Schuyler Avenue
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5
Take the ramp right toward I-57 South: Champaign
2010 ft · 57 sec
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6
Merge slight left
66.6 mi · 1 hr 11 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Market Street
1379 ft · 27 sec
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8
Turn left
29 m · 5 sec
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9
Turn left onto Market Street
3.9 mi · 6 min · Market Street
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10
Turn right onto East Bradley Avenue
1333 ft · 34 sec · East Bradley Avenue
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11
Turn left onto North Neil Street
1.2 km · 2 min · North Neil Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Neil Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Kankakee 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-57 South
Merge slight left
66.6 mi · 01h 11m
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.
Partly Sunny then Patchy Blowing Dust leaving Kankakee and Mostly Sunny near Champaign.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Kankakee to Champaign?
The road trip is about 77.6 miles (124.9 km) and usually takes 01h 16m 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?
Buckley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 37.7 miles from Kankakee and 40 miles from Champaign.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 72.2 miles (116.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.4 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 3:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.33 one way or $20.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Patchy Blowing Dust around Kankakee and Mostly Sunny near Champaign.
Stop Ideas Near Buckley
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 Buckley.
Gilman
Rantoul
Illinois Terminal
Pontiac station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Kankakee and Champaign. Straight-line distance: 72.18 mi (116.17 km).
#1 Kankakee
City in Kankakee County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 25,668 |
| Coordinates | 41.1200300, -87.8611500 |
| Altitude | 200 |
| 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: 125 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.33 | $20.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.65 | $23.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.75 | $25.50 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.53 | $29.07 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.