How far is Lexington, IL from Champaign, IL?
The driving distance from Lexington, IL to Champaign, IL is about 55.6 miles (89.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 46.1 miles (74.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 05m 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 02m.
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 McLean County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lexington and Champaign.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lexington and Champaign.
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1
Start on South Cedar Street
13 m · 7 sec · South Cedar Street
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2
Turn left onto West Main Street
2375 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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3
Turn left onto Old Route 66
7.7 mi · 11 min · Old Route 66
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4
Turn left onto North Jefferson Street
2083 ft · 1 min · North Jefferson Street
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5
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Hely Street
1225 ft · 35 sec · West Hely Street
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6
Continue on Towanda-Barnes Road
3 mi · 5 min · Towanda-Barnes Road
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7
Continue on North Towanda Barnes Road
6.8 mi · 11 min · North Towanda Barnes Road
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8
Turn left
2 mi · 3 min
-
9
Turn right onto North Seminary Street
3190 ft · 1 min · North Seminary Street
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10
Continue on East 700 North Road
1886 ft · 44 sec · East 700 North Road
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11
Turn left onto I 74 East: Champaign
1420 ft · 35 sec
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12
Merge slight left
38.4 mi · 42 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Neil Street
1387 ft · 34 sec
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14
Keep slight right to continue on Neil Street
43 m · 6 sec
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15
Turn right onto North Neil Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · 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 Lexington 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 74 East
Merge slight left
38.4 mi · 00h 42m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Lexington 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 Lexington to Champaign?
The road trip is about 55.6 miles (89.5 km) and usually takes 01h 02m 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?
Empire is a useful midpoint, sitting about 30.8 miles from Lexington and 24.8 miles from Champaign.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 46.1 miles (74.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.5 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 4:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.39 one way or $14.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Lexington and Mostly Sunny near Champaign.
Stop Ideas Near Empire
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 Empire.
Uptown Station
Illinois Terminal
Rantoul
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lexington and Champaign. Straight-line distance: 46.08 mi (74.16 km).
#1 Lexington
City in McLean County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 2,020 |
| Coordinates | 40.6414200, -88.7834000 |
| Altitude | 229 |
| 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: 89 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.39 | $14.78 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.34 | $16.67 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.12 | $18.24 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.40 | $20.79 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.