How far is Markham, IL from Athens, IL?
The driving distance from Markham, IL to Athens, IL is about 179.5 miles (288.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 154.9 miles (249.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 49m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 24m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Markham and Athens.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Markham and Athens.
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1
Start on 163rd Street
20 m · 7 sec · 163rd Street
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2
Turn right onto Kedzie Avenue
2913 ft · 1 min · Kedzie Avenue
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3
Take the ramp slight right toward I 80 West
2482 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left
28 mi · 35 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
1900 ft · 54 sec
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6
Merge slight left
93 mi · 1 hr 40 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
47.8 mi · 51 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IL 123: Williamsville
1678 ft · 41 sec
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9
Keep slight right
112 m · 11 sec
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10
Turn straight onto County Highway 2
644 ft · 12 sec · County Highway 2
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11
Continue on Dinius Road
2.9 mi · 4 min · Dinius Road
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12
Continue on County Road 11 North
3.6 mi · 6 min · County Road 11 North
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13
Turn right
1.5 mi · 2 min
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14
Turn left onto Springfield Road
1810 ft · 1 min · Springfield Road
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15
Continue on East Hargrave Street
2666 ft · 2 min · East Hargrave Street
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16
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Main Street
33 m · 4 sec · North Main Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Markham and Athens.
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 55 South
Merge slight left
93 mi · 01h 40m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Rain Showers leaving Markham and Chance Rain Showers near Athens.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Markham to Athens?
The road trip is about 179.5 miles (288.8 km) and usually takes 03h 24m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Chenoa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.7 miles from Markham and 89.8 miles from Athens.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 154.9 miles (249.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.87 one way or $47.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Markham and Chance Rain Showers near Athens.
Stop Ideas Near Chenoa
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 Chenoa.
Pontiac station
Uptown Station
Dwight station
Gilman
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Markham and Athens. Straight-line distance: 154.91 mi (249.3 km).
#1 Markham
A city located in Cook County, Illinois.
| Population | 13,400 |
| Coordinates | 41.5936500, -87.6947700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Athens
City in Menard County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,893 |
| Coordinates | 39.9608800, -89.7239900 |
| Altitude | 183 |
| Country | United States |
End: Athens (-89.72399, 39.96088)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 289 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.87 | $47.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.92 | $53.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.46 | $58.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.57 | $67.15 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.