How far is Petersburg, IL from Champaign, IL?
The driving distance from Petersburg, IL to Champaign, IL is about 170.6 miles (274.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 138.3 miles (222.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 31m 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 45m.
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.
City in Effingham County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Petersburg and Champaign.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Petersburg and Champaign.
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1
Start on West State Street
2938 ft · 1 min · West State Street
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2
Turn right onto South Lincoln Avenue
2591 ft · 56 sec · South Lincoln Avenue
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3
Turn left onto Highway 50
2.1 mi · 4 min · Highway 50
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4
Continue straight
3.7 mi · 4 min
-
5
Turn left onto South Madison Street
11.5 mi · 17 min · South Madison Street
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6
Take the ramp right
1303 ft · 32 sec
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7
Merge slight left
77.3 mi · 1 hr 24 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 57 North: Chicago
71.4 mi · 1 hr 16 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I-72 East: University Avenue
2610 ft · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left
1.6 km · 1 min
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11
Continue on West University Avenue
1.9 mi · 5 min · West University Avenue
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12
Turn left onto North Randolph Street
111 m · 12 sec · North Randolph Street
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13
Turn right onto West Park Avenue
140 m · 15 sec · West Park Avenue
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14
Turn right onto North Neil Street
97 m · 11 sec · North Neil Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Neil Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Petersburg and Champaign.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
South Madison Street
Merge slight left
77.3 mi · 01h 24m
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 Petersburg and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny near Champaign.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Petersburg to Champaign?
The road trip is about 170.6 miles (274.5 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Altamont is a useful midpoint, sitting about 85.5 miles from Petersburg and 85.1 miles from Champaign.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 138.3 miles (222.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.3 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 12:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.70 one way or $45.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Petersburg and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Sunny near Champaign.
Stop Ideas Near Altamont
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 Altamont.
Effingham
Mattoon station
Centralia station
Mt. Vernon, IL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Petersburg and Champaign. Straight-line distance: 138.29 mi (222.55 km).
#1 Petersburg
City in Menard County, Illinois
| Population | 2,207 |
| Coordinates | 38.5922700, -89.9212100 |
| Altitude | 167 |
| 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: 274 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.70 | $45.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.60 | $51.21 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.02 | $56.03 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.93 | $63.86 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.