How far is Saint Elmo, IL from Champaign, IL?
The driving distance from Saint Elmo, IL to Champaign, IL is about 98.7 miles (158.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 81.8 miles (131.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 11m 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 35m.
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 Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Elmo and Champaign.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Elmo and Champaign.
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1
Start on East 4th Street
44 m · 12 sec · East 4th Street
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2
Turn left onto North Main Street
1254 ft · 56 sec · North Main Street
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3
Turn right onto East Cumberland Road
2709 ft · 57 sec · East Cumberland Road
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4
Turn left onto Interstate Drive
1.3 km · 2 min · Interstate Drive
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5
Take the ramp left toward I-70 East: Effingham
1329 ft · 32 sec
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6
Merge slight left
21.7 mi · 24 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 57 North: Chicago
71.4 mi · 1 hr 16 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I-72 East: University Avenue
2610 ft · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left
1.6 km · 1 min
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10
Continue on West University Avenue
1.9 mi · 5 min · West University Avenue
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11
Turn left onto North Randolph Street
111 m · 12 sec · North Randolph Street
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12
Turn right onto West Park Avenue
140 m · 15 sec · West Park Avenue
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13
Turn right onto North Neil Street
97 m · 11 sec · North Neil Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Neil Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Elmo 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 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 57 North: Chicago
71.4 mi · 01h 16m
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Saint Elmo and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Champaign.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Elmo to Champaign?
The road trip is about 98.7 miles (158.8 km) and usually takes 01h 35m 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?
Mattoon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.3 miles from Saint Elmo and 49.4 miles from Champaign.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 81.8 miles (131.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.9 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 3:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.12 one way or $26.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Saint Elmo and Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Champaign.
Stop Ideas Near Mattoon
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 Mattoon.
Mattoon station
Effingham
Illinois Terminal
Rantoul
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Elmo and Champaign. Straight-line distance: 81.85 mi (131.73 km).
#1 Saint Elmo
City in Illinois
| Population | 1,367 |
| Coordinates | 39.0272700, -88.8481100 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| 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: 159 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.12 | $26.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.80 | $29.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.20 | $32.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.46 | $36.92 |
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 26, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.