How far is South Pekin, IL from Champaign, IL?
The driving distance from South Pekin, IL to Champaign, IL is about 86 miles (138.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78.7 miles (126.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 00m 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 30m.
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.
The second most populous city in McLean County, Illinois.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between South Pekin and Champaign.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Pekin and Champaign.
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1
Start on East Main Street
1 km · 2 min · East Main Street
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2
Turn right
5.5 mi · 10 min
-
3
Turn slight right onto IL 29
51 m · 6 sec
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4
Turn slight right onto Margaret Street
1266 ft · 27 sec · Margaret Street
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5
Turn left onto North 5th Street
2478 ft · 42 sec · North 5th Street
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6
Continue on North 8th Street
3002 ft · 51 sec · North 8th Street
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7
Continue on Radio City Drive
3.5 mi · 5 min · Radio City Drive
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8
Take the ramp slight right
2974 ft · 1 min
-
9
Merge slight left
4.8 mi · 5 min
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10
Merge slight left
27 mi · 29 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 South, I 74 East, US 51 South: Saint Louis, Indianapolis
6.6 mi · 7 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 74 East, US 51 South, US 55 Business North: Indianapolis, Decatur
48 mi · 52 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 South Pekin 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
Keep slight left to continue on I 74 East, US 51 South, US 55 Business North: Indianapolis, Decatur
48 mi · 00h 52m
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 then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving South Pekin and Mostly 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 South Pekin to Champaign?
The road trip is about 86 miles (138.4 km) and usually takes 01h 30m 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?
Bloomington is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.6 miles from South Pekin and 36.4 miles from Champaign.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78.7 miles (126.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.3 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 3:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.46 one way or $22.93 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around South Pekin and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Champaign.
Stop Ideas Near Bloomington
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall - Town of Normal
City of Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington Finance Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Bloomington.
Uptown Station
Lincoln
Pontiac station
Peoria, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between South Pekin and Champaign. Straight-line distance: 78.67 mi (126.61 km).
#1 South Pekin
Village in Illinois, USA
| Population | 1,081 |
| Coordinates | 40.4944800, -89.6517700 |
| Altitude | 157 |
| 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: 138 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.46 | $22.93 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.93 | $25.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.15 | $28.30 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.12 | $32.25 |
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 · Jun 10, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.