The drive from Champaign, IL to Elmwood Park, IL covers 137.3 miles and takes about 2h 53m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 57, South Cicero Avenue, Cicero Avenue for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 101.2 miles on I 57.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $21.47 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
68.6 miles from Champaign, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 17m into the drive
.
Champaign-Urbana is a metropolitan area in central Illinois, composed of the towns of Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy. The community is the site of the main campus of the University of Illinois, one of the great public universities of the United States.
Top landmarks
•Orpheum Theatre — theater and movie theater in Champaign, Illinois, United States
•Virginia Theatre — movie theater in Champaign, Illinois, United States
•Cattle Bank — bank building in Champaign, United States of America
The Northwest Suburbs are in Chicagoland, primarily in northwestern Cook, southern Lake and northern DuPage County, centered along Metra’s North Central Service, though encompassing areas well beyond the rail line. The Northwestern Suburbs constitute the largest portion of Chicagoland outside of the city.
For further-out suburbs, see Fox River Valley.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 53m. Total distance: 137.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 2h 53m highway drive covering 137.3 miles, with most of the trip on I 57 and South Cicero Avenue. The longest continuous stretch is about 101.2 miles on I 57.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 57 is the longest continuous segment at about 101.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and South Cicero Avenue. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 106.1 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 137.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 106.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.7 miles (West Flournoy Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
106.1 mi into trip|~1h 58m in
Take the exit toward Vollmer Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 342
Toward Vollmer Road
9
106.4 mi into trip|~1h 58m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Vollmer Road West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 342
Toward Vollmer Road West
6
130.7 mi into trip|~2h 38m in|West Flournoy Street
Turn left onto West Flournoy Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
130.7 mi into trip|~2h 38m in
Take the ramp toward I 290 West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 290 West
7
133.5 mi into trip|~2h 42m in
Take the exit toward IL 43: Harlem Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 21B
Toward IL 43: Harlem Avenue
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Champaign, IL to Elmwood Park, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Vollmer Road West along the way.
Vollmer Road West
106.4 mi in|~1h 58m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
101.2 mi
1h 48m
South Cicero Avenue
13 mi
21m
Cicero Avenue
10.8 mi
17m
North Market Street
4.3 mi
7m
South Harlem Avenue
2.9 mi
7m
Eisenhower Expressway
2.6 mi
3m
North 73rd Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
Vollmer Road
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 101.2 mi, about 1h 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign, IL and Elmwood Park, IL.
1
Start on North Neil Street
42 ft·8 sec·North Neil Street
2
Turn left onto East University Avenue
238 ft·11 sec·East University Avenue
3
Turn left onto North Walnut Street
0.3 mi·45 sec·North Walnut Street
4
Turn right onto East Washington Street
254 ft·12 sec·East Washington Street
5
Turn left onto North Market Street
4.3 mi·7 min·North Market Street
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I-57 North: Kankakee
7
Merge onto I 57
101 mi·1 hr 48 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Exit 342Toward Vollmer RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
522 ft·17 sec
Exit 342Toward Vollmer Road WestUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Turn right onto CH B66
0.4 mi·39 sec·Vollmer Road
11
Turn left onto IL 50
11 mi·17 min·Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
12
Continue on IL 50
13 mi·21 min·South Cicero Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn left onto West Flournoy Street
320 ft·8 sec·West Flournoy Street
Use the left lane.
14
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward I 290 WestUse the slight left lane.
15
Merge onto I 290; IL 110
2.6 mi·3 min·Eisenhower Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 21BToward IL 43: Harlem AvenueUse the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Turn right onto IL 43
2.9 mi·7 min·South Harlem Avenue
Use the left lane.
18
Turn left onto West Armitage Avenue
0.1 mi·31 sec·West Armitage Avenue
19
Turn right onto North 73rd Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·North 73rd Avenue
20
Turn left onto West Belden Avenue
175 ft·13 sec·West Belden Avenue
21
Turn left
186 ft·13 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68.6 miles from Champaign, IL, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 30 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68.6 miles or 1h 17m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Elmwood Park, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Champaign, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Champaign, IL
This is one driving day of about 137.3 miles and 2h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Champaign, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 57 for about 101.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 68.6 mi from Champaign, IL
· 1h 17m into the drive
The midpoint is around 68.6 miles from Champaign, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 101.2 miles.
Arriving in Elmwood Park, IL
The final approach into Elmwood Park, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Elmwood Park, IL.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Pullman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 118.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.47 one way
$42.93 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg48 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$23.57
$47.14
premium
$4.89
$26.42
$52.84
diesel
$5.61
$30.31
$60.63
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
19 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Champaign, Illinois
Other
1 DCFC
EV Connect Charging Station
Champaign, Illinois
EV Connect
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Champaign, Illinois
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Champaign, Illinois
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Champaign, Illinois
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Urbana, Illinois
Tesla
1 DCFC
Electrify America Charging Station
Champaign, Illinois
Electrify America
1 DCFC
EV Connect Charging Station
Savoy, Illinois
EV Connect
1 DCFC
Other: 5
Tesla: 3
ChargePoint: 3
Blink: 3
EV Connect: 2
Tesla Destination: 2
Electrify America: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
41.2
0
$14.42
$6.59
Efficient EV
34.3
0
$12.01
$5.49
EV Truck/SUV
54.9
0
$19.22
$8.79
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Champaign, IL
Morning
in Champaign on Saturday
Local time
11:50 AM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Elmwood Park, IL
Morning
in Elmwood Park on Saturday
Local time
11:50 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
18 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 53m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Champaign, IL to Elmwood Park, IL covers 137.3 miles and takes about 2h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, South Cicero Avenue, Cicero Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 68.6 miles from Champaign, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.47 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 137.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 106.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.7 miles (West Flournoy Street): Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Champaign, IL to Elmwood Park, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Vollmer Road West along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
