Origin
Champaign, IL
Afternoon in Champaign on Sunday
Local time
3:04 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Champaign, IL to Guilford, IL
Drive Time
5h 9m
Distance
256.1 mi
412 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 56m
★
6 AM
5h 10m
8 AM
5h 37m
10 AM
5h 19m
12 PM
5h 16m
3 PM
5h 20m
5 PM
5h 35m
8 PM
5h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Champaign to Guilford, you can expect a straightforward journey spanning approximately 256.1 miles. With an estimated driving time of 5 hours and 9 minutes, this route is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion. You will primarily utilize a combination of I-74, US 51, and the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway to navigate across the Illinois landscape. Budgeting around $39 for fuel should keep you covered for the duration of the trip. Since both cities are located within the Midwest, the drive offers a consistent regional feel. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, this highway-focused itinerary provides a direct path between your two destinations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
128.1 miles from Champaign, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 20m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 69% of your time spent on major routes. You will encounter a significant, uninterrupted stretch of 119.9 miles while navigating US 51, which dominates the central portion of the drive. The personality of the road shifts from the high-speed flow of I-74 to the more regional character of the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway as you progress toward your destination. Expect a consistent experience behind the wheel that favors efficiency over technical turns. Because the route relies so heavily on primary corridors, you can maintain a steady pace throughout the majority of your 256.1-mile journey.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 51 is the longest continuous segment at about 119.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 51 and U.S. Grant Memorial Highway. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near West University Avenue.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 256.1 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West University Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (West Bradley Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
West University Avenue
Turn right onto West University Avenue
Navigation decision point
7
0.8 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
West Bradley Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto West Bradley Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
1.8 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 74 West: Bloomington
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 74 West: Bloomington
5
2.2 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
I 74
Merge onto I 74
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
7
55.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m in
|
US 51
Take the exit onto US 51 toward I 39 North: Rockford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 164
Toward I 39 North: Rockford
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Champaign, IL to Guilford, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Rockford along the way.
Rockford
175.5 mi in
|
~3h 11m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 51 | 119.9 mi | 2h 8m |
| U.S. Grant Memorial Highway | 54.4 mi | 1h 8m |
| I 74 | 52.6 mi | 56m |
| South Elizabeth Scales Mound Road | 8.1 mi | 14m |
| South Galena Avenue | 7.3 mi | 13m |
| US 20 Business | 3.6 mi | 5m |
| East North Avenue | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| West Rawlins Road | 1.9 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
US 51
— 119.9 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign, IL and Guilford, IL.
1
Start on North Neil Street
42 ft
·
5 sec
·
North Neil Street
2
Turn right onto West University Avenue
463 ft
·
17 sec
·
West University Avenue
3
Turn right onto North Randolph Street
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
North Randolph Street
4
At end of road, turn left onto West Bradley Avenue
458 ft
·
13 sec
·
West Bradley Avenue
Use the left lane.
5
Turn slight right onto Bloomington Road
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Bloomington Road
6
Turn right onto US 150
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
North Prospect Avenue
Use the none lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 74 West: Bloomington
Use the left lane.
8
Merge onto I 74
53 mi
·
56 min
·
I 74
Use the none lane.
9
Continue on I 55; US 51
0.9 mi
·
58 sec
·
I 55; US 51
10
Take the exit onto US 51
120 mi
·
2 hr 8 min
·
US 51
Exit 164
Toward I 39 North: Rockford
Use the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
1.1 mi
·
2 min
Toward US 20 West: Freeport, Rockford
12
Merge onto US 20
29 mi
·
33 min
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
13
Take the exit onto US 20 Business
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
US 20 Business
Toward US 20 BUS: Freeport
14
Turn slight right onto US 20 Business
7.3 mi
·
13 min
·
South Galena Avenue
15
Turn left onto US 20
14 mi
·
19 min
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
16
Continue on US 20; IL 78
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
East North Avenue
17
Continue on US 20
6.4 mi
·
8 min
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
18
Continue on US 20
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Woodbine Street
19
Continue on US 20
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
20
Continue on US 20
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
21
Turn straight onto US 20
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Diagonal Street
22
Continue on US 20
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West Madison Street
23
Turn right onto CR 4
8.1 mi
·
14 min
·
South Elizabeth Scales Mound Road
24
Turn left onto West Rawlins Road
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
West Rawlins Road
25
Continue on West Guilford Road
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
West Guilford Road
26
Arrive at destination
West Guilford Road
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 5-hour and 9-minute drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours near major intersections. Since the itinerary includes only one planned stop, use that break strategically to refuel and stretch your legs, especially given the lengthy 119.9-mile stretch on US 51. Keeping your $39 fuel budget in mind, it is wise to monitor your gauge before hitting the longer highway segments where service stations may be more spaced out. Because this route is designed as a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace based on your own comfort levels. Pay close attention to signage when transitioning between I-74 and the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway to ensure you stay on the most efficient path.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 128.1 miles from Champaign, IL, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.9 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 80 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128.1 miles or 2h 20m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Guilford, 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 256.1 miles and 5h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 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 US 51 for about 119.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 128.1 mi from Champaign, IL · 2h 20m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
128 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 128.1 miles from Champaign, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 51 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119.9 miles.
Arriving in Guilford, IL
The final approach into Guilford, 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 Guilford, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.90 one way
$77.80 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
90 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $42.88 | $85.76 |
| premium | $4.80 | $48.35 | $96.69 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $56.90 | $113.79 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 76.8 | 0 | $26.89 | $12.29 |
| Efficient EV | 64 | 0 | $22.41 | $10.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 102.4 | 1 | $35.85 | $16.39 |
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Destination
Guilford, IL
Afternoon in Guilford on Sunday
Local time
3:04 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°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
19 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
5h 9m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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 Guilford, IL covers 256.1 miles and takes about 5h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 51, U.S. Grant Memorial Highway, I 74. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 128.1 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 $38.90 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 256.1 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (West University Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (West Bradley Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Champaign, IL to Guilford, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Rockford along the way.
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