Origin
Champaign, IL
Night in Champaign on Friday
Local time
9:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Champaign, IL to Lakewood, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 43m
Distance
184 mi
296 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 30m
★
6 AM
3h 43m
8 AM
4h 8m
10 AM
3h 52m
12 PM
3h 49m
3 PM
3h 53m
5 PM
4h 7m
8 PM
3h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lakewood, IL
Mike Tyurin
Trip Overview
Champaign, IL to Lakewood, IL is 184 miles and takes about 3 hours 43 minutes via I 57 and Tri-State Tollway, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Illinois, taking you from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. Expect a mixed drive that's mostly on major highways, making it a straightforward trip. With a recommended single day for travel, this route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient journey between these two points without needing an overnight stop.
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
92 miles from Champaign, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .
About the Cities
Starting in Champaign, IL
Full guide →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.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 43m. Total distance: 184 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
This route features a mixed drive profile, with 59% of it being on major highways. You'll experience the longest uninterrupted stretch of 108.1 miles on I 57, which provides a consistent, high-speed experience for a significant portion of your journey. The drive will transition as you merge onto the Tri-State Tollway and then the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, offering a change in the highway environment. Overall, expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, suitable for making good time.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 27 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 108.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 113 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 184 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 113 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 113.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 146.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
113 mi into trip
|
~2h 7m in
Take the exit toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 349-350
Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevar...
8
113.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 349
Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
8
146.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m in
Take the exit toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Rockford, River Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 40
Toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International A...
7
146.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chi...
8
172.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 20m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Crystal Lake, Gilberts, Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward Crystal Lake, Gilberts, Airport
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Champaign, IL and Lakewood, IL, road signs point toward Wisconsin, Chicago, Rockford, Crystal Lake, Gilberts and Airport.
Wisconsin
113 mi in
|
~2h 7m
Chicago
146.3 mi in
|
~2h 50m
Rockford
146.3 mi in
|
~2h 50m
Crystal Lake
172.8 mi in
|
~3h 20m
Gilberts
172.8 mi in
|
~3h 20m
Airport
172.8 mi in
|
~3h 20m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 108.1 mi | 1h 58m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 31.1 mi | 39m |
| Jane Addams Memorial Tollway | 25 mi | 26m |
| Randall Road | 6.5 mi | 10m |
| North Market Street | 4.3 mi | 7m |
| North Randall Road | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| McHenry Avenue | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Broadway Avenue | 0.5 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 108.1 mi, about 1h 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign, IL and Lakewood, 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
108 mi
·
1 hr 58 min
·
I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 349-350
Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
1.8 mi
·
3 min
Exit 349
Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
10
Merge onto I 294
21 mi
·
25 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
10 mi
·
13 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 40
Toward I 190 West, I 90: O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Rockford, River Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 90 West Toll, I 90 East: Rockford, Chicago
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 90 Toll West: Rockford
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 90
0.2 mi
·
12 sec
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
25 mi
·
26 min
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Exit 52
Toward Randall Road
Use the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork
254 ft
·
6 sec
Toward Crystal Lake, Gilberts, Airport
Use the right lane.
19
Turn straight onto CR 34
6.5 mi
·
10 min
·
Randall Road
Use the straight lane.
20
Continue on V29
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
North Randall Road
Use the left lane.
21
Turn left onto McHenry Avenue
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
McHenry Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Turn left onto Nash Road
285 ft
·
12 sec
·
Nash Road
23
Continue on Nash Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Nash Road
24
Turn left onto Golf Road
0.2 mi
·
58 sec
·
Golf Road
25
At end of road, turn right onto Country Club Road
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
Country Club Road
26
Turn left onto Broadway Avenue
0.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Broadway Avenue
27
Arrive at destination
Broadway Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the drive duration of under 4 hours, you can comfortably complete this trip in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. The route includes one stop, which is a good opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel if needed, though with a fuel cost estimated at $29, it's likely you won't need to fill up multiple times. Pay attention to toll road signage as you transition between I 57, the Tri-State Tollway, and the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway.
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 92 miles from Champaign, IL, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 108.1 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 40 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 92 miles or 1h 44m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lakewood, 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 184 miles and 3h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 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 108.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 92 mi from Champaign, IL · 1h 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
92 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 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 92 miles from Champaign, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 108.1 miles.
Arriving in Lakewood, IL
The final approach into Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, 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
$28.77 one way
$57.53 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
64 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $31.58 | $63.17 |
| premium | $4.89 | $35.41 | $70.82 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $40.62 | $81.25 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.61
Tri-state Tollway
(31.1 mi)
$1.87
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
(24.8 mi)
$1.74
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 55.2 | 0 | $19.32 | $8.83 |
| Efficient EV | 46 | 0 | $16.10 | $7.36 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 73.6 | 0 | $25.76 | $11.78 |
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
22 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Lakewood, IL
Night in Lakewood on Friday
Local time
9:09 PM
CDT
Current temp
68°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
15 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
3h 43m 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 Lakewood, IL covers 184 miles and takes about 3h 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, Tri-State Tollway, Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 92 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 $28.77 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 184 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 113 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 113.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 146.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Champaign, IL and Lakewood, IL, road signs point toward Wisconsin, Chicago, Rockford, Crystal Lake, Gilberts and Airport.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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