This 143.1-mile drive from Champaign, IL to Lombard, IL is a straightforward journey through the Midwest, easily manageable as a single-day trip. Expect to spend about 2 hours and 50 minutes on the road, with a projected fuel cost of around $22. The route primarily utilizes major highways, making it an efficient way to travel between these two Illinois locations. With a highway share of 76%, this drive is a good option if you're looking to cover ground quickly. You'll be traveling within the same state and region, so no major environmental shifts are expected.
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
71.5 miles from Champaign, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 22m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 50m. Total distance: 143.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 76% of the journey taking place on high-speed roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 108.1 miles on I-57, offering a consistent, uninterrupted driving experience. The route also incorporates the Tri-State Tollway, which maintains the fast-paced nature of the trip. While the majority is on major arteries, the inclusion of North Market Street suggests a brief transition to more local roads as you approach your destination. Overall, expect a functional drive geared towards efficiency rather than scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 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 is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East University Avenue.
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 15 significant decision points across 143.1 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: near the start (East University Avenue): Navigation decision point; 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.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|East University Avenue
Turn left onto East University Avenue
Navigation decision point
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
6
135.9 mi into trip|~2h 37m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
136.8 mi into trip|~2h 38m in
Take the exit toward IL 38 West: Roosevelt Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 30B
Toward IL 38 West: Roosevelt Road
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 Lombard, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Wisconsin along the way.
Wisconsin
113 mi in|~2h 7m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
108.1 mi
1h 58m
Tri-State Tollway
21.7 mi
26m
North Market Street
4.3 mi
7m
Roosevelt Road
3.9 mi
6m
South Westmore Meyers Road
1 mi
2m
East Madison Street
0.8 mi
1m
South Grace Street
0.3 mi
1m
North Walnut Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 108.1 mi, about 1h 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign, IL and Lombard, 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 349-350Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, WisconsinUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
1.8 mi·3 min
Exit 349Toward I 294 Toll North: WisconsinUse 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
0.9 mi·1 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 30BToward IL 38 West: Roosevelt RoadUse the right lane.
13
Merge onto IL 38
3.9 mi·6 min·Roosevelt Road
Use the right lane.
14
Turn right onto South Westmore Meyers Road
1.0 mi·2 min·South Westmore Meyers Road
15
Turn left onto East Madison Street
0.8 mi·1 min·East Madison Street
16
Turn right onto South Grace Street
0.3 mi·1 min·South Grace Street
17
Arrive at destination
South Grace Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under 3 hours, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving earlier in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially as you near the Chicago metropolitan area. With only one recommended stop, you can easily break up the 108.1-mile stretch on I-57 as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as major highway stretches can sometimes mean longer distances between services. The projected fuel cost of $22 is a helpful budget benchmark for this trip.
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 71.5 miles from Champaign, IL, or about 1h 22m 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 31 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.5 miles or 1h 22m 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 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lombard, 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 143.1 miles and 2h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 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 71.5 mi from Champaign, IL
· 1h 22m into the drive
The midpoint is around 71.5 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 108.1 miles.
Arriving in Lombard, IL
The final approach into Lombard, 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 Lombard, 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
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 113.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.37 one way
$44.74 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg50 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$24.56
$49.13
premium
$4.89
$27.54
$55.08
diesel
$5.61
$31.59
$63.19
Estimated Tolls: $1.30
Tri-state Tollway
(21.7 mi)$1.30
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
$22
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 50.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
42.9
0
$15.03
$6.87
Efficient EV
35.8
0
$12.52
$5.72
EV Truck/SUV
57.2
0
$20.03
$9.16
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Champaign, IL
Late night
in Champaign on Friday
Local time
5:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Lombard, IL
Late night
in Lombard on Friday
Local time
5:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°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
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 50m 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 Lombard, IL covers 143.1 miles and takes about 2h 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, Tri-State Tollway, North Market Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 71.5 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 $22.37 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 15 significant decision points across 143.1 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: near the start (East University Avenue): Navigation decision point; 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.
On the drive from Champaign, IL to Lombard, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Wisconsin along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Pullman National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
