Origin
Champaign, IL
Morning in Champaign on Saturday
Local time
9:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Champaign, IL to Near South Side, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 36m
Distance
132.6 mi
213 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 26m
★
6 AM
2h 36m
8 AM
2h 57m
10 AM
2h 43m
12 PM
2h 41m
3 PM
2h 45m
5 PM
2h 56m
8 PM
2h 30m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Near South Side, IL
Quang Vuong
Trip Overview
Champaign, IL to Near South Side, IL is 132.6 miles and takes about 2h 36m via I 57, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward drive connecting two points within Illinois, predominantly utilizing Interstate 57. Expect a mostly highway-focused experience as you traverse the Midwest region. Given its relatively short duration and the single recommended day, this trip is ideal for those looking for an efficient journey without extensive planning. It's a practical option for getting from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
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
66.3 miles from Champaign, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .
About the Cities
Starting in Champaign, IL
Full guide →Founded 1855
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
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 2h 36m. Total distance: 132.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is characterized by its 95% highway share, making it a predominantly high-speed driving experience. You'll spend the majority of your time on I 57, which forms the longest uninterrupted stretch of the journey at 117.8 miles. The drive profile is listed as 'Highway-focused,' indicating a consistent pace and likely limited opportunities for spontaneous exploration off the main corridor. Expect a steady, efficient transit rather than a winding, scenic tour as you make your way north.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 117.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Dan Ryan Expressway (Express). You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 126.1 miles in near I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express).
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 132.6 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: at 126.1 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
126.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 25m in
|
I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Roa...
8
131 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m in
Take the exit toward I 55 North: DuSable Lake Shore Drive, 22nd Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 53C
Toward I 55 North: DuSable Lake Shore Drive, 22...
6
131.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward 22nd Street, Chinatown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward 22nd Street, Chinatown
6
132 mi into trip
|
~2h 34m in
|
West Cermak Road
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
132.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 34m in
|
South Wabash Avenue
Turn left onto South Wabash Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 117.8 mi | 2h 11m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) | 4.9 mi | 6m |
| North Market Street | 4.3 mi | 7m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway | 3.3 mi | 4m |
| West Cermak Road | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| North Walnut Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| South Wabash Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East Washington Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 117.8 mi, about 2h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign, IL and Near South Side, 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
118 mi
·
2 hr 11 min
·
I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 94
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Road
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Exit 53C
Toward I 55 North: DuSable Lake Shore Drive, 22nd Street
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward 22nd Street, Chinatown
12
Turn right onto West Cermak Road
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
West Cermak Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn left onto South Wabash Avenue
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
South Wabash Avenue
Use the left lane.
14
Turn right onto East Cullerton Street
235 ft
·
15 sec
·
East Cullerton Street
15
Turn left
445 ft
·
32 sec
16
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
With a duration under three hours and a fuel cost estimated at $21, this trip offers considerable flexibility. You can comfortably depart anytime and complete the journey within a single day. The longest stretch without a break is over 117 miles, so consider planning a brief stop for fuel or a stretch around the halfway point if needed, though the route is short enough that this may not be necessary. Keep an eye on traffic as you approach the Chicago area, as congestion can impact your arrival time, especially when merging onto the Dan Ryan Expressway.
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 66.3 miles from Champaign, IL, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.8 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 29 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66.3 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Near South Side, 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 132.6 miles and 2h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 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 117.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 66.3 mi from Champaign, IL · 1h 17m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
66 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 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 66.3 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 117.8 miles.
Arriving in Near South Side, IL
The final approach into Near South Side, 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 Near South Side, 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
$20.73 one way
$41.46 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
46 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $22.76 | $45.52 |
| premium | $4.89 | $25.52 | $51.04 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.28 | $58.55 |
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: 46.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 39.8 | 0 | $13.92 | $6.36 |
| Efficient EV | 33.2 | 0 | $11.60 | $5.30 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 53 | 0 | $18.56 | $8.49 |
Gas CO2
46 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (65% 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
Near South Side, IL
Morning in Near South Side on Saturday
Local time
9:47 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
69°F
Clifton, IL
66 mi in
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
9 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 36m 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 Near South Side, IL covers 132.6 miles and takes about 2h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, Dan Ryan Expressway (Express), 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 66.3 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 $20.73 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 132.6 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: at 126.1 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 131.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Champaign, IL to Near South Side, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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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