Trip from East Dundee, IL to Champaign, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 19m

Distance

164.9 mi

265 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 7m ★

6 AM

3h 19m

8 AM

3h 43m

10 AM

3h 28m

12 PM

3h 25m

3 PM

3h 29m

5 PM

3h 42m

8 PM

3h 12m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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East Dundee, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 164.9-mile drive from East Dundee, IL, to Champaign, IL, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes. With 73% of the journey on highways, it's a straightforward trip through the Midwest. The estimated fuel cost is around $26, making it an economical option. You'll primarily navigate via I-290, the Tri-State Tollway, and I-57. This route is best suited for travelers looking for an efficient transit rather than a leisurely exploration, with only one suggested stop along the way.

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

82.5 miles from East Dundee, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 57	105.4 mi	1h 54m
Tri-State Tollway	18.2 mi	23m
I 290	14.9 mi	19m
Higgins Road	7.1 mi	10m
Cicero Avenue	4.9 mi	7m
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway	4.5 mi	4m
Market Street	3.9 mi	6m
Mile-Long Bridge	0.9 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 57 — 105.4 mi, about 1h 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between East Dundee, IL and Champaign, IL.

Start on this road

45 ft · 6 sec · this road

Turn left onto IL 72

261 ft · 6 sec · East Main Street

Continue on IL 72

7.1 mi · 10 min · Higgins Road

Turn sharp left onto South Barrington Road

0.3 mi · 51 sec · South Barrington Road

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 35 sec

Toward I 90 East Toll: Chicago

Merge onto I 90

4.5 mi · 4 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 68A-B Toward I 290, IL 53: Chicago, West Suburbs Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec

Exit 68A Toward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West Suburbs Use the slight right lane.

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 33 sec · this road

Exit 68A Toward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West Suburbs

Merge onto I 290; IL 53

5.7 mi · 7 min · I 290; IL 53

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 290

9.3 mi · 12 min · I 290

Toward I 290 East: Chicago Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec

Exit 15A Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 294

0.4 mi · 47 sec · Tri-State Tollway

Exit 15A Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

1.0 mi · 2 min · Tri-State Tollway

Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana

Merge onto I 294

137 ft · 1 sec · Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294

3.5 mi · 4 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 294

0.9 mi · 1 min · Mile-Long Bridge

Continue on I 294

8.5 mi · 10 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Exit 12 B-A Toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 12A Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue Use the straight lane.

Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83

4.9 mi · 7 min · Cicero Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto 167th Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · 167th Street

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80

Merge onto I 57

105 mi · 1 hr 54 min · I 57

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 26 sec

Exit 240 Toward Market Street

Turn left

96 ft · 5 sec

Turn left onto Market Street

3.9 mi · 6 min · Market Street

Turn right onto East Bradley Avenue

0.3 mi · 34 sec · East Bradley Avenue

Turn left onto North Neil Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Neil Street

Arrive at destination

North Neil Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 19-minute duration, this drive is easily manageable as a single-day trip from East Dundee to Champaign. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially on the Tri-State Tollway. With only one stop suggested and a fuel cost of approximately $26, you can be quite flexible with your timing. Keep an eye on the I-57 stretch, as it represents the longest continuous driving segment, and ensure you're fueled up before entering it, as services can be more spread out on longer interstate sections.

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 82.5 miles from East Dundee, IL, or about 1h 45m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.4 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 36 miles or 49m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 82.5 miles or 1h 45m 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 43m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Champaign, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving East Dundee, 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 East Dundee, IL

This is one driving day of about 164.9 miles and 3h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from East Dundee, 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 105.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Orland Park, IL

82 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

Downers Grove, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Joliet, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 82.5 miles from East Dundee, 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 105.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 26

5 decision points cluster between mile 12.5 and 48.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

12.5 mi into trip | ~16m in

Take the exit toward I 290, IL 53: Chicago, West Suburbs

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 68A-B Toward I 290, IL 53: Chicago, West Suburbs

13 mi into trip | ~18m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West Suburbs

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 68A Toward I 290 East, IL 53 South: Chicago, West S...

28.5 mi into trip | ~38m in

Take the exit toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana

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 15A Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana

48 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in

Take the exit toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street

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 12 B-A Toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th...

48.2 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in

Keep slight left at fork toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Exit 12A Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.78 one way

$51.56 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 58 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$28.31	$56.61
premium	$4.89	$31.73	$63.47
diesel	$5.61	$36.41	$72.82

Estimated Tolls: $1.41

Tri-state Tollway (18.2 mi) $1.09

Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (4.5 mi) $0.32

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

$26

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	49.5	$17.31	$7.92
Efficient EV	41.2	$14.43	$6.60
EV Truck/SUV	66	$23.09	$10.55

Gas CO2

58 kg

EV CO2

19 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 14, 2026

Origin

East Dundee, IL

Afternoon in East Dundee on Saturday

Local time

12:58 PM

CDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Champaign, IL

Afternoon in Champaign on Saturday

Local time

12:58 PM

CDT

Current temp

84°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SSW 20 mph 33% chance Live forecast

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 14 at 4:05PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

Tornado Watch

Tornado Watch issued April 14 at 2:35PM CDT until April 14 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

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

36 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 19m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 164.9-mile trip. With 73% of the route on major interstates like I-57, I-290, and the Tri-State Tollway, the pace is generally brisk. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 105.4 miles on I-57, offering a consistent cruising experience. While primarily interstate, this highway-centric profile means you’ll spend most of your time on fast-paced roads designed for efficient travel between these two Illinois locations.

73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 105.4 mi on I 57.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 around 12.5 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 26 significant decision points across 164.9 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 12.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 28.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between East Dundee, IL and Champaign, IL, road signs point toward Suburbs and Indiana.

Suburbs

12.5 mi in | ~16m

Indiana

28.5 mi in | ~38m

About the Cities

Starting in East Dundee, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1871

Arriving 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 3h 19m. Total distance: 164.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 105.4 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.41 in tolls one way, starting with Tri-state Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Champaign, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Champaign, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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Return Trip

Champaign, IL to East Dundee, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

170.2 mi 3h 20m

Explore more options from East Dundee, IL or browse trips ending in Champaign, IL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.

Trip from East Dundee, IL to Champaign, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

East Dundee, IL

Champaign, IL

Same local time

36 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 19m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in East Dundee, IL

Arriving in Champaign, IL

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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