Skip to main content
Trip.ovh Logo
Trip.ovh

Trip from Edwardsville, IL to Champaign, IL

Data updated 35 minutes ago

Drive Time

3h

Distance

160.7 mi

259 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 49m ★
6 AM
3h 0m
8 AM
3h 23m
10 AM
3h 8m
12 PM
3h 6m
3 PM
3h 9m
5 PM
3h 22m
8 PM
2h 53m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
city in Madison County, Illinois, United States

Edwardsville, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 160.7-mile journey from Edwardsville, IL to Champaign, IL is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours to complete. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with 97% of the drive utilizing major interstates like I-72 and I-55, making for an efficient transit between these two Midwest locations. With a projected fuel cost of around $25, this drive is quite budget-friendly. While there's only one recommended stop, the relatively short duration means you can be quite flexible with your timing and pacing. 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

80.4 miles from Edwardsville, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 29m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a highway-centric experience for the vast majority of this 160.7-mile drive, with 97% of the route on interstates. You'll spend a significant portion on I-72, including an uninterrupted stretch of 80.2 miles, which allows for steady progress. The main roads consist of I-72, I-55, and Marine Road, indicating a blend of major highway driving with some initial or final arterial road connections. This profile suggests a drive that prioritizes speed and directness over scenic detours, offering a consistent driving rhythm for most of the 3-hour trip.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 72 is the longest continuous segment at about 80.2 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 72 and I 55. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive. The trickiest moment comes around 3.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

The drive from Edwardsville, IL to Champaign, IL is easy. At 3h with 97% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 3.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.1 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 78.4 miles (I 72; US 36): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 7 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

4
3.7 mi into trip | ~6m in

Take the ramp

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
5
4.1 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 55

Merge onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago, Springfield

Merge point - match speed before joining. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 55 North: Chicago, Springfield
5
78.4 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in | I 72; US 36

Take the exit onto I 72; US 36 toward I 72 East, US 36 East: Decatur

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 72 East, US 36 East: Decatur
5
160.6 mi into trip | ~2h 59m in | West Park Avenue

Turn right onto West Park Avenue

Navigation decision point

5
160.7 mi into trip | ~2h 59m in | North Neil Street

Turn right onto North Neil Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 72 80.2 mi 1h 27m
I 55 74.4 mi 1h 20m
Marine Road 2.5 mi 4m
West University Avenue 1.9 mi 4m
IL 143 0.6 mi <1m
East Vandalia Street 0.6 mi 1m
West Park Avenue <0.1 mi <1m
North Randolph Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 72 — 80.2 mi, about 1h 27m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on South Buchanan Street

120 ft · 6 sec · South Buchanan Street
2

Turn right onto IL 143; IL 157

0.6 mi · 1 min · East Vandalia Street
3

Continue on IL 143

2.5 mi · 4 min · Marine Road
4

Turn left onto IL 143

0.6 mi · 58 sec · IL 143
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Use the left lane.
6

Merge onto I 55

74 mi · 1 hr 20 min · I 55
Toward I 55 North: Chicago, Springfield
7

Take the exit onto I 72; US 36

37 mi · 40 min · I 72; US 36
Toward I 72 East, US 36 East: Decatur
8

Continue on I 72; US 51

43 mi · 47 min · I 72; US 51
9

Continue on West University Avenue

1.9 mi · 4 min · West University Avenue
10

Turn left onto North Randolph Street

364 ft · 12 sec · North Randolph Street
11

Turn right onto West Park Avenue

458 ft · 15 sec · West Park Avenue
12

Turn right onto North Neil Street

320 ft · 10 sec · North Neil Street
13

Arrive at destination

North Neil Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour duration and 160.7-mile distance, this trip is ideal for a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of daylight and less traffic. With a fuel cost estimated at $25 and only one stop suggested, you can be flexible with your breaks. The longest stretch is over 80 miles on I-72, so plan for a fuel and rest stop before or after this section if needed. Since the route is primarily highway, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is always a good practice, especially before entering longer stretches between services.

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 80.4 miles from Edwardsville, IL, or about 1h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80.2 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 80.4 miles or 1h 29m 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 25m

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 Edwardsville, 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 Edwardsville, IL

This is one driving day of about 160.7 miles and 3h.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Edwardsville, 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 72 for about 80.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 80.4 mi from Edwardsville, IL · 1h 29m into the drive

city in Macon County, Illinois, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Decatur, IL

80 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

Decatur, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Decatur, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 80.4 miles from Edwardsville, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 72 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 80.2 miles.

Arriving in Champaign, IL

The final approach into Champaign, 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 Champaign, IL.

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.

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

National Monument

In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...

3 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 77.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.12 one way

$50.25 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.58 $55.17
premium $4.89 $30.93 $61.85
diesel $5.61 $35.48 $70.96

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 56.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 48.2 0 $16.87 $7.71
Efficient EV 40.2 0 $14.06 $6.43
EV Truck/SUV 64.3 0 $22.50 $10.28

Gas CO2

56 kg

EV CO2

19 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 data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Edwardsville, IL

Night in Edwardsville on Tuesday

Local time

9:06 PM

CDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Champaign, IL

Night in Champaign on Tuesday

Local time

9:06 PM

CDT

Current temp

54°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

4 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

3h 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 Edwardsville, IL to Champaign, IL covers 160.7 miles and takes about 3h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 72, I 55, Marine Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 80.4 miles from Edwardsville, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.12 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.
The drive from Edwardsville, IL to Champaign, IL is easy. At 3h with 97% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.1 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 78.4 miles (I 72; US 36): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Edwardsville, IL to Champaign, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Champaign, IL

Guilford, IL 256.1 mi · 5h 9m Bremen, IL 214.8 mi · 4h 15m Anna, IL 214.6 mi · 3h 57m Loran, IL 206.4 mi · 4h 23m

More from Edwardsville, IL

Palatine, IL 281 mi · 5h 16m Schaumburg, IL 279.3 mi · 5h 15m Chicago, IL 274.1 mi · 5h 10m Bolingbrook, IL 249.5 mi · 4h 35m Springfield, IL 77.8 mi · 1h 32m Granite City, IL 15.6 mi · 24m

More trips to Champaign, IL

Guilford, IL 255.7 mi Stockton, IL 232.4 mi Metropolis, IL 231.8 mi Oneco, IL 223.9 mi Loran, IL 206 mi Fulton, IL 205.9 mi

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

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.

Explore maps for Edwardsville, IL or Champaign, IL on MapSof.net.