Embarking on a road trip from Long Lake, IL to Champaign, IL covers 180.8 miles and is estimated to take around 3 hours and 40 minutes. This drive is well within the scope of a single day, making it a convenient option for a day trip. You'll primarily navigate via I 57 and the Tri-State Tollway, with a portion on Cicero Avenue, suggesting a mixed driving experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $29, it's an economical journey. This route stays within the Midwest region, offering a familiar landscape throughout. Plan for one stop to break up the drive and ensure a comfortable travel day.
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
90.4 miles from Long Lake, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 58m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 40m. Total distance: 180.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This drive presents a mixed character, with 58% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches on major arteries like I 57, which accounts for the longest uninterrupted segment at 105.4 miles. Expect a blend of faster highway driving interspersed with sections on local roads like Cicero Avenue. The profile suggests a drive that transitions between efficient travel on the tollway and potentially more varied conditions as you approach your destination. The overall feel is one of practical transit rather than a winding scenic tour.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 36 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 105.4 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 14.1 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 22 significant decision points across 180.8 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 14.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 23.4 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
14.1 mi into trip|~24m in
Turn left toward I 94 Toll East: Indiana
Navigation decision point
Toward I 94 Toll East: Indiana
8
23.4 mi into trip|~35m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
6
50.9 mi into trip|~1h 9m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
63.8 mi into trip|~1h 25m 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...
8
64 mi into trip|~1h 26m 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
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 Long Lake, IL to Champaign, IL, road signs begin pointing toward O'hare along the way.
O'hare
23.4 mi in|~35m|via I 294
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
105.4 mi
1h 54m
Tri-State Tollway
48.5 mi
59m
Cicero Avenue
4.9 mi
7m
Market Street
3.9 mi
6m
Antioch Road
2.7 mi
4m
West Belvidere Road
2.1 mi
3m
East Park Avenue
1.9 mi
3m
North Milwaukee Avenue
1.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 105.4 mi, about 1h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Long Lake, IL and Champaign, IL.
1
Start on North Rock Island Street
0.1 mi·30 sec·North Rock Island Street
2
Turn left onto North Augustana Avenue
0.1 mi·30 sec·North Augustana Avenue
3
Continue on North Augustana Avenue
177 ft·13 sec·North Augustana Avenue
4
Turn left onto IL 134
0.7 mi·1 min·West Big Hollow Road
5
Continue on IL 134
0.3 mi·36 sec·Long Lake Road
6
Continue on IL 134
0.7 mi·1 min·Round Lake Road
7
Continue on IL 134
0.5 mi·57 sec·Railroad Avenue
8
Continue on IL 134
1.2 mi·2 min·East Main Street
9
Turn left onto IL 120
2.1 mi·3 min·West Belvidere Road
10
Turn right onto IL 83
0.3 mi·23 sec·Ivanhoe Road
11
Continue on Antioch Road
2.7 mi·4 min·Antioch Road
Use the left lane.
12
Continue on IL 137
0.2 mi·14 sec·Old Peterson Road
13
Continue on IL 137
1.4 mi·2 min·Peterson Road
14
Continue on this road
436 ft·18 sec·this road
Use the right lane.
15
Turn slight right onto IL 21
1.6 mi·2 min·North Milwaukee Avenue
Use the right lane.
16
Turn left onto IL 176
1.9 mi·3 min·East Park Avenue
17
Continue on IL 176
0.1 mi·19 sec·Rockland Road
18
Turn left
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 94 Toll East: Indiana
19
Merge onto I 94
9.1 mi·10 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
23 mi·28 min·Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'HareUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
3.5 mi·4 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi·1 min·Mile-Long Bridge
24
Continue on I 294
8.5 mi·10 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Exit 12 B-AToward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 12AToward IL 50 South: Cicero AvenueUse the straight lane.
27
Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83
4.9 mi·7 min·Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
28
Turn left onto 167th Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·167th Street
Use the left lane.
29
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80
30
Merge onto I 57
105 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Exit 240Toward Market Street
32
Turn left
96 ft·5 sec
33
Turn left onto Market Street
3.9 mi·6 min·Market Street
34
Turn right onto East Bradley Avenue
0.3 mi·34 sec·East Bradley Avenue
35
Turn left onto North Neil Street
0.7 mi·1 min·North Neil Street
36
Arrive at destination
North Neil Street
Trip Plan
For this 180.8-mile drive, departing in the morning will allow you to reach Champaign with ample time to spare, and a single stop should suffice for a break. Given the 3h 40m duration, you have flexibility in timing your departure and rest. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $29, and it’s always wise to top off before extended highway stretches. A specific tip for this route: be prepared for potential tolls on the Tri-State Tollway, so have your payment method ready. This manageable distance means you can focus on enjoying the journey without feeling rushed.
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 90.4 miles from Long Lake, IL, or about 1h 58m 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 40 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 90.4 miles or 1h 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 1m
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 Long Lake, 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 Long Lake, IL
This is one driving day of about 180.8 miles and 3h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Long Lake, 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.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 90.4 mi from Long Lake, IL
· 1h 58m into the drive
The midpoint is around 90.4 miles from Long Lake, 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.
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.
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...
9 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 62.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.27 one way
$56.53 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg63 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$31.03
$62.07
premium
$4.89
$34.79
$69.59
diesel
$5.61
$39.92
$79.84
Estimated Tolls: $2.91
Tri-state Tollway
(48.5 mi)$2.91
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
$28
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 63.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
54.2
0
$18.98
$8.68
Efficient EV
45.2
0
$15.82
$7.23
EV Truck/SUV
72.3
0
$25.31
$11.57
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 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 16, 2026
Origin
Long Lake, IL
Afternoon
in Long Lake on Thursday
Local time
2:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Champaign, IL
Afternoon
in Champaign on Thursday
Local time
2:52 PM
CDT
Current temp
53°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
14 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 40m 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 Long Lake, IL to Champaign, IL covers 180.8 miles and takes about 3h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, Tri-State Tollway, Cicero Avenue. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 90.4 miles from Long Lake, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.27 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 22 significant decision points across 180.8 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 14.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 23.4 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 50.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Long Lake, IL to Champaign, IL, road signs begin pointing toward O'hare along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Pullman National Historical Park.
