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Trip from Metropolis, IL to Champaign, IL

Drive Time

4h 20m

Distance

231.8 mi

373 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 7m ★
6 AM
4h 20m
8 AM
4h 47m
10 AM
4h 29m
12 PM
4h 27m
3 PM
4h 31m
5 PM
4h 45m
8 PM
4h 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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Downtown Metropolis, IL, IL

Metropolis, IL

Paolo Sanchez

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip from Metropolis to Champaign, expect a straightforward 231.8-mile journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day drive, allowing you to complete the transit without the need for an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via I-24, the Ken Gray Expressway, and I-57 as you traverse the heart of the Midwest. Budgeting roughly $35 for fuel should cover your travel costs comfortably. Because this is a high-efficiency corridor, it functions best as a direct transit rather than a multi-day sightseeing tour. Whether you are traveling for business or visiting family, the predictability of this path makes it a reliable choice for your schedule.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

115.9 miles from Metropolis, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip is a quintessential highway-focused drive, with 94% of your journey spent on high-speed interstate routes. You will settle into a steady rhythm early on, facing a significant 119.1-mile stretch along the Ken Gray Expressway that demands your full attention. The personality of this drive is consistent and functional, prioritizing speed and efficiency over winding backroads. Expect a smooth, uninterrupted experience as you transition between major thoroughfares. Because the road remains largely uniform throughout the duration, you can anticipate a predictable pace from start to finish.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Ken Gray Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 119.1 miles.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

735 ft 360 ft

Total Climb

794 ft

Total Descent

420 ft

Highest Point

735 ft

~231.8 mi in

Elevation Range

375 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Ken Gray Expressway and I 57. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near Pearl Street.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 231.8 miles you will encounter 15 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 0.6 miles (Pearl Street): Navigation decision point; at 11.7 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

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
0.6 mi into trip | ~1m in | Pearl Street

Turn right onto Pearl Street

Navigation decision point

5
11.7 mi into trip | ~18m in

Take the ramp toward New Columbia, Big Bay

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward New Columbia, Big Bay
6
37.4 mi into trip | ~46m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 57 North: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 44B Toward I 57 North: Chicago
5
89.4 mi into trip | ~1h 42m in | I 57 / Ken Gray Expressway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 57 / Ken Gray Expressway toward I 57 North: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 57 North: Chicago
5
156.8 mi into trip | ~2h 55m in | I 57

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 North: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 57 North: Chicago

Towns Along This Route

Between Metropolis, IL and Champaign, IL, road signs point toward New Columbia and Big Bay.

New Columbia

11.7 mi in | ~18m

Big Bay

11.7 mi in | ~18m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Ken Gray Expressway 119.1 mi 2h 8m
I 57 71.4 mi 1h 16m
I 24 25.4 mi 27m
North Avenue 6.3 mi 9m
New Columbia Road 4.3 mi 5m
West University Avenue 1.9 mi 4m
I 72 1 mi 1m
Big Bay Road 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Ken Gray Expressway — 119.1 mi, about 2h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West 5th Street

45 ft · 8 sec · West 5th Street
2

Turn left onto US 45

0.4 mi · 1 min · Ferry Street
3

Turn left onto US 45

0.2 mi · 29 sec · West 10th Street
4

Turn right onto Pearl Street

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Pearl Street
5

Turn slight left onto North Avenue

6.3 mi · 9 min · North Avenue
6

Continue on New Columbia Road

4.3 mi · 5 min · New Columbia Road
7

Turn right onto Big Bay Road

0.4 mi · 41 sec · Big Bay Road
8

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 26 sec
Toward New Columbia, Big Bay
9

Merge onto I 24

25 mi · 27 min · I 24
10

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Exit 44B Toward I 57 North: Chicago
11

Merge onto I 57

52 mi · 55 min · Ken Gray Expressway
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 57

67 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Ken Gray Expressway
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57

71 mi · 1 hr 16 min · I 57
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
14

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 235A Toward I-72 East: University Avenue
15

Merge onto I 72

1.0 mi · 1 min · I 72
16

Continue on West University Avenue

1.9 mi · 4 min · West University Avenue
17

Turn left onto North Randolph Street

364 ft · 12 sec · North Randolph Street
18

Turn right onto West Park Avenue

458 ft · 15 sec · West Park Avenue
19

Turn right onto North Neil Street

320 ft · 10 sec · North Neil Street
20

Arrive at destination

North Neil Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hour and 20 minute duration, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh during the transit. Since the majority of your time is spent on I-57 and the Ken Gray Expressway, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before entering the longer highway segments. Leaving early in the day is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and maintain steady progress toward Champaign. The flexibility of a one-day trip allows you to adjust your departure time based on local traffic conditions near your destination. Aim to time your single stop strategically around the halfway point to keep your energy levels consistent behind the wheel.

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 115.9 miles from Metropolis, IL, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.1 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 80 miles or 1h 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 115.9 miles or 2h 11m 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 31m

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 Metropolis, 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 Metropolis, IL

This is one driving day of about 231.8 miles and 4h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Metropolis, 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 Ken Gray Expressway for about 119.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 115.9 mi from Metropolis, IL · 2h 11m into the drive

Downtown Nashville, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Nashville, IL

116 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.

Popular next leg

Nashville, IL to Champaign, IL

161.6 mi · 3h 6m

Pacing Suggestions

Frankfort, IL

Fuel and coffee

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

Plainfield, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 115.9 miles from Metropolis, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Ken Gray Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119.1 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.21 one way

$70.42 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 81 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.25 $38.81 $77.63
premium $4.80 $43.76 $87.52
diesel $5.64 $51.50 $103.00

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 81.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 69.5 0 $24.34 $11.13
Efficient EV 58 0 $20.28 $9.27
EV Truck/SUV 92.7 1 $32.45 $14.84

Gas CO2

81 kg

EV CO2

27 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 21 hours ago

Origin

Metropolis, IL

Afternoon in Metropolis on Sunday

Local time

3:04 PM

CDT

Current temp

79°F

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 2 mph 15% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Destination

Champaign, IL

Afternoon in Champaign on Sunday

Local time

3:04 PM

CDT

Current temp

66°F

Mostly Cloudy

SE 8 mph 8% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 11 at 11:35AM CDT by NWS St Louis MO

Along the Route

59°F

Nashville, IL

116 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

13 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

4h 20m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Metropolis, IL to Champaign, IL covers 231.8 miles and takes about 4h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ken Gray Expressway, I 57, I 24. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 115.9 miles from Metropolis, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.21 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 231.8 miles you will encounter 15 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 0.6 miles (Pearl Street): Navigation decision point; at 11.7 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 37.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Between Metropolis, IL and Champaign, IL, road signs point toward New Columbia and Big Bay.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 360 ft to 735 ft elevation with about 794 ft of total climbing.

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