Origin
Monticello, IL
Afternoon in Monticello on Thursday
Local time
4:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Monticello, IL to Champaign, IL
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
28m
Distance
21.3 mi
34 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 26m
★
6 AM
0h 29m
8 AM
0h 34m
10 AM
0h 31m
12 PM
0h 30m
3 PM
0h 31m
5 PM
0h 34m
8 PM
0h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Monticello, IL
Stéphane Tendon
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick transit between Monticello and Champaign, you can expect a brief 21.3-mile trip that typically takes about 28 minutes. This route is entirely contained within the Midwest, making it an efficient connection between these two Illinois communities. With a total fuel cost of approximately $3, it is an incredibly budget-friendly excursion that works perfectly as a half-day or day trip. Because the journey is so short, there is no need to consider an overnight split, allowing you total flexibility in your schedule. You will rely primarily on I-72 to bridge the gap before transitioning onto North Market Street and West University Avenue to reach your destination. It is a straightforward, no-nonsense drive designed for utility rather than exploration.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 28m. Total distance: 21.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 78% of this journey is spent on major thoroughfares. The core of your travel involves a 16.7-mile stretch on I-72, which serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of the route. You will find that the drive feels efficient and fast-paced while you are on the interstate, providing a consistent rhythm to your commute. Once you exit the highway, the character of the road shifts as you navigate North Market Street and West University Avenue into the heart of Champaign. This transition from high-speed interstate travel to local urban roads provides a clear change in pace as you arrive at your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 9 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 16.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 72 and North Market Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near IL 105 / North Market Street.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 28m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (IL 105 / North Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 21.1 miles (North Randolph Street): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 6 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
3
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
IL 105 / North Market Street
Turn left onto IL 105 / North Market Street
Navigation decision point
3
2 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the ramp toward I-72 East: Champaign
Navigation decision point
Toward I-72 East: Champaign
4
21.1 mi into trip
|
~28m in
|
North Randolph Street
Turn left onto North Randolph Street
Navigation decision point
5
21.1 mi into trip
|
~28m in
|
West Park Avenue
Turn right onto West Park Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
21.2 mi into trip
|
~28m in
|
North Neil Street
Turn right onto North Neil Street
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 72 | 16.7 mi | 18m |
| North Market Street | 2 mi | 3m |
| West University Avenue | 1.9 mi | 4m |
| West Park Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| North Randolph Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| North Neil Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| West Center Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 72
— 16.7 mi, about 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monticello, IL and Champaign, IL.
1
Start on West Center Street
21 ft
·
7 sec
·
West Center Street
2
Turn left onto IL 105
2.0 mi
·
3 min
·
North Market Street
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
54 sec
Toward I-72 East: Champaign
4
Merge onto I 72
17 mi
·
18 min
·
I 72
5
Continue on West University Avenue
1.9 mi
·
4 min
·
West University Avenue
6
Turn left onto North Randolph Street
364 ft
·
12 sec
·
North Randolph Street
7
Turn right onto West Park Avenue
458 ft
·
15 sec
·
West Park Avenue
8
Turn right onto North Neil Street
320 ft
·
10 sec
·
North Neil Street
9
Arrive at destination
North Neil Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$3.33 one way
$6.66 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
8 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $3.66 | $7.31 |
| premium | $4.89 | $4.10 | $8.20 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $4.70 | $9.41 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$3
Estimated CO2 emission: 7.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 71% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 6.4 | 0 | $2.24 | $1.02 |
| Efficient EV | 5.3 | 0 | $1.86 | $0.85 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 8.5 | 0 | $2.98 | $1.36 |
Gas CO2
7 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (71% 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
Champaign, IL
Afternoon in Champaign on Thursday
Local time
4:05 PM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
28m 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 Monticello, IL to Champaign, IL covers 21.3 miles and takes about 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 72, North Market Street, West University Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 10.6 miles from Monticello, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.33 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.
This is a straightforward 28m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (IL 105 / North Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 2 miles: Navigation decision point; at 21.1 miles (North Randolph Street): Navigation decision point.
The route from Monticello, IL to Champaign, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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