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Trip from Aurora, IL to Cambria, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 22m

Distance

323.5 mi

521 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$51

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
6h 10m ★
6 AM
6h 23m
8 AM
6h 48m
10 AM
6h 32m
12 PM
6h 29m
3 PM
6h 33m
5 PM
6h 47m
8 PM
6h 15m

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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city on tripoints of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties in Illinois, United States

Aurora, IL

Wikimedia Commons

village in Williamson County, Illinois, United States

Cambria, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Traveling from Aurora to Cambria covers 323.5 miles and typically takes about 6 hours and 22 minutes of drive time. You will spend the vast majority of your journey on major interstates, primarily utilizing I-55, I-57, and the Ken Gray Expressway. Given the duration, this trip is manageable as a single-day drive if you start early, though you should budget approximately $49 for fuel. Because you are staying within the Midwest, the transition from the northern suburbs to the southern reaches of Illinois is straightforward. It is a practical, efficient route that prioritizes speed over winding backroads, making it a reliable choice for those looking to reach their destination without unnecessary detours.

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

161.7 miles from Aurora, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 22m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 215.3 mi 3h 51m
Ken Gray Expressway 32.7 mi 35m
I 55 15.8 mi 18m
County Road North 303 West 7.8 mi 13m
Lincoln Highway 7.4 mi 11m
Herrin Road 6.6 mi 9m
Old Chicago Road 3.7 mi 5m
IL 102 3.6 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 215.3 mi, about 3h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Aurora, IL and Cambria, IL.

1

Start on West Galena Boulevard

0.4 mi · 52 sec · West Galena Boulevard
2

Turn left onto IL 25

458 ft · 13 sec · North Broadway
3

Turn right onto East New York Street

1.1 mi · 1 min · East New York Street
4

Turn slight right

175 ft · 8 sec
5

Turn slight right onto North Ohio Street

0.1 mi · 17 sec · North Ohio Street
6

Turn left onto East Galena Boulevard

0.1 mi · 17 sec · East Galena Boulevard
7

Continue on Hill Avenue

2.5 mi · 4 min · Hill Avenue
Use the left lane.
8

Turn straight onto US 30

7.4 mi · 11 min · Lincoln Highway
Use the left lane.
9

Turn left onto US 30

1.0 mi · 1 min · 143rd Street
Use the left lane.
10

Turn right onto US 30; IL 59

1.2 mi · 2 min · North Division Street
Use the right lane.
11

Turn left onto US 30

2.2 mi · 4 min · North Joliet Road
Use the left lane.
12

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 55 South: Bloomington
13

Merge onto I 55

16 mi · 18 min · I 55
Use the right lane.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward North River Road
15

Turn left onto CH 44

0.3 mi · 31 sec · County Highway 44
16

Continue on CH 44

1.4 mi · 1 min · North River Road
17

Continue on CH 44

2.3 mi · 3 min · New River Road
18

At end of road, turn right onto IL 53

0.5 mi · 48 sec · South Chicago Road
19

Turn left onto CH 25

3.0 mi · 4 min · West Peotone Road
20

Turn right onto CH 7

2.0 mi · 2 min · South Chicago Road
21

Continue on Old Chicago Road

3.7 mi · 5 min · Old Chicago Road
22

At end of road, turn left onto IL 102

3.6 mi · 5 min · IL 102
23

Turn right onto CH 20

0.7 mi · 1 min · Warner Bridge Rd North 7000W Road
24

Turn left onto IL 113

7.8 mi · 13 min · County Road North 303 West
25

Continue on IL 113

1.5 mi · 2 min · North Wall Street
26

Continue on South Wall Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Wall Street
27

Continue on West Water Street

0.4 mi · 43 sec · West Water Street
28

Continue on US 45; US 52

0.5 mi · 49 sec · South East Avenue
29

Turn right onto US 45; US 52

1.8 mi · 2 min · South Schuyler Avenue
30

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Toward I-57 South: Champaign
31

Merge onto I 57

150 mi · 2 hr 40 min · I 57
32

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57

66 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 57
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
33

Keep slight right at fork onto I 57

33 mi · 35 min · Ken Gray Expressway
34

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward Johnston City, Herrin
35

Turn right onto Herrin Road

3.1 mi · 4 min · Herrin Road
36

Continue on East Herrin Street

3.1 mi · 5 min · East Herrin Street
37

Continue on Herrin Road

3.5 mi · 5 min · Herrin Road
38

Enter roundabout onto Cambria Road

221 ft · 4 sec · Cambria Road
39

Continue on Cambria Road

0.5 mi · 48 sec · Cambria Road
40

Continue on North Maple Street

1.5 mi · 2 min · North Maple Street
41

Arrive at destination

South Maple Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of your 6-hour and 22-minute trip, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refresh. Since you are traversing a large portion of the state, departing early in the morning helps you avoid potential congestion on the busier sections of the interstates. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the long 215.3-mile stretch on I-57, as choosing your refueling points strategically will help you stay within your $49 budget. Because the route is a single-day commitment, having the flexibility to adjust your departure time ensures a much more relaxed arrival in Cambria. Prioritize a mid-route break to maintain your focus for the final stretch of the drive.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 161.7 miles from Aurora, IL, or about 3h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 215.3 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 71 miles or 1h 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 161.7 miles or 3h 22m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 13m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Aurora, 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 Aurora, IL

This is one driving day of about 323.5 miles and 6h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Aurora, 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 215.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

162 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

Champaign, IL to Cambria, IL

191.6 mi · 3h 36m

Pacing Suggestions

Joliet, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Tuscola, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 161.7 miles from Aurora, 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 215.3 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Effingham Food Express

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Effingham, Illinois

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 207.9
Visit website

Subway

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Effingham, Illinois

0.3 mi

El Patrón Mexican Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Salem, Illinois

0.5 mi

Effingham Food Express

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Visit website

China Buffet Effingham

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12173423188

Visit website

McDonald's

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12173422605

Visit website

Subway

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+12173470701

Visit website

El Patrón Mexican Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 254.1

Salem, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16182670081

Visit website

Joe's Pizza & Pasta

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12173475637

Visit website

Golden Corral Buffet & Grill

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12176904884

Visit website

Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–1 pm

+12173424628

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 138.6

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 184.8

Mattoon, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 184.8

Mattoon, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 138.6

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Hampton Inn Charging Station

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 138.6

Champaign, Illinois

Visit website

MY Garage Museum & Retail Store

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+12175404277

Visit website

McAlister's Deli

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+12172407175

Visit website

Tk Grille

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 207.9

Effingham, Illinois

Hours: 6–10 am

+12175407716

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 23

5 decision points cluster between mile 11.8 and 213 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
11.8 mi into trip | ~19m in | US 30 / 143rd Street

Turn left onto US 30 / 143rd Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
12.8 mi into trip | ~21m in | US 30; IL 59 / North Division Street

Turn right onto US 30; IL 59 / North Division Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
16.2 mi into trip | ~29m in

Take the ramp toward I 55 South: Bloomington

Navigation decision point

Toward I 55 South: Bloomington
5
16.5 mi into trip | ~29m in | I 55

Merge onto I 55

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
213 mi into trip | ~4h 17m in | I 57

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 South: Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 57 South: Memphis

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$50.58 one way

$101.15 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 113 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $55.53 $111.06
premium $4.89 $62.25 $124.51
diesel $5.61 $71.42 $142.85

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$51

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$76–$101

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 113.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 97.1 1 $33.97 $15.53
Efficient EV 80.9 0 $28.31 $12.94
EV Truck/SUV 129.4 1 $45.29 $20.70

Gas CO2

113 kg

EV CO2

38 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 15, 2026

Origin

Aurora, IL

Night in Aurora on Saturday

Local time

11:34 PM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cambria, IL

Night in Cambria on Saturday

Local time

11:34 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°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

6 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

6h 22m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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

What kind of drive is this?

This is a highway-focused drive, with 83% of your journey spent on high-speed roads. You will settle into a rhythm quickly, as the route includes a significant 215.3-mile uninterrupted stretch along I-57. While the interstate grind is efficient, you should be prepared for the steady pace required to cover the distance. The transition between the primary expressways keeps the drive moving consistently, though you will need to remain alert during the extended highway segments. Expect a functional, direct experience behind the wheel that favors clear, paved paths over technical or winding local roads.

83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 215.3 mi on I 57.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.8 miles in near US 30 / 143rd Street.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 323.5 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 11.8 miles (US 30 / 143rd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.8 miles (US 30; IL 59 / North Division Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 16.2 miles: Navigation decision point.

About the Cities

Starting in Aurora, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1835

Aurora is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, located about 35 miles west of Chicago. It's at the very edge of Chicagoland and, situated on the Fox River, has many opportunities for urban, suburban, and rural recreation. Often overlooked, Aurora in fact has many surprisingly interesting attractions and a downtown unlike that of a typical suburb. It is probably best known for being the setting of the "Wayne's World" movies.

Top landmarks

  • • Aurora University — private university in Aurora, Illinois, U.S
  • • Hotel Arthur — United States historic place
  • • Graham Building — historic building in Aurora, Illinois

Arriving in Cambria, IL

Full guide →

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 6h 22m. Total distance: 323.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 22m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 215.3 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Cambria, 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.

The main spots that need attention: at 11.8 miles (US 30 / 143rd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.8 miles (US 30; IL 59 / North Division Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 16.2 miles: Navigation decision point.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cambria, IL before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner 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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