This 142.7-mile drive from Bensenville, IL, to Champaign, IL, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 51 minutes. Primarily following I-57 and the Tri-State Tollway, it's a highway-focused journey with a modest estimated fuel cost of $22. Given its manageable distance and duration, this route is ideal as a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The drive stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel as you travel south through Illinois.
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
71.3 miles from Bensenville, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
105.4 mi
1h 54m
Tri-State Tollway
18.2 mi
23m
Cicero Avenue
4.9 mi
7m
Market Street
3.9 mi
6m
US 20
3 mi
4m
South York Road
1.6 mi
3m
North York Street
1.3 mi
2m
Mile-Long Bridge
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 105.4 mi, about 1h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bensenville, IL and Champaign, IL.
1
Start on this road
56 ft·6 sec·this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto West Green Street
85 ft·6 sec·West Green Street
3
Turn right onto South York Road
1.6 mi·3 min·South York Road
4
Continue on North York Street
1.3 mi·2 min·North York Street
5
Turn right onto Lake Street
0.3 mi·33 sec·Lake Street
6
Turn slight right
147 ft·7 sec
Use the right lane.
7
Take the ramp onto US 20
3.0 mi·4 min·US 20
Toward I 290 East, US 20 East: ChicagoUse the right lane.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 294
0.4 mi·47 sec·Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
1.0 mi·2 min·Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
11
Merge onto I 294
137 ft·1 sec·Tri-State Tollway
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
3.5 mi·4 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 294
0.9 mi·1 min·Mile-Long Bridge
15
Continue on I 294
8.5 mi·10 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
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.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 12AToward IL 50 South: Cicero AvenueUse the straight lane.
18
Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83
4.9 mi·7 min·Cicero Avenue
Use the left lane.
19
Turn left onto 167th Street
0.2 mi·26 sec·167th Street
Use the left lane.
20
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80
21
Merge onto I 57
105 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·26 sec
Exit 240Toward Market Street
23
Turn left
96 ft·5 sec
24
Turn left onto Market Street
3.9 mi·6 min·Market Street
25
Turn right onto East Bradley Avenue
0.3 mi·34 sec·East Bradley Avenue
26
Turn left onto North Neil Street
0.7 mi·1 min·North Neil Street
27
Arrive at destination
North Neil Street
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 2-hour and 51-minute drive, flexibility is your best friend. Consider departing mid-morning to avoid the peak rush hour around Bensenville. With only one stop recommended, plan it strategically for a break on the 105.4-mile stretch of I-57. The $22 fuel cost is reasonable, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Bensenville to maximize your time on the road. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition between the Tri-State Tollway, Cicero Avenue, and I-57 to ensure a smooth continuation toward Champaign.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 71.3 miles from Bensenville, IL, or about 1h 29m 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 31 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.3 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 19m
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 Bensenville, 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 Bensenville, IL
This is one driving day of about 142.7 miles and 2h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Bensenville, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.2 and 25.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
3.2 mi into trip|~6m in|US 20
Take the ramp onto US 20 toward I 290 East, US 20 East: Chicago
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 290 East, US 20 East: Chicago
8
6.3 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
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 15A
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
6
6.9 mi into trip|~12m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
8
25.7 mi into trip|~36m 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
25.9 mi into trip|~36m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.31 one way
$44.62 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg50 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$24.49
$48.99
premium
$4.89
$27.46
$54.92
diesel
$5.61
$31.51
$63.01
Estimated Tolls: $1.09
Tri-state Tollway
(18.2 mi)$1.09
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
$22
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
42.8
0
$14.98
$6.85
Efficient EV
35.7
0
$12.49
$5.71
EV Truck/SUV
57.1
0
$19.98
$9.13
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 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 as of Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Bensenville, IL
Late night
in Bensenville on Tuesday
Local time
3:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Champaign, IL
Late night
in Champaign on Tuesday
Local time
3:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°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
23 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
2h 51m 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.
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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 24.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 76% of the drive taking place on major roadways like I-57 and the Tri-State Tollway. You'll encounter a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 105.4 miles on I-57, which forms the backbone of this journey. While the majority of the drive is on high-speed highways, you will also navigate segments on Cicero Avenue, offering a slight change of pace before rejoining the faster routes. This profile suggests a drive where forward momentum is key, with limited opportunities for leisurely scenic detours.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 105.4 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.2 miles in near US 20.
Driving Effort10/10
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 21 significant decision points across 142.7 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 3.2 miles (US 20): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Champaign-Urbana is a metropolitan area in central Illinois, composed of the towns of Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy. The community is the site of the main campus of the University of Illinois, one of the great public universities of the United States.
Top landmarks
•Orpheum Theatre — theater and movie theater in Champaign, Illinois, United States
•Virginia Theatre — movie theater in Champaign, Illinois, United States
•Cattle Bank — bank building in Champaign, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 51m. Total distance: 142.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 105.4 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.09 in tolls one way, starting with Tri-state Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 18 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Champaign, 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. There are 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.2 miles (US 20): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Champaign, IL before heading back.
