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Trip from Bloomington, IL to Carlyle, IL

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

Drive Time

3h 10m

Distance

150.4 mi

242 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$24

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 58m ★
6 AM
3h 10m
8 AM
3h 33m
10 AM
3h 18m
12 PM
3h 16m
3 PM
3h 19m
5 PM
3h 32m
8 PM
3h 3m

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 in Clinton County, Illinois, United States

Carlyle, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 150.4-mile drive from Bloomington, IL to Carlyle, IL takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. The route primarily utilizes local roads, with no highway driving involved, suggesting a more intimate journey through the Midwest landscape. With an estimated fuel cost of $23, this trip is budget-friendly. Consider this route if you prefer a journey with frequent turns over long, straight stretches. The drive is contained entirely within Illinois, offering a focused exploration of the state's local byways.

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

75.2 miles from Bloomington, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
North Walnut Street 23.2 mi 29m
South Business Route 51 19.6 mi 23m
South Main Street 16.5 mi 21m
300 East Road 15.1 mi 17m
West Missouri Avenue 14.1 mi 16m
United States Highway 51 13.4 mi 15m
County Road 875 East 11.1 mi 12m
250E 10.4 mi 11m
Longest stretch: North Walnut Street — 23.2 mi, about 29m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bloomington, IL and Carlyle, IL.

1

Start on US 51 Business

136 ft · 5 sec · North East Street
Use the straight lane.
2

Continue on US 51 Business

396 ft · 16 sec · North Main Street
Use the straight lane.
3

Turn left onto West Chestnut Street

273 ft · 19 sec · West Chestnut Street
4

Turn left onto US 51 Business

393 ft · 13 sec · North Center Street
5

Continue on US 51 Business

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Madison Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
6

Continue on US 51 Business

1.1 mi · 2 min · South Center Street
Use the straight lane.
7

Continue on US 51 Business

17 mi · 21 min · South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
8

Continue on US 51

23 mi · 29 min · North Walnut Street
9

Turn straight onto US 51 Business

9.9 mi · 15 min · US 51 Business
10

Take the ramp onto US 51 Business

20 mi · 23 min · South Business Route 51
11

Continue on US 51

7.9 mi · 9 min · North 2600 East Rd
12

Turn right onto US 51; IL 16

1.0 mi · 1 min · North 2600 East Road
13

Continue on US 51; IL 16

0.5 mi · 1 min · Jackson Street
14

Turn left onto US 51; IL 16

467 ft · 8 sec · Cedar Street
15

Turn right onto US 51; IL 16

0.4 mi · 1 min · East 1st Street
16

Turn left onto US 51; IL 16

0.4 mi · 29 sec · South Poplar Street
17

Turn straight onto US 51

0.6 mi · 2 min · Fair Avenue
18

Continue on US 51

2.0 mi · 2 min · County Road 2400 E
19

Continue on US 51

15 mi · 17 min · 300 East Road
20

Continue on US 51

11 mi · 12 min · County Road 875 East
21

Continue on US 51

1.5 mi · 1 min · North Kennedy Boulevard
22

Turn left onto US 40; US 51; IL 185

0.5 mi · 34 sec · West Gallatin Street
23

Turn right

0.1 mi · 7 sec
24

Continue on US 51

13 mi · 15 min · United States Highway 51
25

Continue on US 51

10 mi · 11 min · 250E
26

Continue on US 50; US 51

443 ft · 5 sec · North Mine Street
27

Continue on US 50; US 51

0.2 mi · 16 sec · N Mine St
28

Turn right onto US 50

14 mi · 16 min · West Missouri Avenue
29

Arrive at destination

US 50

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour, 10-minute duration and 150.4-mile length, this trip is ideal for a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to allow ample time for any unscheduled stops or detours you might encounter on this turn-heavy route. With a fuel cost estimated at $23, you'll want to ensure your tank is full before leaving Bloomington. Since there's a single recommended stop, plan your mid-drive break strategically. Keep an eye on your GPS, as the nature of local roads means frequent navigation adjustments will be necessary.

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 75.2 miles from Bloomington, IL, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 23.2 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 33 miles or 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 75.2 miles or 1h 39m 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 39m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bloomington, 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 Bloomington, IL

This is one driving day of about 150.4 miles and 3h 10m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Bloomington, 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 North Walnut Street for about 23.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Lakewood, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Lakewood, IL

75 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Clinton, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lakewood, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 75.2 miles from Bloomington, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Perkins American Food Co.

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Decatur, Illinois

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 43

+12176198360

Visit website

Mulligan's Bar and Grille At Oak Terrace

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pana, Illinois

0.8 mi

Coffeehouse in Uptown Normal

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Normal, Illinois

1.8 mi

Perkins American Food Co.

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 43

Decatur, Illinois

+12176198360

Visit website

Taco Bell

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv mile 43

Decatur, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+12178761310

Visit website

Mulligan's Bar and Grille At Oak Terrace

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 85.9

Pana, Illinois

Hours: 4–9 pm

+12175394477

Visit website

Coffeehouse in Uptown Normal

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Normal, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13094526774

Visit website

Signature Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13095852588

Visit website

Fort Jesse Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Normal, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13094515656

Visit website

Bloomin Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Normal, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+13098081071

Visit website

Spring Garden Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 75.2

Pana, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+12175623999

121 Coffee Run

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 43

Decatur, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–11 pm

+12175427962

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 43

Decatur, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776642738

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13096641222

Visit website

FLO Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 21.5

Clinton, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–12 pm

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 111.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | West Chestnut Street

Turn left onto West Chestnut Street

Navigation decision point

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 51 Business / North Center Street

Turn left onto US 51 Business / North Center Street

Navigation decision point

4
79 mi into trip | ~1h 44m in | US 51; IL 16 / North 2600 East Road

Turn right onto US 51; IL 16 / North 2600 East Road

Navigation decision point

4
80.5 mi into trip | ~1h 47m in | US 51; IL 16 / East 1st Street

Turn right onto US 51; IL 16 / East 1st Street

Navigation decision point

4
111.7 mi into trip | ~2h 25m in | US 40; US 51; IL 185 / West Gallatin Street

Turn left onto US 40; US 51; IL 185 / West Gallatin Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$23.51 one way

$47.03 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 53 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $25.82 $51.63
premium $4.89 $28.94 $57.89
diesel $5.61 $33.21 $66.41

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$24

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$49–$74

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 52.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.1 0 $15.79 $7.22
Efficient EV 37.6 0 $13.16 $6.02
EV Truck/SUV 60.2 0 $21.06 $9.63

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 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 15, 2026

Origin

Bloomington, IL

Late night in Bloomington on Sunday

Local time

2:57 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Carlyle, IL

Late night in Carlyle on Sunday

Local time

2:57 AM

CDT

Current temp

56°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

4 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

3h 10m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for the entirety of this 150.4-mile journey, as indicated by the 0% highway share. This means you'll be navigating a series of local roads, including North Main Street, West Chestnut Street, and North Center Street, rather than cruising on interstates. With no significant longest uninterrupted stretch mentioned, be prepared for a dynamic driving experience with frequent changes in direction. This profile suggests a route that winds through communities and varied terrain, rather than a monotonous highway cruise.

Only 29% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 23.2 mi on North Walnut Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near West Chestnut 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 3h 10m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (West Chestnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (US 51 Business / North Center Street): Navigation decision point; at 79 miles (US 51; IL 16 / North 2600 East Road): Navigation decision point.

About the Cities

Starting in Bloomington, IL

Full guide →

Bloomington, pop. 77,000 (2010 census), is a city in the Midwestern state of Illinois in the United States of America, on the classic Route 66 highway across the country. With neighboring Normal, pop. 52,000 (2010 census), it forms a combined community of about 130,000 known locally as the Twin Cities. Illinois Wesleyan University is in Bloomington, and is not to be confused with Illinois State University in Normal.

Top landmarks

  • • David Davis Mansion — house museum in Bloomington, Illinois
  • • Bloomington Central Business District — historic and central business district in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois,...
  • • George H. Miller House — Bloomington, Illinois, listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Arriving in Carlyle, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1818

Top landmarks

  • • General Dean Suspension Bridge

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 3h 10m. Total distance: 150.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (29%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 23.2 miles on North Walnut Street. 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (West Chestnut Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (US 51 Business / North Center Street): Navigation decision point; at 79 miles (US 51; IL 16 / North 2600 East Road): Navigation decision point.

Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Carlyle, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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