Champaign, IL to Near North Side, IL is 136.3 miles and takes about 2h 42m via I 57 and Dan Ryan Expressway (Express), with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, exclusively in Illinois, making it a straightforward drive. Expect a route that's almost entirely highway, keeping you moving efficiently. With only one recommended stop and a manageable duration, this drive is well-suited for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
68.1 miles from Champaign, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
117.8 mi
2h 11m
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
7.8 mi
11m
North Market Street
4.3 mi
7m
Dan Ryan Expressway
3.3 mi
4m
Kennedy Expressway
0.6 mi
1m
North Desplaines Street
0.4 mi
<1m
West Grand Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
North Orleans Street
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 117.8 mi, about 2h 11m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 4 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~865 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~101 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 5 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign, IL and Near North Side, IL.
1
Start on North Neil Street
42 ft·8 sec·North Neil Street
2
Turn left onto East University Avenue
238 ft·11 sec·East University Avenue
3
Turn left onto North Walnut Street
0.3 mi·45 sec·North Walnut Street
4
Turn right onto East Washington Street
254 ft·12 sec·East Washington Street
5
Turn left onto North Market Street
4.3 mi·7 min·North Market Street
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I-57 North: Kankakee
7
Merge onto I 57
118 mi·2 hr 11 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 94
3.3 mi·4 min·Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
7.8 mi·11 min·Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit onto Kennedy Expressway
0.5 mi·1 min·Kennedy Expressway
Toward DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
0.1 mi·13 sec·Kennedy Expressway
Toward I 94 West, I 90 West: Washington Boulevard East, Wisconsin, Kennedy Expressway
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
128 ft·3 sec·Kennedy Expressway
Toward I 90 West, I 94: Randolph Street, Lake StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
405 ft·9 sec
Exit 51Toward Randolph Street, Lake Street
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 51AToward Lake StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn right onto West Lake Street
306 ft·13 sec·West Lake Street
16
Turn left onto North Desplaines Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·North Desplaines Street
17
Turn right onto West Grand Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·West Grand Avenue
18
Turn left onto North Orleans Street
0.3 mi·50 sec·North Orleans Street
Use the straight lane.
19
Turn right onto West Chicago Avenue
0.2 mi·25 sec·West Chicago Avenue
20
Turn left onto North Wells Street
0.2 mi·34 sec·North Wells Street
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
North Wells Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 42m estimated drive time and 136.3 miles, leaving Champaign, IL in the morning should allow you to arrive in Near North Side, IL with plenty of daylight. The fuel cost is estimated at $21, so ensure you have a full tank before departing or plan a quick stop. With only one recommended stop and the majority of the drive on the highway, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on traffic reports as you approach the Chicago area, particularly for the Dan Ryan Expressway (Express), which can experience congestion.
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 68.1 miles from Champaign, IL, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 117.8 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 30 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68.1 miles or 1h 19m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Near North Side, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Champaign, 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 Champaign, IL
This is one driving day of about 136.3 miles and 2h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Champaign, 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 117.8 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 126.1 and 136 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
126.1 mi into trip|~2h 25m in|I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Roa...
9
134.4 mi into trip|~2h 37m in|I 90; I 94 / Kennedy Expressway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94 / Kennedy Expressway toward I 90 West, I 94: Randolph Street, Lake Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 90 West, I 94: Randolph Street, Lake S...
8
134.5 mi into trip|~2h 37m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Randolph Street, Lake Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 51
Toward Randolph Street, Lake Street
9
134.5 mi into trip|~2h 37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Lake Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 51A
Toward Lake Street
7
136 mi into trip|~2h 42m in|North Wells Street
Turn left onto North Wells Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.79 one way
$41.59 round trip
$3.88/gal25.4 MPG avg48 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.27
$22.90
$45.81
premium
$4.81
$25.79
$51.58
diesel
$5.40
$28.99
$57.99
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
40.9
0
$14.31
$6.54
Efficient EV
34.1
0
$11.93
$5.45
EV Truck/SUV
54.5
0
$19.08
$8.72
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (67% 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 26, 2026
Origin
Champaign, IL
Afternoon
in Champaign on Sunday
Local time
12:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Mostly Clear
ENE 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 9:00PM CDT until April 29 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 25 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Destination
Near North Side, IL
Afternoon
in Near North Side on Sunday
Local time
12:45 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°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
16 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 42m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 122.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 95% of the 136.3 miles on major roads like I 57. You'll experience a long stretch of 117.8 miles on I 57 before transitioning to the Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) and then North Market Street. Be prepared for urban merging as you approach your destination, a common characteristic when entering a major metropolitan area after extended highway cruising.
95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 117.8 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Dan Ryan Expressway (Express). This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 126.1 miles in near I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express).
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 136.3 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 126.1 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.4 miles (I 90; I 94 / Kennedy Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.5 miles: 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 42m. Total distance: 136.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 117.8 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Near North Side, 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 126.1 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.4 miles (I 90; I 94 / Kennedy Expressway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134.5 miles: 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 Near North Side, IL before heading back.
