Trip from Lemont, IL to Champaign, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 31m

Distance

132.5 mi

213 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min

4 AM

2h 22m ★

6 AM

2h 32m

8 AM

2h 52m

10 AM

2h 39m

12 PM

2h 37m

3 PM

2h 40m

5 PM

2h 51m

8 PM

2h 26m

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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historic village spanning Cook, DuPage and Will Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois

Lemont, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 132.5-mile drive from Lemont, IL, to Champaign, IL, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 31 minutes. Primarily using I-57, I-80, and Veterans Memorial Tollway for 86% of the journey, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion. With an estimated fuel cost of $21, it's an economical option for travelers within the Midwest. The road's focus on major highways makes it efficient, allowing you to reach your destination without significant detours. This drive offers a practical way to connect two points in Illinois, suitable for those prioritizing speed and ease.

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

66.2 miles from Lemont, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 57	103.7 mi	1h 52m
I 80	10.6 mi	12m
Veterans Memorial Tollway	8.3 mi	8m
Market Street	3.9 mi	6m
State Street	1.1 mi	1m
127th Street	1 mi	1m
North Neil Street	0.7 mi	1m
East Bradley Avenue	0.3 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 57 — 103.7 mi, about 1h 52m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lemont, IL and Champaign, IL.

Start on West New Avenue

481 ft · 14 sec · West New Avenue

Turn left onto Lockport Street

138 ft · 2 sec · Lockport Street

Use the left lane.

Turn slight left onto East Illinois Street

490 ft · 12 sec · East Illinois Street

Turn right onto State Street

1.1 mi · 1 min · State Street

Turn right onto 127th Street

1.0 mi · 1 min · 127th Street

Use the right lane.

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 59 sec

Merge onto I 355

8.3 mi · 8 min · Veterans Memorial Tollway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

1.3 mi · 2 min

Exit 0A Toward I 80 East: Indiana

Merge onto I 80

11 mi · 12 min · I 80

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 151A Toward I 57 South: Memphis

Merge onto I 57

104 mi · 1 hr 52 min · I 57

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 26 sec

Exit 240 Toward Market Street

Turn left

96 ft · 5 sec

Turn left onto Market Street

3.9 mi · 6 min · Market Street

Turn right onto East Bradley Avenue

0.3 mi · 34 sec · East Bradley Avenue

Turn left onto North Neil Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Neil Street

Arrive at destination

North Neil Street

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour and 31-minute duration, this drive is perfectly suited for a single day trip, offering flexibility in your departure time. You'll want to factor in the $21 fuel cost and plan one stop for refueling or a break, ideally before embarking on the longest stretch of 103.7 miles on I-57. Consider leaving Lemont in the morning to avoid potential heavier traffic, especially if you're traveling on a weekday. The efficiency of this route means you can easily adjust your schedule, but keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is always a good practice on longer highway segments.

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 66.2 miles from Lemont, IL, or about 1h 16m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.7 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 29 miles or 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 66.2 miles or 1h 16m 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 2m

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 Lemont, 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 Lemont, IL

This is one driving day of about 132.5 miles and 2h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Lemont, 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 103.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

village in Chebanse Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Clifton, IL

66 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

Chicago Heights, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Clifton, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 66.2 miles from Lemont, 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 103.7 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · first break window

Happy Bites Burger & Wings - Tinley Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tinley Park, Illinois

Near the start, right off the route

First break · 22min in 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17086208223

Visit website

FAJITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT OF MOKENA

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mokena, Illinois

0.7 mi

Lucy's Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Gilman, Illinois

0.7 mi

Best coffee break · early in the drive

The Well

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Manteno, Illinois

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch · 54min in 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+17795295090

Visit website

Happy Bites Burger & Wings - Tinley Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Tinley Park, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17086208223

Visit website

FAJITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT OF MOKENA

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Mokena, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17089955737

Visit website

Lucy's Kitchen

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Final third 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Gilman, Illinois

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+18152657625

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Tinley Park, Illinois

Hours: 11:30 am–10 pm

+17083909500

The Well

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10

Manteno, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+17795295090

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.2 mi from route

Champaign, Illinois

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.1 mi from route

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12175312800

0.3 mi from route

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 12.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Lockport Street

Turn left onto Lockport Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

1.4 mi into trip | ~2m in | 127th Street

Turn right onto 127th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

2.8 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway

Merge onto I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

11.1 mi into trip | ~14m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 80 East: Indiana

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 0A Toward I 80 East: Indiana

12.4 mi into trip | ~16m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.71 one way

$41.43 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 46 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$22.74	$45.49
premium	$4.89	$25.50	$51.00
diesel	$5.61	$29.25	$58.51

Estimated Tolls: $0.58

Veterans Memorial Tollway (8.3 mi) $0.58

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

$21

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 46.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	39.8	$13.91	$6.36
Efficient EV	33.1	$11.59	$5.30
EV Truck/SUV	53	$18.55	$8.48

Gas CO2

46 kg

EV CO2

16 kg (65% 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 18, 2026

Origin

Lemont, IL

Morning in Lemont on Tuesday

Local time

6:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

45°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

WSW 15 mph 100% chance Live forecast

Destination

Champaign, IL

Morning in Champaign on Tuesday

Local time

6:42 AM

CDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

67°F

Clifton, IL

66 mi in

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

24 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 31m 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...

12 mi from route ~30 min detour Free near mile 22.8

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 132.5-mile journey, with 86% of the drive on major interstates. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 103.7 miles on I-57, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. The route's profile suggests a predominantly fast-paced drive, minimizing time spent on slower local roads. While not described as particularly scenic, the efficiency of the interstate system means you'll cover ground quickly. This character makes it well-suited for drivers who appreciate straightforward navigation and consistent speeds.

86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 103.7 mi on I 57.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and I 80. You will hit about 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Lockport Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 132.5 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Lockport Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles (127th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles (I 355 / Veterans Memorial Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Champaign, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1855

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

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 2h 31m. Total distance: 132.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 103.7 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.58 in tolls one way, starting with Veterans Memorial 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 14 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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.

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.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Lemont, IL to Champaign, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Happy Bites Burger & Wings - Tinley Park

The Well

Happy Bites Burger & Wings - Tinley Park

FAJITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT OF MOKENA

Lucy's Kitchen

Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant

Pepe's Mexican Restaurants - Matteson

Basil Thai At Urbana

Crossroads Cantina

Hillgrove Tap

The Well

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

EV Connect Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Electrify America Charging Station

Nissan Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Main Line Station Rest Area - Northbound

Road Ranger

Service Plaza

Main Line Station Rest Area - Southbound

Petro Stopping Centers

Pilot Travel Center

Prairie View Rest Area - Northbound

Prairie View Rest Area - Southbound

Road Ranger

Love's Travel Stop

Pilot Travel Center

Service Plaza

QuikTrip

Peotone Travel Center

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Lemont, IL

Champaign, IL

Same local time

24 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 31m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Pullman National Historical Park

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Champaign, IL

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Champaign, IL

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