Origin
York, IL
Late night in York on Sunday
Local time
2:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from York, IL to Athens, 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 55m
Distance
160.4 mi
258 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 42m
★
6 AM
3h 55m
8 AM
4h 21m
10 AM
4h 4m
12 PM
4h 2m
3 PM
4h 6m
5 PM
4h 20m
8 PM
3h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
York, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Athens, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
York, IL to Athens, IL is 160.4 miles and takes about 3 hours 55 minutes via Route 121 and US 36, with a fuel budget near $25 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, traversing the Midwest region. Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive that should be manageable within a single day. It's a straightforward journey connecting two points in the heartland, suitable for those prioritizing efficiency.
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
80.2 miles from York, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 4m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Route 121 | 33.8 mi | 48m |
| US 36 | 25.1 mi | 26m |
| I 70 | 16 mi | 17m |
| East Angling Road | 13.7 mi | 24m |
| Route 130 | 10 mi | 14m |
| Dewitt Avenue East | 5.8 mi | 9m |
| South Williamsville Road | 5.4 mi | 7m |
| Illinois Route 16 | 5.3 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
Route 121
— 33.8 mi, about 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between York, IL and Athens, IL.
1
Start on North York Street
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
North York Street
2
At end of road, turn right onto West Broadway Street
0.2 mi
·
56 sec
·
West Broadway Street
3
Continue on East 150th Road
1.9 mi
·
7 min
·
East 150th Road
4
Turn sharp right onto IL 1
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
IL 1
5
Turn left onto East Angling Road
9.0 mi
·
15 min
·
East Angling Road
6
At end of road, turn left onto East Angling Road
4.8 mi
·
8 min
·
East Angling Road
7
Continue on South York Street
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
South York Street
8
Continue on North Cleone Road
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North Cleone Road
9
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
10
Merge onto I 70
16 mi
·
17 min
·
I 70
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward IL 130
12
Turn right onto IL 130
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
·
North Haughton Highway
13
Continue on IL 130
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
1700E
14
Continue on IL 130
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
North Haughton Highway
15
Continue on IL 130
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road 1775 E
16
Continue on IL 130
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
County Road 1825 E
17
Continue on IL 130
10.0 mi
·
14 min
·
Route 130
18
Continue on IL 130
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Illinois Route 130
19
Continue on IL 130
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
18th Street
20
Turn left onto IL 16
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Lincoln Avenue
21
Continue on IL 16
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Illinois Route 16
22
Turn right onto Lerna Road
0.5 mi
·
57 sec
·
Lerna Road
23
Turn left onto Dewitt Avenue East
5.8 mi
·
9 min
·
Dewitt Avenue East
24
Continue on IL 121
34 mi
·
48 min
·
Route 121
25
Turn left onto CTH 30
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
West Main Street
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on CTH 30
4.2 mi
·
5 min
·
East Elwin Road
27
Turn right onto US 51 Business
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Business Route 51
28
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward US 51 North: Springfield, Bloomington
29
Merge onto US 51
5.2 mi
·
5 min
·
US 51
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 72 West, US 36 West: Springfield
31
Merge onto US 36
25 mi
·
26 min
·
US 36
32
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward Riverton, Dawson
33
Turn right onto Overpass Road
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
Overpass Road
34
Continue on Lincoln Street
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Lincoln Street
35
Turn right onto North 7th Street
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
North 7th Street
36
Continue on County Highway 5A
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
County Highway 5A
37
Continue on CR 5A; CR 31
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
·
South Main Street
38
Continue on South Williamsville Road
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
South Williamsville Road
39
Turn left onto Valor Parkway
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Valor Parkway
Use the left lane.
40
Continue on Old Route 66
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Old Route 66
41
Turn left onto IL 123
0.6 mi
·
58 sec
·
County Highway 2
42
Continue on IL 123
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Dinius Road
43
Continue on IL 123
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
County Road 11 North
44
Turn right onto IL 29; IL 123
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
IL 29; IL 123
45
Turn left onto Springfield Road
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Springfield Road
46
Continue on East Hargrave Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
East Hargrave Street
47
At end of road, turn right onto North Main Street
107 ft
·
3 sec
·
North Main Street
48
Arrive at destination
North Main Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3 hour 55 minute duration, starting your drive in the morning from York, IL allows ample time to reach Athens, IL without feeling rushed. With only one stop recommended, you can plan this strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or near a larger town for a break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 33.8-mile stretch on Route 121. Your estimated fuel cost is around $25, so plan accordingly before departing.
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 80.2 miles from York, IL, or about 2h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 33.8 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 35 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.2 miles or 2h 4m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Athens, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving York, 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 York, IL
This is one driving day of about 160.4 miles and 3h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from York, 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 Route 121 for about 33.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
80 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
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 215 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 150.1 — 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 Broadway Street
At end of road, turn right onto West Broadway Street
Navigation decision point
5
2.3 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
IL 1
Turn sharp right onto IL 1
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
38.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
|
IL 130 / North Haughton Highway
Turn right onto IL 130 / North Haughton Highway
Navigation decision point
6
110.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 47m in
Take the ramp toward US 51 North: Springfield, Bloomington
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 51 North: Springfield, Bloomington
6
150.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 37m in
|
Valor Parkway
Turn left onto Valor Parkway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.08 one way
$50.15 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
56 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $27.53 | $55.07 |
| premium | $4.89 | $30.87 | $61.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.41 | $70.83 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48.1 | 0 | $16.84 | $7.70 |
| Efficient EV | 40.1 | 0 | $14.04 | $6.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 64.2 | 0 | $22.46 | $10.27 |
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Destination
Athens, IL
Late night in Athens on Sunday
Local time
2:29 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
54°F
Bethany, IL
80 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 55m 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?
This drive is largely highway-focused, with 64% of the route utilizing major roads like Route 121, US 36, and I-70. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 33.8 miles on Route 121, indicating some sustained cruising. The character is primarily that of a functional interstate and highway connection, designed for covering ground efficiently. Expect straightforward driving conditions for the majority of the trip.
64% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
48 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 33.8 mi on Route 121.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Route 121 and US 36. You will hit about 21 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near West Broadway Street.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 160.4 miles you will encounter 21 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 (West Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.3 miles (IL 1): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 38.8 miles (IL 130 / North Haughton Highway): Navigation decision point.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between York, IL and Athens, IL, road signs point toward Bloomington, Riverton and Dawson.
Bloomington
110.2 mi in
|
~2h 47m
Riverton
141.3 mi in
|
~3h 22m
Dawson
141.3 mi in
|
~3h 22m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 55m. Total distance: 160.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (64%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 33.8 miles on Route 121. 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 Broadway Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.3 miles (IL 1): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 38.8 miles (IL 130 / North Haughton Highway): Navigation decision point.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Athens, 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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