Illinois: fly or drive?
Should you fly or drive to visit Illinois in Urbana, Illinois? The nearest airport is CMI (Champaign Willard, 15 min from campus). Here's how to decide based on where you're coming from.
Fri, Sep 11 → Sun, Sep 13, 2026 · 2 nights · 2 adults
2 nights
2 adults
The short answer
It depends. Drive if you're under 4 hours away; fly if over 7. Between 4 and 7 hours, drive for two colleges (the car's flexibility wins) and fly for one (the time savings wins).
Nearest airport
Airport
CMI
Champaign Willard
Drive to campus
15 min
without traffic
Backup airport
ORD
O'Hare
Fly-in program
No
standard visit
Drive times from major metros
| From | Distance | Drive time | Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 883 mi | 18 h 02 m | Fly |
| Chicago, IL | 149 mi | 3 h 03 m | Drive |
| Atlanta, GA | 575 mi | 11 h 44 m | Either |
| Dallas, TX | 819 mi | 16 h 43 m | Fly |
| Los Angeles, CA | 2003 mi | 40 h 53 m | Fly |
Book your trip
Hotels in Urbana
14 hotels within 3 mi of Illinois
Check hotels in Urbana
When you book through our Kayak links, we may earn a commission. How this site earns money →
Flights to CMI
Compare flights on Kayak — search by your home airport.