Road Trip Time: Carbondale, IL to Columbus, OH

Are you planning a road trip from Carbondale, Illinois to Columbus, Ohio? Excellent choice! Starting in the Heartland and running to Buckeye country, there are plenty of beautiful towns and landmarks along the way to explore.

The Short and Sweet Route

The quickest route from Carbondale to Columbus is as follows: Drive north on I-57 and continue on I-70 East towards Indianapolis, Indiana. From there you'll drive northeast on I-71 towards Columbus.

This route is relatively short at 393 miles and usually takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes to complete. If you're not one for long road trips and want to get to the capital city of Ohio as quickly as possible, this option is the best for you.

The Scenic Route

If you're the type of person who enjoys taking their sweet time, there's an alternative route that takes a bit longer, but for good reason. Driving north on I-57, exit the interstate at Effingham and travel east on US-40/ Lincoln Highway. The route continues through small towns until you reach Columbus.

This path is a bit more scenic, offering views of farms, fields, and charming small towns. The total distance for this route is 413 miles, and it's estimated to take about 7 hours to complete. Consider stopping at some of the towns along the way for a bite to eat or to explore.

The Alternative Path

If you want to avoid the highways and see more of the countryside, there's an alternative route from Carbondale to Columbus via Louisville. Travel northeast on I-57, then veer north on I-24 towards Kentucky. Drive north on I-69, which later merges into I-65, and continue straight through downtown Louisville.

This route comes out to a slightly longer distance of 476 miles. It's estimated to take around 8 hours to complete, although if you're driving through during rush hour, expect delays in the metropolitan area. Unless you're in a hurry, the extra driving time in this case is worth it because of the scenic beauty.

Places to Stop Along the Way

No matter which route you decide to take, there are some great stops to make along the way. Effingham, Illinois is home to the My Garage Museum and Route 45 Wayside Exhibit. Louisville, Kentucky has the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and Churchill Downs.

Indiana has several charming small towns en route to Columbus, such as Bloomington (home to Indiana University), Nashville (famous for its art galleries), and Columbus (a great pit stop for outdoorsy folks). Make sure to stretch your legs and take in the local charm and history in these towns.

Of course, don't forget to take a break every couple of hours to stay alert on the road. As with any road trip, always keep snacks, drinks and extra batteries and snacks on hand!

Whether you're looking for a quick drive or a more scenic one, there's a route that will suit your schedule and mood. We hope that this gives you a good start in planning your road trip. Enjoy all the experiences, moments and memories that come along the way!