Charleston, Illinois to Ottumwa: Road Trip Guide & Distance

246.9 miles 397.3 km · straight line
308.6 miles estimated 496.6 km · driving distance
6h 12min estimated drive time
$30 - $37 estimated fuel cost
~1h 0min flight time
297° WNW bearing direction

How far is Charleston, Illinois from Ottumwa?

The distance from Charleston, Illinois to Ottumwa is 246.9 miles (397.3 km) as the crow flies. Ottumwa is located WNW of Charleston, Illinois. By car, the driving distance is approximately 308.6 miles, taking about 6h 12min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 0min. Both are located in United States — Charleston, Illinois in Illinois and Ottumwa in Iowa.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Charleston, Illinois and Ottumwa. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Charleston, Illinois to Ottumwa

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 6h 12min $30 - $37 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 0min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~7h 26min $25–$46* Budget
Train ~5h 53min $37–$108* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Charleston, Illinois & Ottumwa

Quick Facts

Charleston, Illinois
39.50°N, 88.18°W
America/Chicago
204m elevation
Ottumwa
41.02°N, 92.41°W
America/Chicago
205m elevation
Explore more routes from Ottumwa

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 82 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 21 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 100.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients