Getting to Charleston and Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, is a safe, affordable, and friendly east central Illinois city of 20,000, located a few miles off Interstate 57, between Champaign/Urbana.  Eastern Illinois University is located in the heart of Charleston just south of Lincoln Avenue (Illinois Route 16).

EIU Campus Map

By Car

Eastern Illinois University can be accessed through exit 190A on Interstate 57. From I-57, follow Route 16 east for approximately 7 miles. Route 16 becomes Lincoln Avenue when you reach Charleston. You will find EIU on Lincoln Avenue where you will see Old Main, which is the northern most point of campus. Visitors to campus can turn right on 7th Street and enter the circle drive on the east end of Old Main. Parking permits are available in the Office of Admissions, located at 1230 Old Main. Parking is available in the X lot located on the west side of 7th Street.

EIU can also be access via I-70 if traveling west from Indiana.  Exit at marker 119 (Greenup/Charleston exit) and head north on Illinois 130.  You will go approximately 18 miles before entering Charleston. At the first stop light, turn left onto Lincoln Avenue (Illinois Route 16).  EIU will be on the left (south) side of the road and begins at the next stop (9th Street), with Old Main situated between 4th and 7th streets.

EIU Athletic Facilities are located on the west side of campus.  Those can be reached by traveling south on 4th Street.  After going through first stop sign (Grant Avenue), the main athletic complex is located on right side of road.

Other Travel Methods

Eastern Illinois University can also be accessed by several others means of transport.  The Greyhound Bus Station is located just 10 miles away in Mattoon with service to points North and South between Chicago and New Orleans.  The Amtrak Train is also located in Mattoon with service between Chicago and New Orleans.

The Coles County Regional Airport offers private charter service.  Willard Airport in Urbana provides connecting flights to Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis while all of those major airports are also within easy driving distance.

Athletic Event Parking

The Eastern Illinois athletic complex offers ample parking for fans close to each of EIU sports venues.  Fans attending football games at O'Brien Stadium may park in the stadium lot with a Panther Club parking permit.  Other parking lots for football are located around Lantz Arena.  O'Brien Stadium parking lot is located off of Grant Avenue (which can be accessed via 4th Street or University Avenue).

Parking for all other EIU sporting events is available in the Lantz Arena North and South lots which can be accessed via 4th Street or Grant Avenue.

Driving Distances

Listed below are driving distances between Eastern Illinois and select points:

Urbana/Champaign, Illinois ... 50 miles
Chicago, Illinois ... 180 miles
Bloomington/Normal, Illinois  ... 100 miles
Decatur, Illinois ... 60 miles
Quad Cities ... 230 miles
Peoria, Illinois ... 140 miles
Carbondale, Illinois ... 160 miles
Springfield, Illinois ... 100 miles
St. Louis, Missouri ... 135 miles
Indianapols, Indiana ... 120 miles
Cincinnati, Ohio ... 235 miles
Louisville, Kentucky ... 235 miles