This 198.3-mile drive from Bensenville, Illinois, to Springfield, Illinois, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 47 minutes on the road, primarily using the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-55. With 88% of the route on highways, it's designed for efficient travel through the Midwest. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $31, making it an economical option. This route is ideal for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
99.2 miles from Bensenville, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 56m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 47m. Total distance: 198.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This drive is predominantly a highway experience, with 88% of the journey taking place on major expressways. You'll encounter the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-55 for the bulk of your travel, offering a consistent, fast-paced experience. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll cover is 111.5 miles on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, meaning significant time will be spent on this main artery. While largely a highway-focused profile, the Veterans Memorial Tollway also plays a part in connecting you to the main routes. Expect a steady pace for most of the drive.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Adlai Stevenson Expressway is the longest continuous segment at about 111.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 198.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.2 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
6.3 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 15A
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
8
6.9 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 88 West Toll: Aurora
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 31A
Toward I 88 West Toll: Aurora
8
8.2 mi into trip|~13m in|I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 138
Toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)
8
23.3 mi into trip|~32m in
Take the exit toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12A
Toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
8
135.6 mi into trip|~2h 36m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bensenville, IL and Springfield, IL, road signs point toward Saint Louis and Joliet Road South.
Step-by-step road directions between Bensenville, IL and Springfield, IL.
1
Start on this road
56 ft·6 sec·this road
2
At end of road, turn right onto West Green Street
85 ft·6 sec·West Green Street
3
Turn right onto South York Road
1.6 mi·3 min·South York Road
4
Continue on North York Street
1.3 mi·2 min·North York Street
5
Turn right onto Lake Street
0.3 mi·33 sec·Lake Street
6
Turn slight right
147 ft·7 sec
Use the right lane.
7
Take the ramp onto US 20
3.0 mi·4 min·US 20
Toward I 290 East, US 20 East: ChicagoUse the right lane.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, IndianaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 294
0.4 mi·47 sec·Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·49 sec
Exit 31AToward I 88 West Toll: AuroraUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 88; IL 110
0.8 mi·59 sec·Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110
5.8 mi·6 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Exit 138Toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)Use the slight right lane.
13
Take the exit
0.7 mi·55 sec
Exit 131AToward I 355 South: JolietUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 355
8.6 mi·10 min·Veterans Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 12AToward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Joliet Road SouthUse the slight left lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint LouisUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 55
112 mi·2 hr 2 min·Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
60 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, SpringfieldUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Toward IL 97 West
21
Merge onto IL 97
2.1 mi·4 min·Clear Lake Avenue
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on IL 97
0.4 mi·1 min·East Jefferson Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
23
Turn left onto North 7th Street
406 ft·18 sec·North 7th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
24
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.1 mi·23 sec·East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
25
Arrive at destination
East Washington Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour and 47-minute duration, starting your trip from Bensenville in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight. You'll have one recommended stop along this 198.3-mile route, so plan for a break around the halfway point to stretch your legs. With 88% of the drive on highways like I-55, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is important, especially during the longest stretch of 111.5 miles. The estimated fuel cost of $31 is budget-friendly, but it's always wise to fill up before you leave Bensenville to ensure a smooth journey to Springfield.
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 99.2 miles from Bensenville, IL, or about 1h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.5 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 44 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99.2 miles or 1h 56m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Springfield, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bensenville, 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 Bensenville, IL
This is one driving day of about 198.3 miles and 3h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Bensenville, 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 Adlai Stevenson Expressway for about 111.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 99.2 mi from Bensenville, IL
· 1h 56m into the drive
The midpoint is around 99.2 miles from Bensenville, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Adlai Stevenson Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.5 miles.
Arriving in Springfield, IL
The final approach into Springfield, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Springfield, IL.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
National Monument
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...
In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 6.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.00 one way
$62.00 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg69 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$34.04
$68.08
premium
$4.89
$38.16
$76.32
diesel
$5.61
$43.78
$87.56
Estimated Tolls: $1.02
Veterans Memorial Tollway
(8.6 mi)$0.60
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(6.5 mi)$0.40
Tri-state Tollway
(0.4 mi)$0.02
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
59.5
0
$20.82
$9.52
Efficient EV
49.6
0
$17.35
$7.93
EV Truck/SUV
79.3
0
$27.76
$12.69
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Bensenville, IL
Morning
in Bensenville on Friday
Local time
11:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Springfield, IL
Morning
in Springfield on Friday
Local time
11:49 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
28 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 47m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Bensenville, IL to Springfield, IL covers 198.3 miles and takes about 3h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Adlai Stevenson Expressway, I 55, Veterans Memorial Tollway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 99.2 miles from Bensenville, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.00 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 198.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.2 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Bensenville, IL and Springfield, IL, road signs point toward Saint Louis and Joliet Road South.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
