Origin
Lena, IL
Afternoon in Lena on Wednesday
Local time
12:58 PM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lena, IL to Springfield, IL
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
4h 25m
Distance
237.5 mi
382 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 12m
★
6 AM
4h 25m
8 AM
4h 52m
10 AM
4h 35m
12 PM
4h 32m
3 PM
4h 36m
5 PM
4h 51m
8 PM
4h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lena, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Springfield, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 237.5-mile drive from Lena, Illinois, to Springfield, Illinois, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. You'll spend about 78% of your time on highways, primarily utilizing I-39 and I-55, with a segment of the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $37, making it an economical option. Given the straightforward route and reasonable duration, it's well-suited for a single day of travel without feeling rushed. This Midwestern route offers a direct connection within the state of Illinois.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
118.8 miles from Lena, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 14m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 237.5-mile journey. With 78% of the drive on interstates, you'll cover significant ground efficiently. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 118.2 miles on I-39, so be prepared for extended periods of steady highway driving. While primarily interstate, there's a portion of the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway, which may offer a slight change in pace. The overall character is one of practical transit, designed for covering distance rather than leisurely sightseeing.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 39 is the longest continuous segment at about 118.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 39 and I 55. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 167.2 miles in near US 51.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 237.5 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 167.2 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 174.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 234.7 miles (IL 97 / Clear Lake Avenue): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
167.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 6m in
|
US 51
Keep slight right at fork onto US 51 toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champai...
8
174.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 14m 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
5
234.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 19m in
|
IL 97 / Clear Lake Avenue
Merge onto IL 97 / Clear Lake Avenue
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
237.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 24m in
|
North 7th Street
Turn left onto North 7th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
237.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 25m in
|
East Washington Street
Turn left onto East Washington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lena, IL and Springfield, IL, road signs point toward Champaign, Saint Louis and Decatur.
Champaign
167.2 mi in
|
~3h 6m
|
via US 51
Saint Louis
167.2 mi in
|
~3h 6m
|
via US 51
Decatur
167.2 mi in
|
~3h 6m
|
via US 51
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 39 | 118.2 mi | 2h 6m |
| I 55 | 59.5 mi | 1h 3m |
| U.S. Grant Memorial Highway | 36.7 mi | 44m |
| West State Road | 9.8 mi | 11m |
| US 51 | 7.6 mi | 8m |
| Clear Lake Avenue | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| IL 73 | 1 mi | 1m |
| North Schuyler Street | 0.6 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 39
— 118.2 mi, about 2h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lena, IL and Springfield, IL.
1
Start on West Lena Street
93 ft
·
3 sec
·
West Lena Street
2
Turn right onto IL 73
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
·
North Schuyler Street
3
Continue on IL 73
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
IL 73
4
Turn left onto US 20
25 mi
·
30 min
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
5
Continue on US 20
9.8 mi
·
11 min
·
West State Road
6
Continue on US 20
11 mi
·
13 min
·
U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
Toward US 20 East: Chicago
7
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
8
Merge onto I 39; US 51
118 mi
·
2 hr 6 min
·
I 39; US 51
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 51
7.6 mi
·
8 min
·
US 51
Toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
60 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
Toward IL 97 West
12
Merge onto IL 97
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Clear Lake Avenue
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on IL 97
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Jefferson Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Turn left onto North 7th Street
406 ft
·
18 sec
·
North 7th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
16
Arrive at destination
East Washington Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour and 25-minute drive, departing Lena, IL, in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and arrive in Springfield with ample time. With only one recommended stop and an estimated fuel cost of $37, you can plan your stops strategically, perhaps breaking up the 118.2-mile stretch on I-39. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer highway segments. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; however, planning for a mid-drive break will ensure a more comfortable experience.
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 118.8 miles from Lena, IL, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 118.2 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 80 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.8 miles or 2h 14m 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 36m
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 Lena, 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 Lena, IL
This is one driving day of about 237.5 miles and 4h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Lena, 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 I 39 for about 118.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 118.8 mi from Lena, IL · 2h 14m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
119 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 118.8 miles from Lena, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 39 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 118.2 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.13 one way
$74.26 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
83 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $40.77 | $81.54 |
| premium | $4.89 | $45.70 | $91.41 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $52.44 | $104.87 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 71.3 | 0 | $24.94 | $11.40 |
| Efficient EV | 59.4 | 0 | $20.78 | $9.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 95 | 1 | $33.25 | $15.20 |
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Destination
Springfield, IL
Afternoon in Springfield on Wednesday
Local time
12:58 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°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
7 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
4h 25m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Lena, IL to Springfield, IL covers 237.5 miles and takes about 4h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 39, I 55, U.S. Grant Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 118.8 miles from Lena, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $37.13 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 237.5 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 167.2 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 174.8 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 234.7 miles (IL 97 / Clear Lake Avenue): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Lena, IL and Springfield, IL, road signs point toward Champaign, Saint Louis and Decatur.
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