This 215.6-mile drive from Lincolnshire, IL, to Springfield, IL, is a straightforward journey perfect for a single day. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 9 minutes on the road, with most of your travel on major expressways like the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-55. With an estimated fuel cost of $34, it’s an economical option for exploring more of Illinois. The route is primarily highway-focused, making it a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient trip between these two Midwest locations. You'll cover a significant distance, so plan for a relatively continuous drive.
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
107.8 miles from Lincolnshire, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 9m. Total distance: 215.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
The character of this drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 83% of the journey taking place on major interstates. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including an uninterrupted 119.4 miles on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway. The Tri-State Tollway and I-55 will be your main companions, offering a predictable driving experience for the majority of the trip. While not characterized by winding backroads, the efficiency of these highways allows for steady progress toward Springfield.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 119.4 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 3.7 miles in near I 294 / Tri-State Tollway.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 215.6 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 3.7 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.2 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
3.7 mi into trip|~7m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
6
31.2 mi into trip|~42m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
33.1 mi into trip|~44m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
8
152.9 mi into trip|~2h 59m 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
7
215.5 mi into trip|~4h 9m 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.
On the drive from Lincolnshire, IL to Springfield, IL, road signs begin pointing toward St. Louis along the way.
Step-by-step road directions between Lincolnshire, IL and Springfield, IL.
1
Start on Londonderry Lane
0.1 mi·26 sec·Londonderry Lane
2
Turn right onto Riverwoods Road
2.1 mi·4 min·Riverwoods Road
3
Continue on Sanders Road
441 ft·18 sec·Sanders Road
4
Turn left onto Deerfield Road
0.3 mi·46 sec·Deerfield Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 94 East Toll: Chicago
6
Merge onto I 94
0.8 mi·53 sec·Tri-State Tollway
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
23 mi·28 min·Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'HareUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
1.2 mi·1 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 23Toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward I 55 South: Saint LouisUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 55
119 mi·2 hr 13 min·Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
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.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·43 sec
Toward IL 97 West
15
Merge onto IL 97
2.1 mi·4 min·Clear Lake Avenue
Use the straight lane.
16
Continue on IL 97
0.4 mi·1 min·East Jefferson Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Turn left onto North 7th Street
406 ft·18 sec·North 7th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
18
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.1 mi·23 sec·East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
19
Arrive at destination
East Washington Street
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over 4 hours, this trip is easily manageable in one day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving earlier in the morning to avoid potential midday traffic, especially as you navigate the initial stretches of the Tri-State Tollway. You'll have one designated stop point available, but with the longest stretch being over 100 miles, be mindful of fuel levels. Planning to refuel before beginning the longest segment on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway is a practical tip to ensure a smooth journey.
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 107.8 miles from Lincolnshire, IL, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 119.4 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 47 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.8 miles or 2h 8m 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 24m
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 Lincolnshire, 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 Lincolnshire, IL
This is one driving day of about 215.6 miles and 4h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Lincolnshire, 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 119.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 107.8 mi from Lincolnshire, IL
· 2h 8m into the drive
The midpoint is around 107.8 miles from Lincolnshire, 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 119.4 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...
18 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 29.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.71 one way
$67.41 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$37.01
$74.02
premium
$4.89
$41.49
$82.98
diesel
$5.61
$47.60
$95.20
Estimated Tolls: $1.77
Tri-state Tollway
(29.5 mi)$1.77
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
$34
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.7
0
$22.64
$10.35
Efficient EV
53.9
0
$18.87
$8.62
EV Truck/SUV
86.2
1
$30.18
$13.80
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 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
Lincolnshire, IL
Morning
in Lincolnshire on Friday
Local time
6:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Springfield, IL
Morning
in Springfield on Friday
Local time
6:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
El Paso, IL
108 mi in
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
8 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 9m 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 Lincolnshire, IL to Springfield, IL covers 215.6 miles and takes about 4h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Adlai Stevenson Expressway, I 55, Tri-State 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 107.8 miles from Lincolnshire, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.71 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 is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 215.6 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 3.7 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.2 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Lincolnshire, IL to Springfield, IL, road signs begin pointing toward St. Louis along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
