Origin
Richmond, IL
Late night in Richmond on Wednesday
Local time
5:35 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Richmond, IL to Springfield, IL
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
4h 34m
Distance
239.2 mi
385 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$37
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 21m
★
6 AM
4h 34m
8 AM
5h 1m
10 AM
4h 44m
12 PM
4h 41m
3 PM
4h 45m
5 PM
5h 0m
8 PM
4h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Richmond, IL
Kelly
Springfield, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 239.2-mile drive from Richmond, IL to Springfield, IL takes about 4 hours and 34 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll be spending most of your time on major highways, with an estimated fuel cost of $37. The route primarily utilizes I-39 and I-55, offering a direct path through the heart of Illinois. Given its focused highway profile, this journey is best suited for those who prefer efficient travel. Planning for a single day allows for flexibility, as the route is not excessively long.
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
119.6 miles from Richmond, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 22m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for 82% of this 239.2-mile journey. You'll spend a significant portion on I-39, including a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 122.4 miles, before transitioning to I-55. This means you'll encounter consistent highway speeds for much of the trip. While the main roads are predominantly interstates like I-39 and I-55, the route also includes segments on Kenosha Street, offering a brief change of pace before returning to faster travel. The overall character is one of straightforward, efficient movement between your starting point in the Midwest region and your destination within the same region.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 122.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 39 and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near IL 173 / Kenosha Street.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 239.2 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 0.3 miles (IL 173 / Kenosha Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 46.5 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.9 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.3 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
IL 173 / Kenosha Street
Turn left onto IL 173 / Kenosha Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
46.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 3m in
|
I 39; US 51
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; US 51 toward I 39, US 51 South: Bloomington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 39, US 51 South: Bloomington
6
168.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 15m 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
176.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 23m 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
239.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 33m 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 Richmond, IL and Springfield, IL, road signs point toward Champaign, Saint Louis and Decatur.
Champaign
168.9 mi in
|
~3h 15m
|
via US 51
Saint Louis
168.9 mi in
|
~3h 15m
|
via US 51
Decatur
168.9 mi in
|
~3h 15m
|
via US 51
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 39 | 122.4 mi | 2h 11m |
| I 55 | 59.5 mi | 1h 3m |
| Kenosha Street | 17.3 mi | 24m |
| West Brink Street | 12.4 mi | 17m |
| Jane Addams Memorial Tollway | 8.3 mi | 8m |
| US 51 | 7.6 mi | 8m |
| State Route 173 | 5.6 mi | 7m |
| Clear Lake Avenue | 2.1 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 39
— 122.4 mi, about 2h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richmond, IL and Springfield, IL.
1
Start on Broadway Street
46 ft
·
4 sec
·
Broadway Street
2
Turn right onto US 12
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
Main Street
3
Turn left onto IL 173
17 mi
·
24 min
·
Kenosha Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left onto US 14; IL 173
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
North Division Street
5
Turn right onto IL 173
12 mi
·
17 min
·
West Brink Street
6
Continue on IL 173
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
State Route 173
7
Continue on IL 173
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
West Lane Road
8
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
9
Merge onto I 39; I 90; US 51
8.3 mi
·
8 min
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; US 51
0.8 mi
·
52 sec
·
I 39; US 51
Toward I 39, US 51 South: Bloomington
11
Continue on I 39; US 20; US 51
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 39; US 20; US 51
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 39; US 51
119 mi
·
2 hr 8 min
·
I 39; US 51
13
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
14
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.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
Toward IL 97 West
16
Merge onto IL 97
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Clear Lake Avenue
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on IL 97
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Jefferson Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn left onto North 7th Street
406 ft
·
18 sec
·
North 7th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
19
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
20
Arrive at destination
East Washington Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour and 34-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic as you navigate through Illinois. With a total distance of 239.2 miles and a highway share of 82%, planning for one main stop is usually sufficient. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch of 122.4 miles on I-39, where services might be less frequent. The $37 fuel cost estimate is helpful for budgeting. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule, but being mindful of the longer highway segments will help you pace your journey effectively.
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 119.6 miles from Richmond, IL, or about 2h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 122.4 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 80 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.6 miles or 2h 22m 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 44m
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 Richmond, 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 Richmond, IL
This is one driving day of about 239.2 miles and 4h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Richmond, 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 122.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 119.6 mi from Richmond, IL · 2h 22m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
120 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 119.6 miles from Richmond, 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 122.4 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.40 one way
$74.79 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
84 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $41.06 | $82.12 |
| premium | $4.89 | $46.03 | $92.06 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $52.81 | $105.62 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.58
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
(8.3 mi)
$0.58
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
$37
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 83.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 71.8 | 0 | $25.12 | $11.48 |
| Efficient EV | 59.8 | 0 | $20.93 | $9.57 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 95.7 | 1 | $33.49 | $15.31 |
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% 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
Late night in Springfield on Wednesday
Local time
5:35 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°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
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 34m 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 Richmond, IL to Springfield, IL covers 239.2 miles and takes about 4h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 39, I 55, Kenosha Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 119.6 miles from Richmond, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $37.40 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 14 significant decision points across 239.2 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 0.3 miles (IL 173 / Kenosha Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 46.5 miles (I 39; US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 168.9 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Richmond, IL and Springfield, IL, road signs point toward Champaign, Saint Louis and Decatur.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Springfield, IL
More trips to Springfield, IL
Explore more options from Richmond, IL or browse trips ending in Springfield, IL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.
Explore maps for Richmond, IL or Springfield, IL on MapSof.net.