Origin
Springfield, IL
Late night in Springfield on Wednesday
Local time
5:35 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Springfield, IL to Richmond, IL
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
4h 33m
Distance
238.7 mi
384 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 20m
★
6 AM
4h 34m
8 AM
5h 0m
10 AM
4h 43m
12 PM
4h 40m
3 PM
4h 44m
5 PM
4h 59m
8 PM
4h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Springfield, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Richmond, IL
Kelly
Trip Overview
This 238.7-mile drive from Springfield to Richmond, Illinois, is a solid day trip, taking about 4 hours and 33 minutes to complete. You'll be spending a good portion of your time on highways, with 82% of the route being on these faster roads, making it a highway-focused experience. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $37, which is quite manageable for a single day. Given its duration and the nature of the drive through the Midwest, it's well-suited for a one-day excursion without needing an overnight stay. You'll find the drive straightforward, primarily utilizing US 51 and I-55 for most of the way.
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
119.3 miles from Springfield, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a primarily highway-focused drive for the majority of this 238.7-mile journey. With 82% of the route on highways, you'll experience long stretches designed for steady travel. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is 120.7 miles on US 51, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. While the specific roads like East Diggins Street are part of the initial or final segments, the bulk of your time will be on the faster, more direct routes of US 51 and I-55, which generally provide a consistent driving experience throughout your 4-hour-plus trip.
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.
US 51 is the longest continuous segment at about 120.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 51 and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near North 12th Street.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 238.7 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 0.2 miles (North 12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 32.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North 12th Street
Turn left onto North 12th Street
Navigation decision point
7
32.2 mi into trip
|
~38m in
|
I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
6
61.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
|
I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
7
69.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 17m in
|
US 51
Take the exit onto US 51 toward I 39 North: Rockford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 164
Toward I 39 North: Rockford
5
238.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 33m in
|
Broadway Street
Turn left onto Broadway Street
Navigation decision point
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 Springfield, IL to Richmond, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.
Peoria
61.5 mi in
|
~1h 9m
|
via I 55
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 51 | 120.7 mi | 2h 9m |
| I 55 | 66.1 mi | 1h 11m |
| East Diggins Street | 17.3 mi | 24m |
| West Grove Street | 12.4 mi | 17m |
| Jane Addams Memorial Tollway | 7.3 mi | 7m |
| State Route 173 | 5.6 mi | 7m |
| I 39 | 3.9 mi | 4m |
| Clear Lake Avenue | 2.3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
US 51
— 120.7 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield, IL and Richmond, IL.
1
Start on East Washington Street
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
East Washington Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Turn left onto North 12th Street
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
North 12th Street
3
Turn straight onto IL 97
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Clear Lake Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
5
Merge onto I 55
29 mi
·
31 min
·
I 55
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi
·
31 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
7.6 mi
·
8 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
8
Take the exit onto US 51
121 mi
·
2 hr 9 min
·
US 51
Exit 164
Toward I 39 North: Rockford
Use the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto I 39; US 20; US 51
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
I 39; US 20; US 51
10
Continue on I 39; US 51
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
I 39; US 51
11
Merge onto I 39; I 90; US 51
7.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward IL 173: West Lane Road
13
Turn right onto IL 173
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
West Lane Road
14
Continue on IL 173
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
State Route 173
15
Continue on IL 173
12 mi
·
17 min
·
West Grove Street
16
Turn left onto US 14; IL 173
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
·
South Division Street
17
Turn right onto IL 173
17 mi
·
24 min
·
East Diggins Street
18
Turn right onto US 12
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
North Main Street
19
Turn left onto Broadway Street
46 ft
·
2 sec
·
Broadway Street
20
Arrive at destination
Broadway Street
Trip Plan
For this 238.7-mile trip, leaving Springfield in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and avoid heavier traffic. Since it's a manageable 4-hour and 33-minute drive with only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 120.7 miles on US 51, as services can be spaced out on major highways. This route is designed for efficiency, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly to ensure a smooth 4.5-hour 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 119.3 miles from Springfield, IL, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 120.7 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 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 119.3 miles or 2h 11m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richmond, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Springfield, 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 Springfield, IL
This is one driving day of about 238.7 miles and 4h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Springfield, 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 US 51 for about 120.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 119.3 mi from Springfield, IL · 2h 11m 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 119.3 miles from Springfield, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 51 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 120.7 miles.
Arriving in Richmond, IL
The final approach into Richmond, 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 Richmond, 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
$37.32 one way
$74.64 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
84 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $40.97 | $81.95 |
| premium | $4.89 | $45.94 | $91.87 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $52.70 | $105.40 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.51
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
(7.3 mi)
$0.51
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: 83.5 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 | 71.6 | 0 | $25.06 | $11.46 |
| Efficient EV | 59.7 | 0 | $20.89 | $9.55 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 95.5 | 1 | $33.42 | $15.28 |
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
Richmond, IL
Late night in Richmond on Wednesday
Local time
5:35 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°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 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 33m 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 Springfield, IL to Richmond, IL covers 238.7 miles and takes about 4h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 51, I 55, East Diggins 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 119.3 miles from Springfield, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $37.32 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 238.7 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 0.2 miles (North 12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 32.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Springfield, IL to Richmond, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.
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