How far is Bloomington, IL from Sparta, IL?
The driving distance from Bloomington, IL to Sparta, IL is about 189 miles (304.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 167.5 miles (269.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 55m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 57m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bloomington and Sparta.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bloomington and Sparta.
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1
Start on North East Street
42 m · 6 sec · North East Street
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2
Continue on North Main Street
121 m · 17 sec · North Main Street
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3
Turn left onto West Chestnut Street
83 m · 19 sec · West Chestnut Street
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4
Turn left onto North Center Street
120 m · 13 sec · North Center Street
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5
Continue on North Madison Street
858 ft · 29 sec · North Madison Street
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6
Turn right onto West Market Street
2903 ft · 1 min · West Market Street
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7
Turn left onto North Morris Avenue
1.7 mi · 4 min · North Morris Avenue
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8
Turn right onto South Veterans Parkway
65.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · South Veterans Parkway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis
59 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward IL 4: Staunton, Lebanon
1411 ft · 32 sec
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11
Turn left
38.9 mi · 1 hr
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12
Turn left onto Main Avenue
12.9 mi · 22 min · Main Avenue
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13
At the end of the road, turn left
9.6 mi · 14 min
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Market Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bloomington and Sparta.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
South Veterans Parkway
Turn right onto South Veterans Parkway
65.7 mi · 01h 12m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny leaving Bloomington and Sunny near Sparta.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bloomington to Sparta?
The road trip is about 189 miles (304.2 km) and usually takes 03h 57m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Waggoner is a useful midpoint, sitting about 94.6 miles from Bloomington and 94.4 miles from Sparta.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 167.5 miles (269.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:04 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.15 one way or $50.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny around Bloomington and Sunny near Sparta.
Stop Ideas Near Waggoner
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Waggoner.
Carlinville
Springfield station
Alton
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bloomington and Sparta. Straight-line distance: 167.47 mi (269.51 km).
#1 Bloomington
The second most populous city in McLean County, Illinois.
| Population | 77,132 |
| Coordinates | 40.4842000, -88.9936900 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sparta
City in Randolph County, Illinois
| Population | 4,202 |
| Coordinates | 38.1231100, -89.7017700 |
| Altitude | 161 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sparta (-89.70177, 38.12311)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 304 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.15 | $50.31 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.37 | $56.74 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $31.04 | $62.08 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.38 | $70.76 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Illinois · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.