How far is Decatur, IL from Sycamore, IL?
The driving distance from Decatur, IL to Sycamore, IL is about 173.1 miles (278.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 149.1 miles (240 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 43m 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 21m.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Decatur and Sycamore.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Decatur and Sycamore.
-
1
Start on East Wood Street
155 m · 23 sec · East Wood Street
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2
Turn left onto South Franklin Street
2129 ft · 46 sec · South Franklin Street
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3
Continue on North Water Street
27.4 mi · 37 min · North Water Street
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4
Continue on North 1450 East Road
14.7 mi · 18 min · North 1450 East Road
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, Rockford
8.9 mi · 10 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 39 North: Rockford
98 mi · 1 hr 45 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 88 East Toll: Chicago
2930 ft · 50 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
15 mi · 16 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward DeKalb, Sycamore
1739 ft · 49 sec
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10
Keep slight right
50 m · 6 sec
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11
Turn straight onto Peace Road
6 mi · 10 min · Peace Road
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12
Turn right onto DeKalb Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · DeKalb Avenue
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13
Turn left onto Center Cross Street
1663 ft · 42 sec · Center Cross Street
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14
At the end of the road, turn right onto West State Street
2354 ft · 46 sec · West State Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Decatur and Sycamore.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 39 North
Take the exit slight right toward I 39 North: Rockford
98 mi · 01h 45m
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.
Sunny leaving Decatur and Mostly Sunny near Sycamore.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Decatur to Sycamore?
The road trip is about 173.1 miles (278.5 km) and usually takes 03h 21m 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?
Rutland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.6 miles from Decatur and 86.5 miles from Sycamore.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 149.1 miles (240 km), while the road route adds roughly 24 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 10:16 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.04 one way or $46.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Decatur and Mostly Sunny near Sycamore.
Stop Ideas Near Rutland
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 Rutland.
Pontiac station
Dwight station
Uptown Station
Princeton
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Decatur and Sycamore. Straight-line distance: 149.11 mi (239.97 km).
#1 Decatur
The most populous city in Macon County, Illinois.
| Population | 70,007 |
| Coordinates | 39.8403100, -88.9548000 |
| Altitude | 205 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sycamore
City in Illinois
| Population | 18,317 |
| Coordinates | 41.9889200, -88.6867500 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sycamore (-88.68675, 41.98892)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 279 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.04 | $46.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.99 | $51.97 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.44 | $56.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.41 | $64.81 |
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.