How far is Elwood, IL from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance from Elwood, IL to Springfield, IL is about 156.8 miles (252.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 136.8 miles (220.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 59m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 29m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Township in McLean County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Patchy Frost then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elwood and Springfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elwood and Springfield.
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1
Start on South Chicago Street
15 m · 6 sec · South Chicago Street
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2
Turn right onto East Mississippi Avenue
1135 ft · 33 sec · East Mississippi Avenue
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3
Turn right onto South Saint Louis Street
152 m · 26 sec · South Saint Louis Street
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4
Turn right onto South Chicago Road
5.6 mi · 8 min · South Chicago Road
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5
Turn right onto New River Road
2.3 mi · 3 min · New River Road
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6
Continue on North River Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · North River Road
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7
Continue on County Highway 44
1632 ft · 26 sec · County Highway 44
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8
Take the ramp right toward I 55 South: Bloomington
1383 ft · 34 sec
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9
Merge slight left
83.8 mi · 1 hr 30 min
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
59.5 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IL 97 West
2280 ft · 43 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Clear Lake Avenue
2.1 mi · 4 min · Clear Lake Avenue
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13
Continue on East Jefferson Street
2261 ft · 1 min · East Jefferson Street
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14
Turn left onto North 7th Street
124 m · 19 sec · North 7th Street
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15
Turn left onto East Washington Street
768 ft · 24 sec · East Washington Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elwood and Springfield.
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 55 South
Merge slight left
83.8 mi · 01h 30m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Elwood and Patchy Frost then Sunny near Springfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elwood to Springfield?
The road trip is about 156.8 miles (252.3 km) and usually takes 02h 29m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Towanda is a useful midpoint, sitting about 78.4 miles from Elwood and 78.4 miles from Springfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 136.8 miles (220.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 20 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.85 one way or $41.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Elwood and Patchy Frost then Sunny near Springfield.
Stop Ideas Near Towanda
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall - Town of Normal
City of Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington Finance Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Towanda.
Uptown Station
Pontiac station
Lincoln
Peoria, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elwood and Springfield. Straight-line distance: 136.79 mi (220.14 km).
#1 Elwood
City in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 2,207 |
| Coordinates | 41.4039200, -88.1117200 |
| Altitude | 197 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Springfield
The capital of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County.
| Population | 113,671 |
| Coordinates | 39.8017200, -89.6437100 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Washington Street (-89.643712, 39.801639)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 252 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.85 | $41.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.52 | $47.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.74 | $51.47 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.33 | $58.66 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.