How far is Glen Carbon, IL from Springfield, IL?
Fastest route
Travel from Glen Carbon, Illinois, to Springfield, Illinois, takes approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes, covering a distance of about 80.5 miles (129.6 kilometers) via I-55 N. Here are the directions for the fastest route:
Directions
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🚗 Get on I-270 E from S Main St and Glen Crossing Rd.
- Head east on S Main St toward Rosin St.
- Turn right onto Glen Crossing Rd.
- Turn right to merge onto I-270 E toward Effingham.
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🛣️ Continue on I-270 E to Springfield.
- Take exit 15B to merge onto I-55 N toward Chicago/Springfield.
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🛣️ Follow I-55BL N/I-55BUS N to E Myrtle St.
- Keep left at the fork to continue on I-55BL N/I-55BUS N, following signs for I-55 N/6th St/I-72 W/Jacksonville.
- Pass by Burger King (on the right in 2 mi).
- Turn left onto E Myrtle St.
- Turn right onto E Myrtle St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🕐 Tip: Check the traffic conditions before starting your journey to avoid potential delays.
- 🛣️ Suggestion: Stick to the I-55 N route for the fastest and most efficient travel.
- 🛣️ Suggestion: Use navigation apps like Google Maps to get real-time updates on the route and traffic.
- 🚗 Suggestion: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and has enough fuel for the journey.
- 🍴 Suggestion: Consider stopping at a rest area or restaurant along the way for a quick break and a meal.
- 📱 Tip: Keep your phone charged and have an emergency contact ready in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
- ☔ Suggestion: Be prepared for weather changes, and check the weather forecast before departing.
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 01h 24m.
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.
City in Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Glen Carbon and Springfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Glen Carbon and Springfield.
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1
Start on South Main Street
2733 ft · 1 min · South Main Street
-
2
Turn right onto Glen Crossing Road
1.1 mi · 3 min · Glen Crossing Road
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3
Turn left onto South State Route 159
158 m · 10 sec · South State Route 159
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4
Take the ramp right toward I 270 East: Effingham
1307 ft · 32 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
2.5 mi · 3 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North: Chicago, Springfield
1668 ft · 47 sec
-
7
Merge slight left
72.2 mi · 1 hr 17 min
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8
Take the exit slight left toward I 55 Business North: Springfield
1.1 km · 1 min
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 Business North: Springfield
891 ft · 17 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 Business North: Springfield
3.8 mi · 9 min
-
11
Continue on East Old State Capitol Plaza
125 m · 16 sec · East Old State Capitol Plaza
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12
Turn right onto East Washington Street
1169 ft · 37 sec · East Washington Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Glen Carbon 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 North
Merge slight left
72.2 mi · 01h 17m
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 Glen Carbon and Sunny near Springfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Glen Carbon to Springfield?
The road trip is about 86.3 miles (138.9 km) and usually takes 01h 24m 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?
Litchfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41 miles from Glen Carbon and 45.4 miles from Springfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 75 miles (120.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.3 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 3:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.50 one way or $23.00 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Glen Carbon and Sunny near Springfield.
Stop Ideas Near Litchfield
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 Litchfield.
Carlinville
Alton
Springfield station
Gateway Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Glen Carbon and Springfield. Straight-line distance: 75.01 mi (120.72 km).
#1 Glen Carbon
Village in Illinois, United States
| Population | 12,887 |
| Coordinates | 38.7483800, -89.9831600 |
| Altitude | 142 |
| 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: 139 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.50 | $23.00 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.97 | $25.94 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.19 | $28.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.18 | $32.35 |
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.