How far is Lake Catherine, IL from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance from Lake Catherine, IL to Springfield, IL is about 248.4 miles (399.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 201 miles (323.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 11m 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 04h 05m.
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.
Township in Livingston County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Patchy Frost then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Catherine and Springfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Catherine and Springfield.
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1
Start on West IL Route 173
1.5 mi · 2 min · West IL Route 173
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2
Turn straight
74 m · 11 sec
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3
Turn slight right
10.9 mi · 17 min
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4
Continue straight
1.1 mi · 1 min
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5
Continue straight
1576 ft · 26 sec
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6
Continue straight
575 ft · 7 sec
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7
Continue straight
1.7 mi · 2 min
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8
Continue straight
1.1 mi · 1 min
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9
Continue straight
14.3 mi · 21 min
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10
Take the ramp right toward IL 53 South
1668 ft · 41 sec
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11
Merge slight left
4.4 mi · 6 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
7 mi · 9 min
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13
Keep slight left to continue on I 355 South Tollway: Joliet
20.1 mi · 25 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 South: Joliet Road, Saint Louis
1453 ft · 36 sec
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15
Keep slight left to continue on Joliet Road South
1965 ft · 48 sec
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16
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis
706 ft · 17 sec
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17
Merge slight left onto Adlai Stevenson Expressway
111.5 mi · 2 hr 3 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
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18
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
59.5 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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19
Take the exit slight right toward IL 97 West
2280 ft · 43 sec
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20
Merge slight left onto Clear Lake Avenue
2.1 mi · 4 min · Clear Lake Avenue
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21
Continue on East Jefferson Street
2261 ft · 1 min · East Jefferson Street
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22
Turn left onto North 7th Street
124 m · 19 sec · North 7th Street
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23
Turn left onto East Washington Street
768 ft · 24 sec · East Washington Street
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake Catherine 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.
Adlai Stevenson Expressway
Merge slight left onto Adlai Stevenson Expressway
112 mi · 02h 03m
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.
Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers leaving Lake Catherine 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 Lake Catherine to Springfield?
The road trip is about 248.4 miles (399.7 km) and usually takes 04h 05m 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?
Odell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 119 miles from Lake Catherine and 129.4 miles from Springfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 201 miles (323.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.4 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 8:48 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $33.07 one way or $66.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers around Lake Catherine and Patchy Frost then Sunny near Springfield.
Stop Ideas Near Odell
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 Odell.
Dwight station
Pontiac station
Gilman
Kankakee
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Catherine and Springfield. Straight-line distance: 200.99 mi (323.46 km).
#1 Lake Catherine
Census-designated place in Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,379 |
| Coordinates | 42.4791900, -88.1334200 |
| Altitude | 228 |
| 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: 400 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $33.07 | $66.14 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $37.30 | $74.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $40.82 | $81.63 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $46.52 | $93.03 |
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.