How far is Preston, IL from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance from Preston, IL to Springfield, IL is about 139.7 miles (224.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 117.7 miles (189.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 43m 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 21m.
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.
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Preston and Springfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Preston and Springfield.
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1
Start on Pautler Road
47 m · 9 sec · Pautler Road
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2
Turn right onto Preston Road
2844 ft · 2 min · Preston Road
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3
Turn left onto Baldwin Road
5.2 mi · 12 min · Baldwin Road
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4
Continue on South 5th Street
2135 ft · 1 min · South 5th Street
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5
Turn left onto West Myrtle Street
8.7 mi · 13 min · West Myrtle Street
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6
Turn right onto North Main Street
6.4 mi · 10 min · North Main Street
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7
Continue on N Main St
810 ft · 14 sec · N Main St
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8
Continue on North Main Street
1163 ft · 20 sec · North Main Street
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9
Continue on State Route 159
6.1 mi · 9 min · State Route 159
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10
Continue on South Main Street
8.3 mi · 13 min · South Main Street
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Illinois Street
54 m · 4 sec · North Illinois Street
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12
Exit the rotary onto North Illinois Street
9.8 mi · 15 min · North Illinois Street
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13
Continue on South Morrison Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · South Morrison Avenue
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14
Continue on Vandalia Street
2.8 mi · 5 min · Vandalia Street
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15
Take the ramp slight right toward I 55 North, I 70 East
2235 ft · 55 sec
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16
Merge slight left
3.8 mi · 4 min
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17
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
72.8 mi · 1 hr 18 min
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18
Take the exit slight left toward I 55 Business North: Springfield
1.1 km · 1 min
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19
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 Business North: Springfield
891 ft · 17 sec
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20
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 Business North: Springfield
3.8 mi · 9 min
-
21
Continue on East Old State Capitol Plaza
125 m · 16 sec · East Old State Capitol Plaza
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22
Turn right onto East Washington Street
1169 ft · 37 sec · East Washington Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Preston 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
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
72.8 mi · 01h 18m
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.
Sunny leaving Preston and Sunny near Springfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Preston to Springfield?
The road trip is about 139.7 miles (224.8 km) and usually takes 02h 21m 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?
Hamel is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66 miles from Preston and 73.7 miles from Springfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 117.7 miles (189.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 22 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 1:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.59 one way or $37.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Preston and Sunny near Springfield.
Stop Ideas Near Hamel
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 Hamel.
Alton
Gateway Transportation Center
Carlinville
Kirkwood
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Preston and Springfield. Straight-line distance: 117.72 mi (189.46 km).
#1 Preston
Unincorporated community in Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,203 |
| Coordinates | 38.1061600, -89.8601000 |
| Altitude | 143 |
| 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: 225 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.59 | $37.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.97 | $41.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.94 | $45.89 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.15 | $52.30 |
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.