How far is Sparta, IL from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance from Sparta, IL to Springfield, IL is about 129.1 miles (207.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 116 miles (186.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 34m 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 17m.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sparta and Springfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sparta and Springfield.
-
1
Start on South Market Street
6.1 mi · 9 min · South Market Street
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2
Continue straight
3.5 mi · 5 min
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3
Turn right
12.9 mi · 22 min
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4
Turn right onto North 3rd Street
38.6 mi · 59 min · North 3rd Street
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5
Take the ramp right
1822 ft · 45 sec
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6
Merge slight left
58.1 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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7
Take the exit slight left toward I 55 Business North: Springfield
1.1 km · 1 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 Business North: Springfield
891 ft · 17 sec
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 Business North: Springfield
3.8 mi · 9 min
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10
Continue on East Old State Capitol Plaza
125 m · 16 sec · East Old State Capitol Plaza
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11
Turn right onto East Washington Street
1169 ft · 37 sec · East Washington Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sparta and Springfield.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
North 3rd Street
Merge slight left
58.1 mi · 01h 02m
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 Sparta and Sunny near Springfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sparta to Springfield?
The road trip is about 129.1 miles (207.8 km) and usually takes 02h 17m 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?
Worden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.4 miles from Sparta and 66.8 miles from Springfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 116 miles (186.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.1 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 1:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.20 one way or $34.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Sparta and Sunny near Springfield.
Stop Ideas Near Worden
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 Worden.
Alton
Carlinville
Gateway Transportation Center
Kirkwood
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sparta and Springfield. Straight-line distance: 116.02 mi (186.72 km).
#1 Sparta
City in Randolph County, Illinois
| Population | 4,202 |
| Coordinates | 38.1231100, -89.7017700 |
| Altitude | 161 |
| 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: 208 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.20 | $34.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.39 | $38.79 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.22 | $42.44 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.19 | $48.37 |
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.