How far is Springfield, IL from Carbondale, IL?
The driving distance from Springfield, IL to Carbondale, IL is about 170.1 miles (273.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 145.2 miles (233.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 02m 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 03h 31m.
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.
City in St.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Springfield and Carbondale.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield and Carbondale.
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1
Start on East Washington Street
816 ft · 27 sec · East Washington Street
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2
Turn right onto South 11th Street
3 mi · 7 min · South 11th Street
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3
Turn slight right
125 m · 20 sec
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4
Turn straight onto East Stevenson Drive
1981 ft · 48 sec · East Stevenson Drive
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5
Turn slight left
1.2 km · 1 min
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6
Take the ramp straight
108 m · 7 sec
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7
Keep slight left
1255 ft · 24 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis
58.6 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IL 4: Staunton, Lebanon
1411 ft · 32 sec
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10
Turn left
26.6 mi · 39 min
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11
Turn left
1605 ft · 39 sec
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12
Merge slight left
26.6 mi · 29 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward IL 127
1964 ft · 48 sec
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14
Turn right
45.2 mi · 56 min
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15
At the end of the road, turn left onto West Main Street
6.5 mi · 10 min · West Main Street
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16
Continue on West Walnut Street
1.1 km · 2 min · West Walnut Street
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17
Turn left onto South Washington Street
715 ft · 27 sec · South Washington Street
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18
Turn left onto East Main Street
120 m · 8 sec · East Main Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Springfield and Carbondale.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 55 South
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis
58.6 mi · 01h 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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Springfield and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carbondale.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Springfield to Carbondale?
The road trip is about 170.1 miles (273.7 km) and usually takes 03h 31m 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?
Lebanon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 85.1 miles from Springfield and 84.9 miles from Carbondale.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 145.2 miles (233.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.9 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 9:58 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.63 one way or $45.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Springfield and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Carbondale.
Stop Ideas Near Lebanon
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 Lebanon.
Gateway Transportation Center
Alton
Kirkwood
Centralia station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Springfield and Carbondale. Straight-line distance: 145.16 mi (233.62 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Carbondale
City in Illinois, USA
| Population | 25,036 |
| Coordinates | 37.7272700, -89.2167500 |
| Altitude | 126 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carbondale (-89.21675, 37.72727)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 274 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.63 | $45.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.52 | $51.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.92 | $55.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.82 | $63.65 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.