How far is Springfield, IL from Central, IL?
The driving distance from Springfield, IL to Central, IL is about 150.7 miles (242.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 131.8 miles (212.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 35m 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 47m.
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.
Township in McLean County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Springfield and Central.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield and Central.
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1
Start on East Washington Street
1206 ft · 42 sec · East Washington Street
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2
Turn left onto North 12th Street
1013 ft · 36 sec · North 12th Street
-
3
Turn straight onto Clear Lake Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · Clear Lake Avenue
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North: Chicago
1533 ft · 53 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
29.2 mi · 32 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 North: Chicago
29.4 mi · 31 min
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
63.6 mi · 1 hr 8 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IL 47: Morris, Dwight
1853 ft · 35 sec
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9
Turn left
24 mi · 28 min
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10
Continue straight
1.2 km · 1 min
-
11
Turn left onto Whitewillow Road
2641 ft · 43 sec · Whitewillow Road
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12
Turn right
31 m · 7 sec
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Springfield and Central.
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 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
63.6 mi · 01h 08m
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.
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny leaving Springfield and Sunny near Central.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Springfield to Central?
The road trip is about 150.7 miles (242.6 km) and usually takes 02h 47m 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?
Towanda is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.4 miles from Springfield and 75.4 miles from Central.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 131.8 miles (212.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.06 one way or $40.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny around Springfield and Sunny near Central.
Stop Ideas Near Towanda
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall - Town of Normal
City of Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington Finance Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Towanda.
Uptown Station
Pontiac station
Lincoln
Peoria, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Springfield and Central. Straight-line distance: 131.8 mi (212.11 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 Central
Region of Illinois, USA
| Population | 1,107 |
| Coordinates | 41.4739200, -88.4339600 |
| Altitude | 192 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central (-88.43396, 41.47392)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 243 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.06 | $40.12 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.63 | $45.25 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.76 | $49.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.22 | $56.43 |
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.