How far is Springfield, IL from Columbia, IL?
The driving distance from Springfield, IL to Columbia, IL is about 108.1 miles (174 km), with a travel time of about 02h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 98.5 miles (158.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 14m 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 07m.
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.
Village in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Springfield and Columbia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield and Columbia.
-
1
Start on East Washington Street
816 ft · 27 sec · East Washington Street
-
2
Turn right onto South 11th Street
3 mi · 7 min · South 11th Street
-
3
Turn slight right
125 m · 20 sec
-
4
Turn straight onto East Stevenson Drive
1981 ft · 48 sec · East Stevenson Drive
-
5
Turn slight left
1.2 km · 1 min
-
6
Take the ramp straight
108 m · 7 sec
-
7
Keep slight left
1255 ft · 24 sec
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis
81.6 mi · 1 hr 28 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 255: Memphis, Interstate 270
1386 ft · 34 sec
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on I 255 South: Memphis
1.1 mi · 2 min
-
11
Merge slight left
17.2 mi · 20 min
-
12
Take the exit slight left toward IL 3 South: Columbia
1.8 mi · 3 min
-
13
Turn left onto North Main Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
-
14
Turn right
24 m · 6 sec
-
15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Springfield and Columbia.
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 South
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis
81.6 mi · 01h 28m
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 Springfield and Mostly Sunny near Columbia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Springfield to Columbia?
The road trip is about 108.1 miles (174 km) and usually takes 02h 07m 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?
White City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 54.1 miles from Springfield and 54 miles from Columbia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 98.5 miles (158.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.6 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 2:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.37 one way or $28.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Springfield and Mostly Sunny near Columbia.
Stop Ideas Near White City
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 White City.
Carlinville
Alton
Gateway Transportation Center
Kirkwood
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Springfield and Columbia. Straight-line distance: 98.47 mi (158.48 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 Columbia
City in Illinois, United States
| Population | 10,627 |
| Coordinates | 38.4436600, -90.2012200 |
| Altitude | 153 |
| Country | United States |
End: Columbia (-90.20122, 38.44366)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 174 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.37 | $28.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.20 | $32.41 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.73 | $35.46 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.21 | $40.42 |
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.