How far is Springfield, IL from Empire, IL?
The driving distance from Springfield, IL to Empire, IL is about 81.6 miles (131.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 60.5 miles (97.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 10m 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 01h 35m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Unincorporated community in 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 Empire.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield and Empire.
-
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
-
6
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 North: Chicago
29.4 mi · 31 min
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on South Veterans Parkway
1680 ft · 21 sec · South Veterans Parkway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 74 East, US 51 South: Decatur, Indianapolis
2367 ft · 58 sec
-
9
Merge slight right
17.6 mi · 19 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward US 136: Rantoul, Heyworth
1508 ft · 31 sec
-
11
Turn left onto East 200 North Road
2295 ft · 37 sec · East 200 North Road
-
12
Turn right onto East 150 North Road
1.1 mi · 4 min · East 150 North Road
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 150 North Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Springfield and Empire.
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 right to continue on I 55 North: Chicago
29.4 mi · 00h 31m
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 Empire.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Springfield to Empire?
The road trip is about 81.6 miles (131.4 km) and usually takes 01h 35m 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?
Lawndale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.8 miles from Springfield and 40.8 miles from Empire.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 60.5 miles (97.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.1 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 3:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.86 one way or $21.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Springfield and Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Stop Ideas Near Lawndale
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Route 66 Original Alignment- Driveable!
City of Lincoln
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Lawndale.
Lincoln
Uptown Station
Springfield station
Peoria, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Springfield and Empire. Straight-line distance: 60.52 mi (97.4 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 Empire
Township in McLean County, Illinois
| Population | 4,024 |
| Coordinates | 40.3055900, -88.7075700 |
| Altitude | 231 |
| Country | United States |
End: Empire (-88.70757, 40.30559)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 131 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.86 | $21.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.25 | $24.50 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.40 | $26.81 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.28 | $30.55 |
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.