How far is Springfield, IL from Sparta, IL?
The driving distance from Springfield, IL to Sparta, IL is about 125 miles (201.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 116 miles (186.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 37m 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 48m.
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
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Springfield and Sparta.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield and Sparta.
-
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
58.6 mi · 1 hr 3 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward IL 4: Staunton, Lebanon
1411 ft · 32 sec
-
10
Turn left
38.9 mi · 1 hr
-
11
Turn left onto Main Avenue
12.9 mi · 22 min · Main Avenue
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12
At the end of the road, turn left
9.6 mi · 14 min
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Market Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Springfield and Sparta.
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 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 Sparta.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Springfield to Sparta?
The road trip is about 125 miles (201.1 km) and usually takes 02h 48m 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 62.5 miles from Springfield and 62.4 miles from Sparta.
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 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 12:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.63 one way or $33.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 39.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Springfield and Mostly Sunny near Sparta.
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 Springfield and Sparta. Straight-line distance: 116.02 mi (186.72 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 Sparta
City in Randolph County, Illinois
| Population | 4,202 |
| Coordinates | 38.1231100, -89.7017700 |
| Altitude | 161 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sparta (-89.70177, 38.12311)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 201 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.63 | $33.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.76 | $37.51 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.52 | $41.05 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.39 | $46.78 |
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.