How far is Springfield, IL from Sterling, IL?
The driving distance from Springfield, IL to Sterling, IL is about 151.3 miles (243.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 137.3 miles (221 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 56m 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 28m.
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.
Village in eastern Peoria 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 Sterling.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield and Sterling.
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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
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3
Turn straight onto Clear Lake Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · Clear Lake Avenue
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4
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North: Chicago
1533 ft · 53 sec
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5
Merge slight left
29.2 mi · 32 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 155 North: Peoria, Hartsburg
32 mi · 34 min
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 74 West: Peoria
1.5 km · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left
1 mi · 1 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 74 West: Peoria
6.7 mi · 8 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward IL 40 North: Knoxville Avenue
1542 ft · 38 sec
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11
Turn straight onto North Knoxville Avenue
10 mi · 18 min · North Knoxville Avenue
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12
Continue on North State Route 40
17.8 mi · 30 min · North State Route 40
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13
Turn right
7 mi · 10 min
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14
Turn left onto West Main Street
1.6 km · 2 min · West Main Street
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15
Turn right
42.5 mi · 1 hr 4 min
-
16
Turn left onto East 4th Street
125 m · 14 sec · East 4th Street
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17
Turn left onto Locust Street
32 m · 2 sec · Locust Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Locust Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Springfield and Sterling.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Longest stretch
Turn right
42.5 mi · 01h 04m
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.
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny leaving Springfield and Sunny near Sterling.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Springfield to Sterling?
The road trip is about 151.3 miles (243.5 km) and usually takes 03h 28m 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?
Peoria Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.7 miles from Springfield and 75.6 miles from Sterling.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 137.3 miles (221 km), while the road route adds roughly 14 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 10:04 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.14 one way or $40.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.5 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 Sterling.
Stop Ideas Near Peoria Heights
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Chillicothe City Hall
Peoria City Hall
Fulton @ City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Peoria Heights.
Peoria, Illinois
Uptown Station
Kewanee
Lincoln
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Springfield and Sterling. Straight-line distance: 137.31 mi (220.98 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 Sterling
City in Whiteside County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 14,313 |
| Coordinates | 41.7886400, -89.6962200 |
| Altitude | 201 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sterling (-89.69622, 41.78864)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 244 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.14 | $40.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.71 | $45.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.85 | $49.70 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.32 | $56.65 |
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 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.