How far is Springfield, IL from Waterman, IL?
The driving distance from Springfield, IL to Waterman, IL is about 169.9 miles (273.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 143.5 miles (231 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 23m 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 11m.
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.
City in Woodford County, Illinois
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 Waterman.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield and Waterman.
-
1
Start on East Washington Street
1206 ft · 42 sec · East Washington Street
-
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
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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
7.6 mi · 8 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 39 North: Rockford
88 mi · 1 hr 35 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 30: Sterling, Rock Falls, Aurora
2020 ft · 49 sec
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10
Turn right
12.3 mi · 18 min
-
11
Turn left onto North Elm Street
931 ft · 26 sec · North Elm Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Elm Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Springfield and Waterman.
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 39 North
Take the exit slight right toward I 39 North: Rockford
88 mi · 01h 35m
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.
Sunny leaving Springfield and Mostly Sunny near Waterman.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Springfield to Waterman?
The road trip is about 169.9 miles (273.4 km) and usually takes 03h 11m 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?
El Paso is a useful midpoint, sitting about 85 miles from Springfield and 84.9 miles from Waterman.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 143.5 miles (231 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.4 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 10:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.59 one way or $45.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Springfield and Mostly Sunny near Waterman.
Stop Ideas Near El Paso
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 El Paso.
Uptown Station
Pontiac station
Peoria, Illinois
Dwight station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Springfield and Waterman. Straight-line distance: 143.52 mi (230.97 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 Waterman
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 1,497 |
| Coordinates | 41.7717000, -88.7736900 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
End: Waterman (-88.77369, 41.7717)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 273 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.59 | $45.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.48 | $50.95 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.88 | $55.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.77 | $63.54 |
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.