How far is Waterman, IL from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance from Waterman, IL to Springfield, IL is about 169.9 miles (273.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 143.5 miles (231 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 24m 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 42m.
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.
City in Woodford County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterman and Springfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterman and Springfield.
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1
Start on North Elm Street
931 ft · 29 sec · North Elm Street
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2
Turn right onto West Lincoln Highway
12.5 mi · 19 min · West Lincoln Highway
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3
Turn left
2026 ft · 50 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
86.3 mi · 1 hr 33 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur
7.6 mi · 8 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
59.5 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IL 97 West
2280 ft · 43 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Clear Lake Avenue
2.1 mi · 4 min · Clear Lake Avenue
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9
Continue on East Jefferson Street
2261 ft · 1 min · East Jefferson Street
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10
Turn left onto North 7th Street
124 m · 19 sec · North 7th Street
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11
Turn left onto East Washington Street
768 ft · 24 sec · East Washington Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterman and Springfield.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
West Lincoln Highway
Merge slight left
86.3 mi · 01h 33m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Waterman and Sunny near Springfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterman to Springfield?
The road trip is about 169.9 miles (273.5 km) and usually takes 02h 42m 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?
El Paso is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84.9 miles from Waterman and 85.1 miles from Springfield.
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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.63 one way or $45.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Waterman and Sunny near Springfield.
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 Waterman and Springfield. Straight-line distance: 143.52 mi (230.97 km).
#1 Waterman
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 1,497 |
| Coordinates | 41.7717000, -88.7736900 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: East Washington Street (-89.643712, 39.801639)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 274 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 | $22.63 | $45.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.52 | $51.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.92 | $55.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.82 | $63.65 |
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.