Origin
Gilberts, IL
Late night in Gilberts on Sunday
Local time
2:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Gilberts, IL to Springfield, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 1m
Distance
198.9 mi
320 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 49m
★
6 AM
4h 2m
8 AM
4h 28m
10 AM
4h 11m
12 PM
4h 8m
3 PM
4h 12m
5 PM
4h 26m
8 PM
3h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Gilberts, IL
Mike Tyurin
Springfield, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on this 198.9-mile journey from Gilberts, Illinois, to Springfield, Illinois, will take you approximately 4 hours and 1 minute of driving time. This route is best suited as a single-day trip, with a projected fuel cost of around $31. The drive is primarily highway-focused, making it an efficient way to travel between these two Midwest locations. You'll spend most of your time on I-55, experiencing a straightforward path through the heart of Illinois. This trip offers a practical and direct connection, ideal for those looking to cover ground without unnecessary detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
99.4 miles from Gilberts, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 121.9 mi | 2h 10m |
| IL 47 | 36.9 mi | 47m |
| North Bridge Street | 9.6 mi | 15m |
| US 20 | 4.9 mi | 6m |
| East Higgins Road | 4.6 mi | 7m |
| Illinois Route 47 | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| United States Route 30 | 2.8 mi | 3m |
| Clear Lake Avenue | 2.1 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 121.9 mi, about 2h 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gilberts, IL and Springfield, IL.
1
Start on IL 72
4.6 mi
·
7 min
·
East Higgins Road
2
Turn left onto US 20; IL 47; IL 72
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
US 20; IL 47; IL 72
3
Enter roundabout onto IL 47
128 ft
·
2 sec
·
IL 47
4
Continue on IL 47
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
IL 47
5
Enter roundabout onto IL 47
109 ft
·
1 sec
·
IL 47
6
Continue on IL 47
11 mi
·
16 min
·
IL 47
7
Continue on IL 47
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
IL 47
8
Continue on IL 47
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
·
IL 47
9
Continue on IL 47
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Route 47
10
Continue on IL 47
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Illinois Route 47
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 30; IL 47
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
United States Route 30
Use the left lane.
12
Continue on North Bridge Street
8.2 mi
·
13 min
·
North Bridge Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Continue on this road
10 mi
·
16 min
·
this road
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on North Bridge Street
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
North Bridge Street
15
Continue on IL 47
22 mi
·
25 min
·
IL 47
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I 55 South: Bloomington
17
Merge onto I 55
62 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
I 55
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
60 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
Toward IL 97 West
20
Merge onto IL 97
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Clear Lake Avenue
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on IL 97
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Jefferson Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Turn left onto North 7th Street
406 ft
·
18 sec
·
North 7th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
23
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
24
Arrive at destination
East Washington Street
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over 4 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. You'll want to plan for at least one stop to break up the drive, though the longest continuous stretch is manageable. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before hitting the 121.9-mile segment on I-55, as services can be more spread out on interstates. Given the highway-centric nature, an early morning departure can help you avoid potential midday traffic and arrive in Springfield with ample time to spare. The $31 fuel cost is a good estimate to budget for.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 99.4 miles from Gilberts, IL, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 121.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 44 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99.4 miles or 2h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Springfield, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Gilberts, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Gilberts, IL
This is one driving day of about 198.9 miles and 4h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Gilberts, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 121.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
99 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 99.4 miles from Gilberts, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 121.9 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 73.4 and 198.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
73.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
Take the exit toward I 55 South: Bloomington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 55 South: Bloomington
5
73.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 44m in
|
I 55
Merge onto I 55
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
136.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m in
|
I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
6
198.6 mi into trip
|
~4h in
|
North 7th Street
Turn left onto North 7th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
198.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 1m in
|
East Washington Street
Turn left onto East Washington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.10 one way
$62.19 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
70 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $34.14 | $68.28 |
| premium | $4.89 | $38.28 | $76.55 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $43.91 | $87.83 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 59.7 | 0 | $20.88 | $9.55 |
| Efficient EV | 49.7 | 0 | $17.40 | $7.96 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 79.6 | 0 | $27.85 | $12.73 |
Gas CO2
70 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Springfield, IL
Late night in Springfield on Sunday
Local time
2:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
El Paso, IL
99 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
8 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 1m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive leans heavily towards highway travel, with 86% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll experience a significant stretch of 121.9 miles primarily on I-55, offering a consistent pace. While the majority of the journey is on high-speed roads like I-55, there are also segments on IL 47 and North Bridge Street that introduce slight variations. Expect a driving experience characterized by efficiency and a focus on covering distance, rather than winding country roads or dramatic scenic changes. It's a highway-focused profile designed for straightforward transit.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 121.9 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 47. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 73.4 miles in.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 198.9 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 73.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 73.7 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 136.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Arriving in Springfield, IL
Full guide →Springfield is a city in the center of the state of Illinois. It is the state's capital — not Chicago — and the county seat of Sangamon County. Springfield is best known for its most famous resident, Abraham Lincoln, and there are several historic sites that are dedicated to him.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 1m. Total distance: 198.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 121.9 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Springfield, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 73.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 73.7 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 136.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Springfield, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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