Origin
Matteson, IL
Afternoon in Matteson on Tuesday
Local time
1:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
63°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Matteson, IL to Springfield, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 28m
Distance
182.9 mi
294 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 17m
★
6 AM
3h 29m
8 AM
3h 53m
10 AM
3h 37m
12 PM
3h 35m
3 PM
3h 39m
5 PM
3h 52m
8 PM
3h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Matteson, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Springfield, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 182.9-mile drive from Matteson, IL, to Springfield, IL, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 28 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-55, with brief segments on I-57 and West Wilmington Road, this route keeps you on well-maintained expressways for 86% of the trip. With a projected fuel cost of around $29, it's an economical option for a day trip or a quick transfer between two points in the Midwest. The drive offers a clear, direct path with minimal complexity, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing efficiency.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
91.5 miles from Matteson, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 47m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 143.3 mi | 2h 33m |
| I 57 | 12.9 mi | 13m |
| West Wilmington Road | 12.1 mi | 16m |
| West Peotone Road | 4 mi | 5m |
| New River Road | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| Clear Lake Avenue | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| Lincoln Highway | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| North River Road | 1.4 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 143.3 mi, about 2h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Matteson, IL and Springfield, IL.
1
Start on Governors Highway
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Governors Highway
2
Turn left onto US 30
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Lincoln Highway
Use the left lane.
3
Turn left
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 57 South: Kankakee
4
Merge onto I 57
13 mi
·
13 min
·
I 57
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 327
Toward Peotone, Wilmington
6
Turn right onto CH 25
12 mi
·
16 min
·
West Wilmington Road
7
Continue on CH 25
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
West Peotone Road
8
Turn right onto IL 53
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
South Chicago Road
9
Turn left onto CH 44
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
New River Road
10
Continue on CH 44
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
North River Road
11
Continue on CH 44
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
County Highway 44
12
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 55 South: Bloomington
13
Merge onto I 55
84 mi
·
1 hr 29 min
·
I 55
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
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.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
Toward IL 97 West
16
Merge onto IL 97
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Clear Lake Avenue
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on IL 97
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Jefferson Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn left onto North 7th Street
406 ft
·
18 sec
·
North 7th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
19
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
20
Arrive at destination
East Washington Street
Trip Plan
Given the 182.9-mile distance and 3 hour and 28 minute estimated drive time, this route is ideal for a single-day trip. You can comfortably depart Matteson in the morning and arrive in Springfield with plenty of daylight remaining. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $29, planning is straightforward. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid peak rush hour traffic around the Chicago suburbs. The longest stretch on I-55 is over 143 miles, so ensure you have sufficient fuel before embarking on that segment to minimize unnecessary stops.
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 91.5 miles from Matteson, IL, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 143.3 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 40 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.5 miles or 1h 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 50m
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 Matteson, 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 Matteson, IL
This is one driving day of about 182.9 miles and 3h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Matteson, 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 143.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
91 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 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 91.5 miles from Matteson, 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 143.3 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 145 decision points cluster between mile 15.1 and 182.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
15.1 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Take the exit toward Peotone, Wilmington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 327
Toward Peotone, Wilmington
5
36.1 mi into trip
|
~47m in
Take the ramp toward I 55 South: Bloomington
Navigation decision point
Toward I 55 South: Bloomington
8
120.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m 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
182.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
|
North 7th Street
Turn left onto North 7th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
182.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 28m in
|
East Washington Street
Turn left onto East Washington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.59 one way
$57.19 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
64 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $31.40 | $62.79 |
| premium | $4.89 | $35.20 | $70.39 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $40.38 | $80.76 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 54.9 | 0 | $19.20 | $8.78 |
| Efficient EV | 45.7 | 0 | $16.00 | $7.32 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 73.2 | 0 | $25.61 | $11.71 |
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 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
Afternoon in Springfield on Tuesday
Local time
1:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
87°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 18 mph
23% chance
Live forecast
Tornado Watch
Tornado Watch issued April 14 at 2:35PM CDT until April 14 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Tornado Watch
Tornado Watch issued April 14 at 2:33PM CDT until April 14 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
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
24 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
3h 28m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 182.9-mile route, with 86% of your travel occurring on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans an impressive 143.3 miles, allowing for consistent speed and minimal disruption. While the majority of the drive is on I-55, you'll encounter brief transitions onto I-57 and West Wilmington Road. This profile suggests a drive characterized by speed and efficiency rather than winding scenic byways, offering a predictable and smooth ride for most of the 3 hour and 28 minute duration.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 143.3 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 57. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 15.1 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 182.9 miles you will encounter 14 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 15.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 120.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Matteson, IL and Springfield, IL, road signs point toward Peotone and Wilmington.
Peotone
15.1 mi in
|
~18m
Wilmington
15.1 mi in
|
~18m
About the Cities
Arriving in Springfield, IL
Full guide →Founded 1840
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.
Top landmarks
- • Illinois State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Illinois
- • Lincoln Tomb — tomb of U.S. president Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, United States
- • Lincoln Home National Historic Site — national historic site in Illinois, USA
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 3h 28m. Total distance: 182.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 28m 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 143.3 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 15.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 36.1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 120.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 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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