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Trip from Newark, 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

3h 1m

Distance

159.2 mi

256 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
2h 50m ★
6 AM
3h 2m
8 AM
3h 25m
10 AM
3h 10m
12 PM
3h 7m
3 PM
3h 11m
5 PM
3h 23m
8 PM
2h 55m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Newark, IL, IL

Newark, IL

Mike Tyurin

capital city of Illinois and county seat of Sangamon County

Springfield, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Newark, IL to Springfield, IL is 159.2 miles and takes about 3h 1m via I 55, with a fuel budget near $25 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest region, primarily within Illinois, making it a straightforward journey. With 97% of the drive on highways, expect a focused, efficient trip. This route is ideal for a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. Consider this a practical and quick connection between these two Illinois points.

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

79.6 miles from Newark, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 59.5 mi 1h 3m
I 39 58.4 mi 1h 2m
IL 71 14.9 mi 22m
I 80 14.5 mi 15m
US 51 7.6 mi 8m
Clear Lake Avenue 2.1 mi 4m
East Jefferson Street 0.4 mi 1m
South Johnson Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 59.5 mi, about 1h 3m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Newark, IL and Springfield, IL.

1

Start on South Johnson Street

0.2 mi · 39 sec · South Johnson Street
2

At end of road, turn right onto IL 71

15 mi · 22 min · IL 71
Use the right lane.
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward I 80 West: Moline, Rock Island
4

Merge onto I 80

15 mi · 15 min · I 80
5

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 79A Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Normal, Bloomington
6

Merge onto I 39; US 51

58 mi · 1 hr 2 min · I 39; US 51
7

Keep slight right at fork onto US 51

7.6 mi · 8 min · US 51
Toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur
8

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.
9

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 43 sec
Toward IL 97 West
10

Merge onto IL 97

2.1 mi · 4 min · Clear Lake Avenue
Use the straight lane.
11

Continue on IL 97

0.4 mi · 1 min · East Jefferson Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
12

Turn left onto North 7th Street

406 ft · 18 sec · North 7th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
13

Turn left onto East Washington Street

0.1 mi · 23 sec · East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
14

Arrive at destination

East Washington Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short duration of just over 3 hours, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. You can leave Newark, IL any time in the morning and still arrive in Springfield, IL with plenty of daylight. The longest stretch without a significant change in direction is 59.5 miles on I 55, so plan your fuel stops accordingly before embarking on this segment if needed. With only one recommended stop, you have a lot of flexibility in pacing your journey and can easily adjust your departure time based on your schedule.

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 79.6 miles from Newark, IL, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 59.5 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 35 miles or 45m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 79.6 miles or 1h 32m 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 27m

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 Newark, 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 Newark, IL

This is one driving day of about 159.2 miles and 3h 1m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Newark, 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 59.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bloomington, IL

80 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

La Salle, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

El Paso, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 79.6 miles from Newark, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Magic Kitchen

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Springfield, Illinois

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 159.2

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12175256975

Visit website

Mr Gyros

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Springfield, Illinois

1 mi

Taco Gringo South

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Springfield, Illinois

1.1 mi

Magic Kitchen

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 159.2

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12175256975

Visit website

Mr Gyros

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 159.2

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12175232817

Taco Gringo South

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 159.2

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12176702905

Visit website

Krekel's Custard & Hamburgers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 159.2

Grandview, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12175254952

Visit website

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 159.2

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+12175445144

Visit website

Cancun

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 147.9

Sherman, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12174963221

Visit website

James' Home Kitchen

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 159.2

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 4:30–8:30 pm

+12176792006

Visit website

Pizza Ranch

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 159.2

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12176798844

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 91

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 113.7

Atlanta, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 91

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 91

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 125.1

Lincoln, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12177354444

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 91

Normal, Illinois

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 91

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 91

Normal, Illinois

+13094549590

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 159.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | IL 71

At end of road, turn right onto IL 71

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
30 mi into trip | ~39m in

Take the exit toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Normal, Bloomington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 79A Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: Normal, Bloomin...
6
88.9 mi into trip | ~1h 42m in | US 51

Keep slight right at fork onto US 51 toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champaign, Saint Louis, Decatur

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 55 South, US 51 South: Peoria, Champai...
8
96.5 mi into trip | ~1h 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
7
159.1 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in | East Washington Street

Turn left onto East Washington Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.89 one way

$49.78 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.33 $54.65
premium $4.89 $30.64 $61.27
diesel $5.61 $35.15 $70.30

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.8 0 $16.72 $7.64
Efficient EV 39.8 0 $13.93 $6.37
EV Truck/SUV 63.7 0 $22.29 $10.19

Gas CO2

56 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (66% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Newark, IL

Afternoon in Newark on Sunday

Local time

1:57 PM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Springfield, IL

Afternoon in Springfield on Sunday

Local time

1:57 PM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Bloomington, IL

80 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

27 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 1m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 97% of the 159.2 miles spent on major roads like I 55 and I 39. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including a 59.5-mile segment on I 55. The character of the road is predominantly that of a modern interstate, designed for steady travel. While the majority of the journey is on high-speed highways, the inclusion of IL 71 provides a brief change of pace, though the overall impression is one of efficient, direct transit.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 59.5 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 39. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near IL 71.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 159.2 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (IL 71): Lane positioning matters here; at 30 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.9 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

Between Newark, IL and Springfield, IL, road signs point toward Rock Island, Bloomington, Champaign, Saint Louis and Decatur.

Rock Island

15.1 mi in | ~22m

Bloomington

30 mi in | ~39m

Champaign

88.9 mi in | ~1h 42m | via US 51

Saint Louis

88.9 mi in | ~1h 42m | via US 51

Decatur

88.9 mi in | ~1h 42m | via US 51

About the Cities

Starting in Newark, IL

Full guide →

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 3h 1m. Total distance: 159.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 59.5 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 0.2 miles (IL 71): Lane positioning matters here; at 30 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 88.9 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 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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