If you are planning a trip from Richwoods to Springfield, Illinois, expect a journey covering 167.1 miles. With an estimated travel time of 3 hours and 58 minutes, this trek fits perfectly into a single day of driving. You will navigate via I-70, IL-33, and East 1050th Avenue, keeping the Midwest landscape consistent from start to finish. Budgeting around $25 for fuel should cover your needs for this transit. Because the trip is under four hours, you can easily complete it without needing an overnight stay, making it a straightforward connection between these two Midwestern locations.
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
83.5 miles from Richwoods, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 70
29.2 mi
31m
IL 33
25.3 mi
37m
East 1050th Avenue
19 mi
28m
West Springfield Road
15.7 mi
18m
South Superior Street
15.1 mi
17m
County Road 875 East
11.1 mi
12m
IL 29
8.8 mi
12m
N 2000 East Road
5.4 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 70
— 29.2 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richwoods, IL and Springfield, IL.
1
Start on East 700th Avenue
158 ft·12 sec·East 700th Avenue
2
Turn left onto North 2100th Street
0.2 mi·50 sec·North 2100th Street
3
Turn right onto East 675th Avenue
0.7 mi·2 min·East 675th Avenue
4
Continue on East 720th Avenue
0.6 mi·2 min·East 720th Avenue
5
Turn left onto North 2000th Street
0.1 mi·32 sec·North 2000th Street
6
Turn right onto East 700th Avenue
1.4 mi·5 min·East 700th Avenue
7
Turn right onto IL 33
3.5 mi·6 min·1850E
8
Turn left onto IL 33
0.6 mi·59 sec·East Franklin Street
9
Keep slight right at fork onto IL 33
0.2 mi·24 sec·West Washington Street
10
Continue on IL 33
5.3 mi·8 min·East 1050th Ave
11
Continue on IL 33
2.7 mi·5 min·East Main Street
12
Continue on IL 33
6.9 mi·10 min·East 1050th Avenue
13
Continue on IL 33
0.6 mi·57 sec·W Main St
14
Continue on IL 33
0.5 mi·44 sec·East Main Street
15
Continue on IL 33
12 mi·18 min·East 1050th Avenue
16
Turn left onto IL 33; IL 130
25 mi·37 min·IL 33; IL 130
17
Turn left onto US 40; IL 33
1.7 mi·3 min·East Fayette Avenue
18
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward I-57 South, I-70 West
19
Merge onto I 57; I 70
1.5 mi·1 min·I 57; I 70
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70
29 mi·31 min·I 70
Toward I 70 West: Saint Louis
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·33 sec
Exit 63Toward US 51 (Kennedy Boulevard): Vandalia, Pana
22
Turn right onto US 51
0.2 mi·12 sec·North Kennedy Boulevard
23
Continue on US 51
11 mi·12 min·County Road 875 East
24
Continue on US 51
15 mi·17 min·South Superior Street
25
Continue on US 51
2.0 mi·2 min·County Road 2400 East
26
Continue on US 51
0.6 mi·2 min·Fair Avenue
27
Continue on US 51
0.3 mi·29 sec·South Poplar Street
28
Turn left onto IL 16
0.4 mi·1 min·West 2nd Street
29
Turn right onto South State Street
0.2 mi·52 sec·South State Street
30
Turn left onto IL 29
0.3 mi·45 sec·West Washington Street
31
Continue on IL 29
5.4 mi·7 min·N 2000 East Road
32
Continue on IL 29
5.1 mi·7 min·State Route 29
33
Continue on East Park Street
5.3 mi·7 min·East Park Street
34
Turn right onto IL 29
0.4 mi·32 sec·North Webster Street
35
Continue on IL 29
16 mi·18 min·West Springfield Road
Use the straight lane.
36
Continue on IL 29
1.3 mi·1 min·IL 29
Use the straight lane.
37
Continue on IL 29
5.4 mi·7 min·IL 29
Use the straight lane.
38
Continue on IL 29
1.1 mi·1 min·IL 29
Use the straight lane.
39
Turn straight onto IL 29
1.0 mi·2 min·IL 29
40
Turn left onto IL 97
1.8 mi·3 min·Clear Lake Avenue
Use the left lane.
41
Continue on IL 97
0.4 mi·1 min·East Jefferson Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
42
Turn left onto North 7th Street
406 ft·18 sec·North 7th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
43
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.1 mi·23 sec·East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
44
Arrive at destination
East Washington Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3 hour and 58 minute duration, aim to start your day early to maintain a relaxed pace. Since the route only requires one planned stop, you have plenty of flexibility to decide when to stretch your legs. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge when moving between the highway sections and the secondary roads, as service intervals may fluctuate. To ensure a smooth experience, prioritize your primary stop during the transition between I-70 and the smaller state roads. Taking advantage of the route's manageable length allows you to arrive in Springfield without feeling rushed.
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 83.5 miles from Richwoods, IL, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.2 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 37 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.5 miles or 2h 8m 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 16m
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 Richwoods, 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 Richwoods, IL
This is one driving day of about 167.1 miles and 3h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Richwoods, 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 70 for about 29.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 64.3 and 166.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
64.3 mi into trip|~1h 47m in|I 70
Keep slight right at fork onto I 70 toward I 70 West: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 70 West: Saint Louis
6
93.5 mi into trip|~2h 18m in
Take the exit toward US 51 (Kennedy Boulevard): Vandalia, Pana
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 63
Toward US 51 (Kennedy Boulevard): Vandalia, Pan...
5
123.7 mi into trip|~2h 56m in|IL 29 / West Washington Street
Turn left onto IL 29 / West Washington Street
Navigation decision point
6
166.9 mi into trip|~3h 57m in|North 7th Street
Turn left onto North 7th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
166.9 mi into trip|~3h 57m in|East Washington Street
Turn left onto East Washington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.12 one way
$52.25 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$28.68
$57.37
premium
$4.89
$32.16
$64.31
diesel
$5.61
$36.89
$73.79
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.1
0
$17.55
$8.02
Efficient EV
41.8
0
$14.62
$6.68
EV Truck/SUV
66.8
0
$23.39
$10.69
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Richwoods, IL
Late night
in Richwoods on Sunday
Local time
2:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Springfield, IL
Late night
in Springfield on Sunday
Local time
2:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
75°F
Brownstown, IL
84 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
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 58m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
National Monument
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This mixed-profile route offers a varied experience behind the wheel, consisting of 42% highway driving. You will encounter a blend of fast-paced interstate travel and slower segments on local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will navigate is 29.2 miles on I-70, which provides a steady rhythm before transitioning into the more localized portions of the drive. Expect the character of the road to shift as you move off the main interstate and onto IL-33 and East 1050th Avenue. This combination ensures you stay alert while navigating the total distance.
42% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
44 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 29.2 mi on I 70.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 64.3 miles in near I 70.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 167.1 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 64.3 miles (I 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 93.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123.7 miles (IL 29 / West Washington Street): Navigation decision point.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Richwoods, IL to Springfield, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Pana along the way.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 58m. Total distance: 167.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 29.2 miles on I 70. 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 64.3 miles (I 70): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 93.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 123.7 miles (IL 29 / West Washington Street): Navigation decision point.
Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Springfield, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
