Origin
Serena, IL
Late night in Serena on Tuesday
Local time
4:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Serena, 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
2h 56m
Distance
153.5 mi
247 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 45m
★
6 AM
2h 56m
8 AM
3h 19m
10 AM
3h 4m
12 PM
3h 2m
3 PM
3h 5m
5 PM
3h 18m
8 PM
2h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Serena, IL
Mike Tyurin
Springfield, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 153.5-mile drive from Serena, Illinois, to Springfield, Illinois, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in under 3 hours, making it perfect for a single-day excursion. Primarily utilizing I-39 and I-55, with a segment on US-51, you'll find yourself on highway stretches for 86% of the journey. The estimated fuel cost is around $24, and with only one recommended stop, this route is designed for efficiency. Given its relatively short duration and highway-focused profile, it’s an ideal option if you're looking for a quick and uncomplicated transition between points within the Midwest.
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
76.7 miles from Serena, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 39 | 65.2 mi | 1h 9m |
| I 55 | 59.5 mi | 1h 3m |
| US 51 | 7.6 mi | 8m |
| E 18th Road | 7 mi | 10m |
| North 37th Road | 6.1 mi | 9m |
| North 38th Road | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| Clear Lake Avenue | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| East Jefferson Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 39
— 65.2 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Serena, IL and Springfield, IL.
1
Start on North 3806th Road
85 ft
·
9 sec
·
North 3806th Road
2
Turn left onto East 2282nd Road
360 ft
·
17 sec
·
East 2282nd Road
3
Turn right onto US 52
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
North 38th Road
4
At end of road, turn left onto US 52; IL 23
7.0 mi
·
10 min
·
E 18th Road
5
Continue on US 52
6.1 mi
·
9 min
·
North 37th Road
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 39 South, US 51 South: La Salle-Peru
7
Merge onto I 39; US 51
65 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
I 39; US 51
8
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
9
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.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
Toward IL 97 West
11
Merge onto IL 97
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Clear Lake Avenue
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on IL 97
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
East Jefferson Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
13
Turn left onto North 7th Street
406 ft
·
18 sec
·
North 7th Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
14
Turn left onto East Washington Street
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Arrive at destination
East Washington Street
Trip Plan
Planning this 153.5-mile trip is simple, especially since it's a comfortable day trip. You can depart at your leisure, but aim to leave mid-morning to avoid potential rush hour traffic and allow for a relaxed arrival in Springfield. With a duration of just under 3 hours and only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch is over 65 miles on I-39, and ensure you have enough to reach a service area. Your estimated fuel cost of $24 makes budgeting straightforward for this efficient Midwest drive.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.7 miles from Serena, IL, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.2 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 34 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.7 miles or 1h 30m 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 23m
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 Serena, 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 Serena, IL
This is one driving day of about 153.5 miles and 2h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Serena, 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 39 for about 65.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
77 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 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 76.7 miles from Serena, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 39 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65.2 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 115 decision points cluster between mile 4.4 and 153.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
4.4 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
US 52; IL 23 / E 18th Road
At end of road, turn left onto US 52; IL 23 / E 18th Road
Navigation decision point
6
83.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 37m 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
90.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 45m 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
153.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 55m in
|
North 7th Street
Turn left onto North 7th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
153.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 55m in
|
East Washington Street
Turn left onto East Washington Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.00 one way
$48.00 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
54 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $26.35 | $52.70 |
| premium | $4.89 | $29.54 | $59.08 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $33.89 | $67.78 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 46.1 | 0 | $16.12 | $7.37 |
| Efficient EV | 38.4 | 0 | $13.43 | $6.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 61.4 | 0 | $21.49 | $9.82 |
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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 Tuesday
Local time
4:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
68°F
Bloomington, IL
77 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
6 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
2h 56m 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?
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 2-hour and 56-minute drive. With an 86% highway share, you'll be covering ground efficiently on interstates like I-39 and I-55. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 65.2 miles on I-39, offering a solid period of consistent travel. While the profile is predominantly highway, US-51 offers a slight variation before you rejoin the interstates. This route prioritizes forward momentum over winding scenic byways, so settle in for a smooth, steady journey.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 65.2 mi on I 39.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 39 and I 55. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.4 miles in near US 52; IL 23 / E 18th Road.
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 153.5 miles you will encounter 11 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 4.4 miles (US 52; IL 23 / E 18th Road): Navigation decision point; at 83.1 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.7 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 Serena, IL and Springfield, IL, road signs point toward Champaign, Saint Louis and Decatur.
Champaign
83.1 mi in
|
~1h 37m
|
via US 51
Saint Louis
83.1 mi in
|
~1h 37m
|
via US 51
Decatur
83.1 mi in
|
~1h 37m
|
via US 51
About the Cities
Starting in Serena, IL
Full guide →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 2h 56m. Total distance: 153.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 56m 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 65.2 miles on I 39. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 4.4 miles (US 52; IL 23 / E 18th Road): Navigation decision point; at 83.1 miles (US 51): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 90.7 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Springfield, IL before heading back.
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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