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Trip from Springfield, IL to Peru, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 23m

Distance

127.5 mi

205 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 14m ★
6 AM
2h 23m
8 AM
2h 43m
10 AM
2h 30m
12 PM
2h 28m
3 PM
2h 31m
5 PM
2h 42m
8 PM
2h 17m

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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Download GPX
capital city of Illinois and county seat of Sangamon County

Springfield, IL

Wikimedia Commons

city in Illinois, United States

Peru, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Springfield, IL to Peru, IL is 127.5 miles and takes about 2h 23m via I 55, US 51, and East 2nd Road, with a fuel budget near $20 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Midwest, specifically Illinois, making it a convenient option for a single-day excursion. Given its relatively short duration and straightforward highway focus, it's a practical choice for getting from point A to point B without extensive planning. Consider this route if you're looking for an uncomplicated drive through familiar territory.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

63.7 miles from Springfield, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 66.1 mi 1h 11m
US 51 53.1 mi 57m
East 2nd Road 4.4 mi 6m
Clear Lake Avenue 2.3 mi 4m
4th Street 0.5 mi <1m
East Washington Street 0.2 mi <1m
North 12th Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 66.1 mi, about 1h 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on East Washington Street

0.2 mi · 41 sec · East Washington Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2

Turn left onto North 12th Street

0.2 mi · 35 sec · North 12th Street
3

Turn straight onto IL 97

2.3 mi · 4 min · Clear Lake Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
4

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 52 sec
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
5

Merge onto I 55

29 mi · 31 min · I 55
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

29 mi · 31 min · I 55
Toward I 55 North: Chicago Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

7.6 mi · 8 min · I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
8

Take the exit onto US 51

53 mi · 57 min · US 51
Exit 164 Toward I 39 North: Rockford Use the slight right lane.
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward IL 251: La Salle, Peru
10

Turn left onto IL 251

4.4 mi · 6 min · East 2nd Road
Use the straight lane.
11

Turn slight right

0.1 mi · 25 sec
12

Turn slight right onto US 6

0.5 mi · 45 sec · 4th Street
13

Arrive at destination

US 6

Trip Plan

Since this is a single-day trip covering 127.5 miles and taking just over two hours, you have plenty of flexibility. Leaving Springfield, IL in the morning will allow ample time to reach Peru, IL well before evening. The longest stretch without a significant change in road is 66.1 miles on I 55, so plan your fuel stops accordingly, though with a $20 fuel estimate, this shouldn't be a major concern. Keep an eye on signage for US 51 and East 2nd Road as you approach Peru, IL, to ensure you stay on track for the final leg of your 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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 63.7 miles from Springfield, IL, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.1 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 28 miles or 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 63.7 miles or 1h 12m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 55m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Peru, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Springfield, 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 Springfield, IL

This is one driving day of about 127.5 miles and 2h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Springfield, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 55 for about 66.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bloomington, IL

64 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

Delavan, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bloomington, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 63.7 miles from Springfield, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 66.1 miles.

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

Cancun

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Sherman, Illinois

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 9.1

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12174963221

Visit website

Magic Kitchen

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Springfield, Illinois

0.9 mi

Mr Gyros

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Springfield, Illinois

1 mi

Cancun

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 9.1

Sherman, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12174963221

Visit website

Magic Kitchen

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+12175256975

Visit website

Mr Gyros

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+12175232817

Taco Gringo South

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12176702905

Visit website

Krekel's Custard & Hamburgers

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Grandview, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12175254952

Visit website

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+12175445144

Visit website

James' Home Kitchen

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 4:30–8:30 pm

+12176792006

Visit website

Pizza Ranch

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately

Springfield, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+12176798844

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 36.4

Lincoln, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12177354444

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 45.5

Atlanta, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 63.7

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 63.7

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 72.9

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 72.9

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484261

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 72.9

Normal, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484273

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 63.7

Bloomington, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+13096641222

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 122.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | North 12th Street

Turn left onto North 12th Street

Navigation decision point

7
32.2 mi into trip | ~38m in | I 55

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 North: Chicago
6
61.5 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in | I 55

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria

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

Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
7
69.1 mi into trip | ~1h 17m in | US 51

Take the exit onto US 51 toward I 39 North: Rockford

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 164 Toward I 39 North: Rockford
5
122.2 mi into trip | ~2h 15m in

Take the exit toward IL 251: La Salle, Peru

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

Toward IL 251: La Salle, Peru

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$19.93 one way

$39.87 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $21.89 $43.77
premium $4.89 $24.54 $49.07
diesel $5.61 $28.15 $56.30

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 44.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.3 0 $13.39 $6.12
Efficient EV 31.9 0 $11.16 $5.10
EV Truck/SUV 51 0 $17.85 $8.16

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 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.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Springfield, IL

Late night in Springfield on Sunday

Local time

2:54 AM

CDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Peru, IL

Late night in Peru on Sunday

Local time

2:54 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Bloomington, IL

64 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

26 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 23m 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 is a highway-focused drive, with 94% of the journey utilizing major roadways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 66.1 miles on I 55, offering a consistent pace for much of the trip. While primarily interstate, the route incorporates US 51 and East 2nd Road, which may introduce slightly different driving conditions as you near your destination. Expect a fairly direct and uninterrupted experience for the majority of the 127.5 miles.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.1 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and US 51. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near North 12th Street.

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 127.5 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 0.2 miles (North 12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 32.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.5 miles (I 55): 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.

On the drive from Springfield, IL to Peru, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria along the way.

Peoria

61.5 mi in | ~1h 9m | via I 55

About the Cities

Starting 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 2h 23m. Total distance: 127.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 66.1 miles on I 55. 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 Peru, 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. 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 (North 12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 32.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.5 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Peru, 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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