Hartford, CT to Springfield, IL

State capital to state capital route

21h 11m
Drive Time
1166
Miles
$136
Gas Cost
9
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Hartford Ct to Springfield Il?

The drive from Hartford Ct to Springfield Il takes approximately 21h 11m, covering 1166 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $136 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 29–30+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
18h
🔵 Typical
21h 11m
🔴 Heavy traffic
30h 43m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1166 miles
Drive Time21h 11min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$136
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$151-$186

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Hartford Ct to Springfield Il

For a long drive like Hartford Ct to Springfield Il, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
21h 11m
~$136 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 50m
~$175–$408 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 20m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
21h 11m
~$136
🚌 Bus
25h 55m
~$93–$210
🚂 Train
21h 12m
~$140–$350

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Hartford, CT to Springfield, IL?
The drive takes approximately 21 hours and 11 minutes covering 1166 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 38 gallons of gas, costing approximately $136 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.