Nashville, TN to Springfield, IL

State capital to state capital route

6h 57m
Drive Time
383
Miles
$44
Gas Cost
2
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Nashville Tn to Springfield Il?

The drive from Nashville Tn to Springfield Il takes approximately 6h 57m, covering 383 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $44 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 8–9+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
5h 54m
🔵 Typical
6h 57m
🔴 Heavy traffic
10h 5m

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

Route Details

Distance383 miles
Drive Time6h 57min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$44
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$59-$94

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.

This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.

Best Time to Drive from Nashville Tn to Springfield Il

For a long drive like Nashville Tn 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
6h 57m
~$44 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 16m
~$80–$150 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~46 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
6h 57m
~$44
🚌 Bus
8h 31m
~$31–$69
🚂 Train
6h 58m
~$46–$115

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 Nashville, TN to Springfield, IL?
The drive takes approximately 6 hours and 57 minutes covering 383 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 12 gallons of gas, costing approximately $44 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.