Frankfort, Kentucky to Springfield, Illinois: Road Trip Guide & Distance

278.9 miles 448.9 km · straight line
348.7 miles estimated 561.1 km · driving distance
7h 1min estimated drive time
$34 - $41 estimated fuel cost
~1h 4min flight time
295° WNW bearing direction

How far is Frankfort, Kentucky from Springfield, Illinois?

The distance from Frankfort, Kentucky to Springfield, Illinois is 278.9 miles (448.9 km) as the crow flies. Springfield, Illinois is located WNW of Frankfort, Kentucky. By car, the driving distance is approximately 348.7 miles, taking about 7h 1min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 4min. Both are located in United States — Frankfort, Kentucky in Kentucky and Springfield, Illinois in Illinois.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Frankfort, Kentucky and Springfield, Illinois. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Frankfort, Kentucky to Springfield, Illinois

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 7h 1min $34 - $41 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 4min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~8h 25min $28–$52* Budget
Train ~6h 40min $42–$122* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Frankfort, Kentucky & Springfield, Illinois

Quick Facts

Frankfort, Kentucky
38.20°N, 84.87°W
America/New_York
155m elevation
Springfield, Illinois
39.80°N, 89.64°W
America/Chicago
182m elevation
Explore more routes from Springfield, Illinois

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 93 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 23 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 89.3 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients