How far is Aurora, IL from McHenry, IL?
The driving distance from Aurora, IL to McHenry, IL is about 44 miles (70.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.6 miles (63.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 30m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 15m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The second most populous city in Kane County, Illinois.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Aurora and McHenry.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Aurora and McHenry.
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1
Start on West Galena Boulevard
575 ft · 15 sec · West Galena Boulevard
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2
Turn left onto North Lake Street
2.2 mi · 4 min · North Lake Street
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3
Continue on South Lincolnway Street
2.1 mi · 5 min · South Lincolnway Street
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4
Turn left onto Mooseheart Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Mooseheart Road
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5
Turn right
34 m · 7 sec
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6
Turn right onto South Randall Road
24.9 mi · 41 min · South Randall Road
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7
Continue on North Randall Road
2.2 mi · 3 min · North Randall Road
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8
Continue on James R Rakow Road
2.6 mi · 4 min · James R Rakow Road
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9
Turn left
7.7 mi · 12 min
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10
Turn right onto Bull Valley Road
910 ft · 17 sec · Bull Valley Road
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11
Continue on Charles J Miller Road
962 ft · 25 sec · Charles J Miller Road
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12
Turn left onto South Green Street
1.2 km · 2 min · South Green Street
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13
Turn right
32 m · 13 sec
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14
Turn left
72 m · 17 sec
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Aurora and McHenry.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
South Randall Road
Turn right onto South Randall Road
24.9 mi · 00h 41m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Aurora and Mostly Sunny near McHenry.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Aurora to McHenry?
The road trip is about 44 miles (70.8 km) and usually takes 01h 15m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Elgin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22 miles from Aurora and 22 miles from McHenry.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.6 miles (63.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.4 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.85 one way or $11.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Aurora and Mostly Sunny near McHenry.
Stop Ideas Near Elgin
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Elgin.
Naperville
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Aurora and McHenry. Straight-line distance: 39.67 mi (63.84 km).
#1 Aurora
The second most populous city in Illinois.
| Population | 196,383 |
| Coordinates | 41.7605800, -88.3200700 |
| Altitude | 207 |
| Country | United States |
#2 McHenry
City in Illinois
| Population | 27,100 |
| Coordinates | 42.3333500, -88.2667500 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
End: McHenry (-88.26675, 42.33335)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 71 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.85 | $11.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.59 | $13.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.21 | $14.43 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.22 | $16.44 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Illinois · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.