How far is Bloomington, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Bloomington, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 137.3 miles (220.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 121.6 miles (195.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 33m 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 02h 16m.
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.
Township in Grundy County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bloomington and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bloomington and Des Plaines.
-
1
Start on North East Street
42 m · 6 sec · North East Street
-
2
Continue on North Main Street
3.6 mi · 9 min · North Main Street
-
3
Take the ramp slight right toward I 55 North: Chicago
2654 ft · 1 min
-
4
Merge slight left
111.5 mi · 2 hr 4 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
1.6 mi · 3 min
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 North: Wisconsin
1694 ft · 41 sec
-
7
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
11.7 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward Touhy Avenue
635 ft · 16 sec
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue
2694 ft · 1 min
-
11
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue West
688 ft · 17 sec
-
12
Keep slight right to continue on Touhy Avenue West
1799 ft · 44 sec
-
13
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
99 m · 7 sec · East Touhy Avenue
-
14
Turn slight right
103 m · 9 sec
-
15
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road
-
16
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bloomington and Des Plaines.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 55 North
Merge slight left
112 mi · 02h 04m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Bloomington and Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely near Des Plaines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bloomington to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 137.3 miles (220.9 km) and usually takes 02h 16m 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?
Braceville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 68.6 miles from Bloomington and 68.7 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 121.6 miles (195.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.7 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 1:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.25 one way or $36.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Bloomington and Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Braceville
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 Braceville.
Dwight station
Kankakee
Joliet Transportation Center
Pontiac station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bloomington and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 121.58 mi (195.66 km).
#1 Bloomington
The second most populous city in McLean County, Illinois.
| Population | 77,132 |
| Coordinates | 40.4842000, -88.9936900 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Des Plaines
The most populous city in Cook County, Illinois.
| Population | 58,179 |
| Coordinates | 42.0333600, -87.8834000 |
| Altitude | 193 |
| Country | United States |
End: Henry Avenue (-87.883408, 42.033456)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 221 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $18.25 | $36.50 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.58 | $41.17 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.53 | $45.05 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.67 | $51.34 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.