How far is Cairo, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Cairo, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 388.9 miles (625.8 km), with a travel time of about 06h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 354.2 miles (570 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 12h 12m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 06h 06m.
Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
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.
City in Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cairo and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cairo and Des Plaines.
-
1
Start on Washington Avenue
94 m · 9 sec · Washington Avenue
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2
Continue on Sycamore Street
3 mi · 6 min · Sycamore Street
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3
Take the exit right toward I-57 North, US 51 North: Mount Vernon
2522 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left onto Ken Gray Expressway
93.9 mi · 1 hr 41 min · Ken Gray Expressway
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5
Keep slight right to continue on Ken Gray Expressway
67.5 mi · 1 hr 13 min · Ken Gray Expressway
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 57 North: Chicago
185.5 mi · 3 hr 21 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin
1718 ft · 33 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
1.8 mi · 3 min
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9
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
20.8 mi · 26 min · Tri-State Tollway
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10
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
11.7 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Touhy Avenue
635 ft · 16 sec
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue
2694 ft · 1 min
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13
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue West
688 ft · 17 sec
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14
Keep slight right to continue on Touhy Avenue West
1799 ft · 44 sec
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15
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
99 m · 7 sec · East Touhy Avenue
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16
Turn slight right
103 m · 9 sec
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17
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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18
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cairo and Des Plaines.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
I 57 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 57 North: Chicago
185 mi · 03h 21m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
Better with a longer stop
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Cairo and Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Plaines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cairo to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 388.9 miles (625.8 km) and usually takes 06h 06m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is long enough that most travelers will be better off planning an overnight stay or a more deliberate stop window.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mattoon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 194.1 miles from Cairo and 194.7 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 354.2 miles (570 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.7 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 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM CDT. Starting early still helps, but most travelers will want a longer stop or an overnight stay on a route this long.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $64.00 one way or $128.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 121.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Cairo and Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Mattoon
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 Mattoon.
Mattoon station
Effingham
Illinois Terminal
Rantoul
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cairo and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 354.16 mi (569.97 km).
#1 Cairo
City in Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,989 |
| Coordinates | 37.0053300, -89.1764600 |
| Altitude | 95 |
| 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: 626 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 12h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 09h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 07h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 06h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 05h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 51m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.67 | $64.00 | $128.01 |
| Mid-grade | $5.29 | $72.61 | $145.21 |
| Premium | $5.84 | $80.08 | $160.17 |
| Diesel | $6.57 | $90.15 | $180.31 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026