How far is Channel Lake, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Channel Lake, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 42.1 miles (67.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 33.4 miles (53.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 41m 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 00h 50m.
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.
Village in Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Channel Lake and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Channel Lake and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on the route
23 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn left onto West IL Route 173
9.1 mi · 14 min · West IL Route 173
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3
Take the ramp slight right toward I 94 Toll East: Chicago
2142 ft · 52 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
22.3 mi · 25 min · Tri-State Tollway
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5
Keep slight right to continue on Tri-State Tollway
7.2 mi · 9 min · Tri-State Tollway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IL 58: Golf Road
2218 ft · 1 min
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7
Turn left onto North East River Road
536 ft · 18 sec · North East River Road
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8
Turn right onto East Golf Road
1.5 km · 2 min · East Golf Road
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9
Turn left onto North Des Plaines River Road
1.5 mi · 3 min · North Des Plaines River Road
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10
Turn right onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Channel Lake and Des Plaines.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Tri-State Tollway
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
22.3 mi · 00h 25m
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.
Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers leaving Channel Lake and Mostly Sunny near Des Plaines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Channel Lake to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 42.1 miles (67.8 km) and usually takes 00h 50m 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?
Oak Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.1 miles from Channel Lake and 21.1 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 33.4 miles (53.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.7 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 4:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.62 one way or $11.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers around Channel Lake and Mostly Sunny near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Oak Grove
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 Oak Grove.
Glenview station
Sturtevant station
Chicago Union Station
La Grange Road
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Channel Lake and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 33.4 mi (53.75 km).
#1 Channel Lake
City in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 1,664 |
| Coordinates | 42.4786300, -88.1375900 |
| Altitude | 227 |
| 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: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.62 | $11.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.34 | $12.67 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.93 | $13.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.90 | $15.81 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.