How far is Chicago, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Chicago, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 20.8 miles (33.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 17.5 miles (28.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 10m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 35m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Village in United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely
Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chicago and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chicago and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on the route
943 ft · 1 min
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Cermak Road
947 ft · 26 sec · West Cermak Road
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3
Turn left onto South Halsted Street
737 ft · 17 sec · South Halsted Street
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4
Turn right onto South Canalport Avenue
881 ft · 23 sec · South Canalport Avenue
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5
Turn left onto South Ruble Street
676 ft · 23 sec · South Ruble Street
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6
Take the ramp straight toward I 90 West, I 94 West
1758 ft · 43 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Dan Ryan Expressway
1.5 km · 1 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
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8
Continue on Kennedy Expressway
8.2 mi · 12 min · Kennedy Expressway
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9
Continue on Edens Expressway
2.2 mi · 2 min · Edens Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 14 West: Caldwell Avenue
1068 ft · 26 sec
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11
Turn slight right onto North Caldwell Avenue
2.5 mi · 4 min · North Caldwell Avenue
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12
Turn left onto West Touhy Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · West Touhy Avenue
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13
Turn slight right onto Busse Highway
1.5 mi · 3 min · Busse Highway
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14
Turn slight left onto Oakton Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Oakton Street
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15
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.1 km · 1 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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16
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chicago and Des Plaines.
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.
Kennedy Expressway
Continue on Kennedy Expressway
8.16 mi · 00h 12m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely leaving Chicago 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 Chicago to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 20.8 miles (33.4 km) and usually takes 00h 35m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Lincolnwood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 10.4 miles from Chicago and 10.4 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 17.5 miles (28.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.3 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.75 one way or $5.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely around Chicago and Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Lincolnwood
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 Lincolnwood.
Glenview station
Chicago Union Station
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chicago and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 17.44 mi (28.07 km).
#1 Chicago
The third most populous city in the United States and the center of the Chicago metropolitan area.
| Population | 2,677,643 |
| Coordinates | 41.850033, -87.6500523 |
| Altitude | 179 |
| 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: 33 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.75 | $5.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.10 | $6.21 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $3.40 | $6.79 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $3.87 | $7.74 |
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.