How far is Crystal Lake, IL from Carol Stream, IL?
The driving distance from Crystal Lake, IL to Carol Stream, IL is about 30.1 miles (48.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 24.5 miles (39.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 44m 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 52m.
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 United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Crystal Lake and Carol Stream.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Crystal Lake and Carol Stream.
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1
Start on East Crystal Lake Avenue
8 m · 5 sec · East Crystal Lake Avenue
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2
Turn right onto South Main Street
1.7 mi · 4 min · South Main Street
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3
Continue on Pyott Road
3 mi · 5 min · Pyott Road
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4
Turn left onto West Algonquin Road
7.8 mi · 13 min · West Algonquin Road
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5
Turn straight onto Dundee Road
1242 ft · 23 sec · Dundee Road
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6
Turn sharp right onto New Sutton Road
6 mi · 10 min · New Sutton Road
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7
Continue on Sutton Road
1.7 mi · 3 min · Sutton Road
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8
Take the ramp slight right
1034 ft · 28 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto West Lake Street
3.3 mi · 4 min · West Lake Street
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10
Turn right onto County Farm Road
4.2 mi · 8 min · County Farm Road
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11
Turn left onto Lies Road West
2795 ft · 1 min · Lies Road West
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12
Turn right onto Kuhn Road
1.2 mi · 3 min · Kuhn Road
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13
Turn left onto Thunderbird Trail
62 m · 11 sec · Thunderbird Trail
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14
Turn right onto Aztec Drive
49 m · 8 sec · Aztec Drive
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15
Turn left onto West Thunderbird Trail
1243 ft · 55 sec · West Thunderbird Trail
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Thunderbird Trail
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Crystal Lake and Carol Stream.
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.
West Algonquin Road
Turn left onto West Algonquin Road
7.78 mi · 00h 13m
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.
Rain Showers leaving Crystal Lake and Showers And Thunderstorms near Carol Stream.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Crystal Lake to Carol Stream?
The road trip is about 30.1 miles (48.4 km) and usually takes 00h 52m 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?
South Barrington is a useful midpoint, sitting about 15 miles from Crystal Lake and 15.1 miles from Carol Stream.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 24.5 miles (39.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.6 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 4:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.94 one way or $9.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Crystal Lake and Showers And Thunderstorms near Carol Stream.
Stop Ideas Near South Barrington
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 South Barrington.
Glenview station
Naperville
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Crystal Lake and Carol Stream. Straight-line distance: 24.54 mi (39.49 km).
#1 Crystal Lake
City located in McHenry County, Illinois, USA
| Population | 39,642 |
| Coordinates | 42.2411300, -88.3162000 |
| Altitude | 279 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Carol Stream
Town
| Population | 38,821 |
| Coordinates | 41.9125300, -88.1347900 |
| Altitude | 231 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carol Stream (-88.13479, 41.91253)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 48 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.67 | $4.94 | $9.89 |
| Mid-grade | $5.29 | $5.61 | $11.22 |
| Premium | $5.84 | $6.19 | $12.37 |
| Diesel | $6.57 | $6.97 | $13.93 |
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