How far is Des Plaines, IL from Crystal Lake, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Crystal Lake, IL is about 35.8 miles (57.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.4 miles (42.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 39m 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 49m.
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.
City in Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and Crystal Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Crystal Lake.
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1
Start on Henry Avenue
557 ft · 31 sec · Henry Avenue
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2
Turn left onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.6 km · 2 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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3
Turn left onto Rand Road
2.2 mi · 3 min · Rand Road
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4
Continue on East Rand Road
13.1 mi · 20 min · East Rand Road
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5
Turn left onto West Main Street
2018 ft · 53 sec · West Main Street
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6
Continue on State Route 22
4.9 mi · 8 min · State Route 22
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7
At the end of the road, turn right onto South Northwest Highway
6.2 mi · 10 min · South Northwest Highway
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8
Turn right onto South Main Street
1 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
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9
Turn left onto East Crystal Lake Avenue
8 m · 1 sec · East Crystal Lake Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Crystal Lake Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Crystal Lake.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
East Rand Road
Continue on East Rand Road
13.1 mi · 00h 20m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Plaines and Rain Showers near Crystal Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Crystal Lake?
The road trip is about 35.8 miles (57.6 km) and usually takes 00h 49m 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?
Kildeer is a useful midpoint, sitting about 14.4 miles from Des Plaines and 21.4 miles from Crystal Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.4 miles (42.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.4 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 4:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.88 one way or $11.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Plaines and Rain Showers near Crystal Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Kildeer
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 Kildeer.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Naperville
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Crystal Lake. Straight-line distance: 26.41 mi (42.51 km).
#1 Des Plaines
The most populous city in Cook County, Illinois.
| Population | 58,179 |
| Coordinates | 42.0333600, -87.8834000 |
| Altitude | 193 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Crystal Lake
City located in McHenry County, Illinois, USA
| Population | 39,642 |
| Coordinates | 42.2411300, -88.3162000 |
| Altitude | 279 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Crystal Lake Avenue (-88.316198, 42.241185)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 58 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.67 | $5.88 | $11.76 |
| Mid-grade | $5.29 | $6.67 | $13.34 |
| Premium | $5.84 | $7.35 | $14.71 |
| Diesel | $6.57 | $8.28 | $16.56 |
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