How far is Des Plaines, IL from Ford Heights, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Ford Heights, IL is about 49.6 miles (79.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.4 miles (63.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 12m 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 01h 06m.
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 Cook County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Slight Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and Ford Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Ford Heights.
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1
Start on Henry Avenue
557 ft · 25 sec · Henry Avenue
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2
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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3
Take the ramp slight right toward I 294 South: Indiana
2265 ft · 55 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
11.5 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
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5
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Tri-State Tollway
3.5 mi · 4 min · Tri-State Tollway
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7
Continue on Mile-Long Bridge
1.5 km · 1 min · Mile-Long Bridge
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8
Continue on Tri-State Tollway
15.1 mi · 19 min · Tri-State Tollway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
5.5 mi · 7 min · Tri-State Tollway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 94 West, IL 394 South: Chicago, Danville
1687 ft · 41 sec
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11
Keep slight right to continue on IL 394 South: Danville
3040 ft · 1 min
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12
Merge slight left onto Calumet Expressway
4.2 mi · 6 min · Calumet Expressway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West: Lincoln Highway
2415 ft · 59 sec
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14
Turn straight onto Lincoln Highway
2744 ft · 1 min · Lincoln Highway
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lincoln Highway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Ford Heights.
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.
Tri-State Tollway
Continue on Tri-State Tollway
15.1 mi · 00h 19m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Des Plaines and Slight Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny near Ford Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Ford Heights?
The road trip is about 49.6 miles (79.9 km) and usually takes 01h 06m 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?
Justice is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.8 miles from Des Plaines and 24.8 miles from Ford Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.4 miles (63.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.2 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 4:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.60 one way or $13.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Plaines and Slight Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny near Ford Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Justice
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 Justice.
Summit
La Grange Road
Chicago Union Station
Homewood
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Ford Heights. Straight-line distance: 39.39 mi (63.39 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 Ford Heights
Village in United States of America
| Population | 2,647 |
| Coordinates | 41.5064200, -87.5917100 |
| Altitude | 202 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ford Heights (-87.59171, 41.50642)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 80 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.60 | $13.20 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.44 | $14.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.14 | $16.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.28 | $18.56 |
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 · 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.