How far is Des Plaines, IL from Fox Lake, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Fox Lake, IL is about 32.2 miles (51.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 29.5 miles (47.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 33m 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 46m.
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 Lake County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Rain Showers Likely then Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and Fox Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Fox 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
22.9 mi · 34 min · East Rand Road
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5
Continue straight
1.9 mi · 2 min
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6
Continue straight
4.1 mi · 5 min
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7
Continue straight
18 m · 7 sec
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8
Turn left
20 m · 5 sec
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Fox 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
22.9 mi · 00h 34m
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 Likely then Cloudy near Fox Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Fox Lake?
The road trip is about 32.2 miles (51.9 km) and usually takes 00h 46m 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?
Lake Zurich is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.1 miles from Des Plaines and 16.2 miles from Fox Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 29.5 miles (47.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.7 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 4:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.32 one way or $10.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Plaines and Rain Showers Likely then Cloudy near Fox Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Lake Zurich
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 Lake Zurich.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Naperville
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Fox Lake. Straight-line distance: 29.43 mi (47.37 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 Fox Lake
City in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 10,411 |
| Coordinates | 42.3966900, -88.1837000 |
| Altitude | 228 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fox Lake (-88.1837, 42.39669)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 52 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.67 | $5.32 | $10.64 |
| Mid-grade | $5.29 | $6.03 | $12.07 |
| Premium | $5.84 | $6.65 | $13.31 |
| Diesel | $6.57 | $7.49 | $14.98 |
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