How far is Des Plaines, IL from Inverness, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Inverness, IL is about 13.5 miles (21.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 12.4 miles (19.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 50m 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 25m.
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 Cook County, Illinois, United States; suburb of Chicago, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and Inverness.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Inverness.
-
1
Start on Henry Avenue
557 ft · 31 sec · Henry Avenue
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2
Turn left onto South Des Plaines River Road
2328 ft · 56 sec · South Des Plaines River Road
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3
Turn left onto Miner Street
2625 ft · 48 sec · Miner Street
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4
Continue on East Northwest Highway
8.8 mi · 16 min · East Northwest Highway
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5
Turn left onto East Palatine Road
3.1 mi · 6 min · East Palatine Road
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6
Turn right onto Ela Road
2789 ft · 1 min · Ela Road
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Ela Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Inverness.
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.
East Northwest Highway
Continue on East Northwest Highway
8.79 mi · 00h 16m
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 Sunny leaving Des Plaines and Mostly Sunny near Inverness.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Inverness?
The road trip is about 13.5 miles (21.7 km) and usually takes 00h 25m 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?
Arlington Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 6.7 miles from Des Plaines and 6.7 miles from Inverness.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 12.4 miles (19.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.1 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 7:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.81 one way or $3.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Plaines and Mostly Sunny near Inverness.
Stop Ideas Near Arlington Heights
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 Arlington Heights.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Summit
Naperville
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Inverness. Straight-line distance: 12.38 mi (19.93 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 Inverness
Village in United States of America
| Population | 7,303 |
| Coordinates | 42.1180800, -88.0961900 |
| Altitude | 257 |
| Country | United States |
End: Inverness (-88.09619, 42.11808)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 22 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $1.81 | $3.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $2.04 | $4.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $2.23 | $4.47 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $2.55 | $5.09 |
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.