How far is Des Plaines, IL from Kankakee, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Kankakee, IL is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 63.1 miles (101.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 06m 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 33m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Cook County, 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 Kankakee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Kankakee.
-
1
Start on Henry Avenue
557 ft · 25 sec · Henry Avenue
-
2
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road
-
3
Take the ramp slight right toward I 294 South: Indiana
2265 ft · 55 sec
-
4
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
11.5 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
-
5
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
-
6
Keep slight right to continue on Tri-State Tollway
3.5 mi · 4 min · Tri-State Tollway
-
7
Continue on Mile-Long Bridge
1.5 km · 1 min · Mile-Long Bridge
-
8
Continue on Tri-State Tollway
8.5 mi · 11 min · Tri-State Tollway
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street
1162 ft · 28 sec
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue
2529 ft · 1 min
-
11
Turn straight onto Cicero Avenue
4.9 mi · 8 min · Cicero Avenue
-
12
Turn left onto 167th Street
855 ft · 26 sec · 167th Street
-
13
Take the ramp slight right toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80
3048 ft · 1 min
-
14
Merge slight left
34 mi · 38 min
-
15
Take the exit slight right toward IL 17: Kankakee, Momence
1316 ft · 34 sec
-
16
Turn right
79 m · 8 sec
-
17
Turn straight onto East Court Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · East Court Street
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Court Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Kankakee.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
I 57 South
Merge slight left
34 mi · 00h 38m
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 Mostly Sunny near Kankakee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Kankakee?
The road trip is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km) and usually takes 01h 33m 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?
Oak Forest is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36.7 miles from Des Plaines and 36.7 miles from Kankakee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 63.1 miles (101.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.3 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 3:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.77 one way or $19.53 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Plaines and Mostly Sunny near Kankakee.
Stop Ideas Near Oak Forest
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 Oak Forest.
Homewood
Dyer station
Summit
Hammond–Whiting station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Kankakee. Straight-line distance: 63.11 mi (101.57 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 Kankakee
City in Kankakee County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 25,668 |
| Coordinates | 41.1200300, -87.8611500 |
| Altitude | 200 |
| Country | United States |
End: Kankakee (-87.86115, 41.12003)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 118 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.77 | $19.53 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.02 | $22.03 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.05 | $24.11 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.74 | $27.47 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.