How far is Des Plaines, IL from Marengo, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Marengo, IL is about 44.6 miles (71.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 40 miles (64.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 52m 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 56m.
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.
The second most populous city in Kane 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 Marengo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Marengo.
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1
Start on Henry Avenue
80 m · 17 sec · Henry Avenue
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2
Turn left onto White Street
650 ft · 33 sec · White Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto East Algonquin Road
2758 ft · 2 min · East Algonquin Road
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4
Turn left onto Lee Street
2696 ft · 51 sec · Lee Street
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5
Turn right onto East Oakton Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East Oakton Street
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6
Continue on West Oakton Street
1 mi · 2 min · West Oakton Street
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7
Turn left onto South Elmhurst Road
1116 ft · 27 sec · South Elmhurst Road
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8
Take the ramp straight toward I 90 West Toll: Rockford
3013 ft · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left onto Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
30.9 mi · 33 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 20: Hampshire, Marengo
2399 ft · 1 min
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11
At the end of the road, turn left onto U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
2537 ft · 53 sec · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
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12
Continue on East Grant Highway
1.1 km · 55 sec · East Grant Highway
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13
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward East Grant Highway
28 m · 2 sec · East Grant Highway
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14
Exit the roundabout onto East Grant Highway
3.3 mi · 4 min · East Grant Highway
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward East Grant Highway
60 m · 4 sec · East Grant Highway
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16
Exit the roundabout onto East Grant Highway
4.4 mi · 6 min · East Grant Highway
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17
Turn right onto South State Street
33 m · 2 sec · South State Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Marengo.
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.
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Merge slight left onto Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
30.9 mi · 00h 33m
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 Marengo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Marengo?
The road trip is about 44.6 miles (71.8 km) and usually takes 00h 56m 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?
Elgin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.3 miles from Des Plaines and 22.4 miles from Marengo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 40 miles (64.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.6 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 4:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.92 one way or $11.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Plaines and Mostly Sunny near Marengo.
Stop Ideas Near Elgin
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 Elgin.
Naperville
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Marengo. Straight-line distance: 40.01 mi (64.39 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 Marengo
City in McHenry County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 7,377 |
| Coordinates | 42.2486300, -88.6084300 |
| Altitude | 254 |
| Country | United States |
End: Marengo (-88.60843, 42.24863)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 72 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.92 | $11.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.68 | $13.35 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.31 | $14.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.33 | $16.65 |
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.