How far is Des Plaines, IL from Near South Side, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Near South Side, IL is about 21.1 miles (33.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 18 miles (29 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 10m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CST.
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 35m.
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 United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Drizzle
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and Near South Side.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Near South Side.
-
1
Start on Henry Avenue
557 ft · 25 sec · Henry Avenue
-
2
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.1 km · 1 min · South Des Plaines River Road
-
3
Turn left onto East Oakton Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · East Oakton Street
-
4
Turn right onto Busse Highway
1.5 mi · 3 min · Busse Highway
-
5
Turn straight onto West Touhy Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · West Touhy Avenue
-
6
Turn right onto North Caldwell Avenue
2.4 mi · 4 min · North Caldwell Avenue
-
7
Take the ramp straight toward I 94 East
1370 ft · 35 sec
-
8
Merge slight left onto Edens Expressway
2.1 mi · 2 min · Edens Expressway
-
9
Continue on Kennedy Expressway
8.1 mi · 12 min · Kennedy Expressway
-
10
Continue on Dan Ryan Expressway
1.5 km · 1 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward 18th Street
1398 ft · 34 sec
-
12
Turn slight left onto South Union Avenue
63 m · 13 sec · South Union Avenue
-
13
Turn left onto West 18th Street
1.5 km · 2 min · West 18th Street
-
14
Continue on East 18th Street
921 ft · 27 sec · East 18th Street
-
15
Turn right onto South Michigan Avenue
875 ft · 21 sec · South Michigan Avenue
-
16
Turn right onto East Cullerton Street
69 m · 12 sec · East Cullerton Street
-
17
Turn right
136 m · 33 sec
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Near South Side.
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.
Kennedy Expressway
Continue on Kennedy Expressway
8.12 mi · 00h 12m
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.
Slight Chance Drizzle leaving Des Plaines and Partly Sunny near Near South Side.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Near South Side?
The road trip is about 21.1 miles (33.9 km) and usually takes 00h 35m 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?
Lincolnwood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 10.5 miles from Des Plaines and 10.6 miles from Near South Side.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 18 miles (29 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.1 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:20 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.41 one way or $6.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Drizzle around Des Plaines and Partly Sunny near Near South Side.
Stop Ideas Near Lincolnwood
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 Lincolnwood.
Glenview station
Chicago Union Station
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Near South Side. Straight-line distance: 18.04 mi (29.04 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 Near South Side
Near South Side is a place in Illinois, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.8567000, -87.6247700 |
| Altitude | 181 |
| Country | United States |
End: Near South Side (-87.62477, 41.8567)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 34 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.61 | $3.41 | $6.82 |
| Mid-grade | $5.24 | $3.88 | $7.76 |
| Premium | $5.79 | $4.29 | $8.58 |
| Diesel | $6.59 | $4.88 | $9.76 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026