How far is Des Plaines, IL from Princeton, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Princeton, IL is about 119.2 miles (191.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 93.6 miles (150.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 42m 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 02h 21m.
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.
Township in Grundy County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and Princeton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Princeton.
-
1
Start on Henry Avenue
557 ft · 25 sec · Henry Avenue
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2
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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3
Take the ramp slight right toward I 294 South: Indiana
2265 ft · 55 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
11.5 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
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5
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Tri-State Tollway
1.2 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis
1 km · 1 min
-
8
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis
2295 ft · 56 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Adlai Stevenson Expressway
25.9 mi · 32 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 West: Iowa
1.3 km · 1 min
-
11
Merge slight left
68.9 mi · 1 hr 14 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward IL 26: Princeton, Dixon
1795 ft · 45 sec
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13
Turn left onto Main Street
2.3 mi · 4 min · Main Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Princeton.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 80 West
Merge slight left
68.9 mi · 01h 14m
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 Cloudy then Rain Likely leaving Des Plaines and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Princeton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Princeton?
The road trip is about 119.2 miles (191.9 km) and usually takes 02h 21m 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?
Aux Sable is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.5 miles from Des Plaines and 59.7 miles from Princeton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 93.6 miles (150.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.6 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 1:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.88 one way or $31.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely around Des Plaines and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Princeton.
Stop Ideas Near Aux Sable
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 Aux Sable.
Joliet Transportation Center
Plano
Dwight station
Naperville
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Princeton. Straight-line distance: 93.63 mi (150.69 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 Princeton
City in Illinois, United States
| Population | 7,403 |
| Coordinates | 41.3680900, -89.4648100 |
| Altitude | 219 |
| Country | United States |
End: Princeton (-89.46481, 41.36809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 192 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.88 | $31.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.91 | $35.81 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.59 | $39.19 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.33 | $44.66 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.