How far is Des Plaines, IL from Riley, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Riley, IL is about 42.9 miles (69 km), with a travel time of about 00h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.9 miles (64.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 47m 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 53m.
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Rain Showers Likely then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and Riley.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Riley.
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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
36.5 mi · 39 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward IL 23: Marengo, Genoa
2224 ft · 54 sec
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11
Turn right onto South State Street
1309 ft · 25 sec · South State Street
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Harmony Road
68 m · 4 sec · Harmony Road
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13
Exit the roundabout onto Harmony Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Harmony Road
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14
Turn right onto Riley Road
2932 ft · 2 min · Riley Road
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Riley Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Riley.
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
36.5 mi · 00h 39m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Plaines and Rain Showers Likely then Mostly Sunny near Riley.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Riley?
The road trip is about 42.9 miles (69 km) and usually takes 00h 53m 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 21.4 miles from Des Plaines and 21.5 miles from Riley.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.9 miles (64.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 4:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.69 one way or $11.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Plaines and Rain Showers Likely then Mostly Sunny near Riley.
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 Riley. Straight-line distance: 39.92 mi (64.25 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 Riley
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 2,823 |
| Coordinates | 42.1914100, -88.6325900 |
| Altitude | 246 |
| Country | United States |
End: Riley (-88.63259, 42.19141)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 69 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.69 | $11.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.42 | $12.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.03 | $14.06 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.01 | $16.02 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.