How far is Des Plaines, IL from Round Lake Heights, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Round Lake Heights, IL is about 30.3 miles (48.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.5 miles (42.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 41m 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 50m.
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.
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
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 Round Lake Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Round Lake Heights.
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1
Start on Henry Avenue
557 ft · 31 sec · Henry Avenue
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2
Turn left onto South Des Plaines River Road
5 mi · 8 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Milwaukee Avenue
2.7 mi · 4 min · Milwaukee Avenue
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4
Continue on North Milwaukee Avenue
8.5 mi · 14 min · North Milwaukee Avenue
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5
Continue on South Milwaukee Avenue
3.3 mi · 5 min · South Milwaukee Avenue
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6
Turn left onto Peterson Road
1.5 mi · 2 min · Peterson Road
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7
Continue on Old Peterson Road
864 ft · 15 sec · Old Peterson Road
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8
Continue on Antioch Road
2.7 mi · 4 min · Antioch Road
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9
Continue on Ivanhoe Road
1418 ft · 26 sec · Ivanhoe Road
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10
Continue on South Barron Boulevard
3.7 mi · 6 min · South Barron Boulevard
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11
Turn left onto East Rollins Road
2.2 mi · 5 min · East Rollins Road
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12
Turn right onto Brentwood Drive
110 m · 16 sec · Brentwood Drive
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13
Turn right onto Tomahawk Trail
15 m · 2 sec · Tomahawk Trail
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Tomahawk Trail
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Round Lake Heights.
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.
North Milwaukee Avenue
Continue on North Milwaukee Avenue
8.53 mi · 00h 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 Sunny leaving Des Plaines and Mostly Sunny near Round Lake Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Round Lake Heights?
The road trip is about 30.3 miles (48.7 km) and usually takes 00h 50m 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?
Mettawa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 15.2 miles from Des Plaines and 15.2 miles from Round Lake Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.5 miles (42.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.8 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 4:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.03 one way or $8.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Plaines and Mostly Sunny near Round Lake Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Mettawa
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 Mettawa.
Glenview station
Chicago Union Station
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Round Lake Heights. Straight-line distance: 26.48 mi (42.62 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 Round Lake Heights
City in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 2,630 |
| Coordinates | 42.3800200, -88.1042500 |
| Altitude | 239 |
| Country | United States |
End: Round Lake Heights (-88.10425, 42.38002)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 49 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.03 | $8.07 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.55 | $9.10 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.98 | $9.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.68 | $11.35 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.