How far is Des Plaines, IL from South Chicago Heights, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to South Chicago Heights, IL is about 47 miles (75.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 07m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 40.2 miles (64.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 15m 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 01h 07m.
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.
Village in Cook County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Slight Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and South Chicago Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and South Chicago Heights.
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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
3.5 mi · 4 min · Tri-State Tollway
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7
Continue on Mile-Long Bridge
1.5 km · 1 min · Mile-Long Bridge
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8
Continue on Tri-State Tollway
15.1 mi · 19 min · Tri-State Tollway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
1.5 km · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Hazel Crest, Homewood
1168 ft · 18 sec
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11
Merge slight right
1676 ft · 26 sec
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Dixie Highway
1387 ft · 25 sec
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13
Turn right onto Dixie Highway
1.5 km · 2 min · Dixie Highway
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14
Continue on Dixie Highway
562 ft · 20 sec · Dixie Highway
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15
At the end of the road, turn right onto Dixie Highway
4.1 mi · 9 min · Dixie Highway
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16
At the end of the road, turn right onto Chicago Road
2 mi · 5 min · Chicago Road
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17
Turn right onto West Sauk Trail
9 m · 1 sec · West Sauk Trail
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Sauk Trail
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and South Chicago 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.
Tri-State Tollway
Continue on Tri-State Tollway
15.1 mi · 00h 19m
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 Slight Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny near South Chicago Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to South Chicago Heights?
The road trip is about 47 miles (75.6 km) and usually takes 01h 07m 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?
Justice is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.5 miles from Des Plaines and 23.5 miles from South Chicago Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 40.2 miles (64.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.8 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 4:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.26 one way or $12.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Plaines and Slight Chance Snow Showers then Mostly Sunny near South Chicago Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Justice
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 Justice.
Summit
La Grange Road
Chicago Union Station
Homewood
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and South Chicago Heights. Straight-line distance: 40.22 mi (64.72 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 South Chicago Heights
Village in United States of America
| Population | 3,957 |
| Coordinates | 41.4808700, -87.6378200 |
| Altitude | 218 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Chicago Heights (-87.63782, 41.48087)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 76 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.26 | $12.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.06 | $14.12 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.73 | $15.45 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $8.80 | $17.61 |
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.