How far is Des Plaines, IL from Summit, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Summit, IL is about 18.6 miles (30 km), with a travel time of about 00h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 17.3 miles (27.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 15m 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 37m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and Summit.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Summit.
-
1
Start on Henry Avenue
557 ft · 25 sec · Henry Avenue
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2
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
2.8 mi · 5 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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3
Continue on North River Road
1.6 mi · 3 min · North River Road
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4
Continue on Des Plaines River Road
4.3 mi · 9 min · Des Plaines River Road
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5
Turn straight onto North 1st Avenue
9.6 mi · 20 min · North 1st Avenue
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6
Turn right onto South Archer Avenue
1170 ft · 29 sec · South Archer Avenue
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Archer Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Summit.
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 1st Avenue
Turn straight onto North 1st Avenue
9.64 mi · 00h 20m
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.
Chance Rain leaving Des Plaines and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain near Summit.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Summit?
The road trip is about 18.6 miles (30 km) and usually takes 00h 37m 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?
River Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 9.3 miles from Des Plaines and 9.3 miles from Summit.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 17.3 miles (27.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.3 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:14 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.95 one way or $5.91 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain around Des Plaines and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain near Summit.
Stop Ideas Near River Grove
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 River Grove.
La Grange Road
Summit
Glenview station
Chicago Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Summit. Straight-line distance: 17.36 mi (27.94 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 Summit
Summit is a place in Illinois, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.7880900, -87.8103300 |
| Altitude | 187 |
| Country | United States |
End: Summit (-87.81033, 41.78809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 30 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.48 | $2.95 | $5.91 |
| Mid-grade | $5.09 | $3.36 | $6.72 |
| Premium | $5.65 | $3.73 | $7.46 |
| Diesel | $6.51 | $4.29 | $8.59 |
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 10, 2026