How far is Des Plaines, IL from University Park, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to University Park, IL is about 38.6 miles (62.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 32.1 miles (51.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 45m 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 52m.
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 United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and University Park.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and University Park.
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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
14.1 mi · 18 min · Tri-State Tollway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: 159th Street
1517 ft · 37 sec
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10
Keep slight right to continue on US 6 West: 159th Street
2223 ft · 54 sec
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11
Turn straight onto West 159th Street
548 ft · 21 sec · West 159th Street
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12
Turn left onto Richmond Avenue
1328 ft · 1 min · Richmond Avenue
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13
Continue on Richmond Avenue
85 m · 16 sec · Richmond Avenue
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14
Turn left onto Sussex Avenue
1249 ft · 55 sec · Sussex Avenue
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15
Continue on California Avenue
577 ft · 27 sec · California Avenue
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16
Turn right onto Lancaster Drive
40 m · 6 sec · Lancaster Drive
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lancaster Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and University Park.
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
14.1 mi · 00h 18m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Des Plaines and Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near University Park.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to University Park?
The road trip is about 38.6 miles (62.2 km) and usually takes 00h 52m 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?
Indian Head Park is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.3 miles from Des Plaines and 19.3 miles from University Park.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 32.1 miles (51.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.5 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 4:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.13 one way or $10.26 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Des Plaines and Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms near University Park.
Stop Ideas Near Indian Head Park
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 Indian Head Park.
La Grange Road
Summit
Naperville
Chicago Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and University Park. Straight-line distance: 32.14 mi (51.72 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 University Park
Village in Will County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 6,817 |
| Coordinates | 41.5922565, -87.6853251 |
| Altitude | 188 |
| Country | United States |
End: University Park (-87.685325, 41.592257)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 62 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.13 | $10.26 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.78 | $11.57 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.33 | $12.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.21 | $14.43 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.