How far is Des Plaines, IL from Wadsworth, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Wadsworth, IL is about 31.9 miles (51.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 27.4 miles (44.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 27m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
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 43m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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 Wadsworth.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Wadsworth.
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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
1.5 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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3
Turn right onto East Golf Road
1.1 mi · 2 min · East Golf Road
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward I 294 North Toll: Wisconsin
1.1 km · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
21 mi · 25 min · Tri-State Tollway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
1923 ft · 47 sec
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7
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1194 ft · 27 sec · Belvidere Road
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8
Turn left onto South O'Plaine Road
1.6 km · 2 min · South O'Plaine Road
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9
Continue on North O'Plaine Road
1 km · 2 min · North O'Plaine Road
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10
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
3012 ft · 54 sec · Grand Avenue
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11
Turn right onto North Riverside Drive
1.1 mi · 2 min · North Riverside Drive
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12
Continue on North Skokie Highway
2.9 mi · 3 min · North Skokie Highway
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13
Turn right onto West Wadsworth Road
1.1 km · 1 min · West Wadsworth Road
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14
Turn right onto North Chicago Avenue
18 m · 3 sec · North Chicago Avenue
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Chicago Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Wadsworth.
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
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
21 mi · 00h 25m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Des Plaines and Mostly Sunny near Wadsworth.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Wadsworth?
The road trip is about 31.9 miles (51.3 km) and usually takes 00h 43m 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?
Mettawa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 15.9 miles from Des Plaines and 15.9 miles from Wadsworth.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 27.4 miles (44.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.5 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.26 one way or $8.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Des Plaines and Mostly Sunny near Wadsworth.
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 Wadsworth. Straight-line distance: 27.39 mi (44.08 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 Wadsworth
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 3,631 |
| Coordinates | 42.4286300, -87.9239700 |
| Altitude | 215 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wadsworth (-87.92397, 42.42863)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 51 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.26 | $8.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.81 | $9.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.26 | $10.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.99 | $11.99 |
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.