How far is Des Plaines, IL from Waterman, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Waterman, IL is about 60.7 miles (97.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49.2 miles (79.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 48m 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 24m.
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.
City in DuPage County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and Waterman.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Waterman.
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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
8.9 mi · 12 min · Tri-State Tollway
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
1.5 km · 2 min · Tri-State Tollway
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Tri-State Tollway
1251 ft · 31 sec · Tri-State Tollway
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7
Continue on Tri-State Tollway
1937 ft · 47 sec · Tri-State Tollway
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 88 West Toll: Aurora
2633 ft · 50 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
1.2 km · 60 sec · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
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10
Keep slight right to continue on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
25.1 mi · 30 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
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11
Keep slight right to continue on IL 56 West: Sugar Grove
4.2 mi · 6 min
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12
Continue straight
17.2 mi · 26 min
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13
Turn right onto North Elm Street
980 ft · 29 sec · North Elm Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Elm Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Waterman.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Keep slight right to continue on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
25.1 mi · 00h 30m
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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterman.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Waterman?
The road trip is about 60.7 miles (97.7 km) and usually takes 01h 24m 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?
Warrenville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 30.3 miles from Des Plaines and 30.4 miles from Waterman.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49.2 miles (79.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.5 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 3:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.07 one way or $16.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19 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 Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waterman.
Stop Ideas Near Warrenville
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 Warrenville.
Naperville
La Grange Road
Summit
Joliet Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Waterman. Straight-line distance: 49.23 mi (79.22 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 Waterman
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 1,497 |
| Coordinates | 41.7717000, -88.7736900 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
End: Waterman (-88.77369, 41.7717)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 98 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.07 | $16.14 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.10 | $18.20 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.96 | $19.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.35 | $22.70 |
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.