How far is Des Plaines, IL from Winnetka, IL?
The driving distance from Des Plaines, IL to Winnetka, IL is about 13 miles (21 km), with a travel time of about 00h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 9.1 miles (14.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 49m 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 24m.
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.
Village in United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Des Plaines and Winnetka.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines and Winnetka.
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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
4.6 mi · 8 min · East Golf Road
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4
Turn left onto Waukegan Road
1.7 mi · 3 min · Waukegan Road
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5
Turn right onto East Lake Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · East Lake Avenue
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6
Turn left onto Wagner Road
1.5 mi · 3 min · Wagner Road
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7
Turn right onto Willow Road
3082 ft · 2 min · Willow Road
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8
Continue on Willow Road
1.4 mi · 3 min · Willow Road
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9
Turn left onto Locust Road
2641 ft · 1 min · Locust Road
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10
Turn right onto Pine Street
1577 ft · 43 sec · Pine Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Pine Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Des Plaines and Winnetka.
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.
East Golf Road
Turn right onto East Golf Road
4.56 mi · 00h 08m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Des Plaines and Rain Showers near Winnetka.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Des Plaines to Winnetka?
The road trip is about 13 miles (21 km) and usually takes 00h 24m 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?
Golf is a useful midpoint, sitting about 6.5 miles from Des Plaines and 6.5 miles from Winnetka.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 9.1 miles (14.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.9 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 7:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.15 one way or $4.29 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Des Plaines and Rain Showers near Winnetka.
Stop Ideas Near Golf
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 Golf.
Glenview station
Chicago Union Station
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Des Plaines and Winnetka. Straight-line distance: 9.16 mi (14.74 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 Winnetka
Village in Cook County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 12,194 |
| Coordinates | 42.1080800, -87.7359000 |
| Altitude | 199 |
| Country | United States |
End: Winnetka (-87.7359, 42.10808)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 21 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.67 | $2.15 | $4.29 |
| Mid-grade | $5.29 | $2.43 | $4.87 |
| Premium | $5.84 | $2.69 | $5.37 |
| Diesel | $6.57 | $3.02 | $6.05 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026