How far is Elk Grove, IL from River Forest, IL?
The driving distance from Elk Grove, IL to River Forest, IL is about 12.9 miles (20.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 9.9 miles (16 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 50m 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 25m.
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 Cook County, Illinois, United States
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 Elk Grove and River Forest.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elk Grove and River Forest.
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1
Start on South Elmhurst Road
71 m · 12 sec · South Elmhurst Road
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2
Continue on South Elmhurst Road
119 m · 13 sec · South Elmhurst Road
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3
Turn right onto West Touhy Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · West Touhy Avenue
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4
Turn straight
146 m · 18 sec
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5
Keep slight left
1.1 mi · 2 min
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6
Turn right onto Mannheim Road
2.4 mi · 4 min · Mannheim Road
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7
Turn left onto Lawrence Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · Lawrence Avenue
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8
Turn right onto Des Plaines River Road
3.8 mi · 8 min · Des Plaines River Road
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9
Turn straight onto North 1st Avenue
2871 ft · 1 min · North 1st Avenue
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10
Turn left onto North Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · North Avenue
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11
Turn right onto Lathrop Avenue
1.2 km · 3 min · Lathrop Avenue
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12
Turn left onto Augusta Street
97 m · 11 sec · Augusta Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Augusta Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elk Grove and River Forest.
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.
Des Plaines River Road
Turn right onto Des Plaines River Road
3.79 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 Elk Grove and Rain Showers near River Forest.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elk Grove to River Forest?
The road trip is about 12.9 miles (20.7 km) and usually takes 00h 25m 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?
Schiller Park is a useful midpoint, sitting about 6.5 miles from Elk Grove and 6.5 miles from River Forest.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 9.9 miles (16 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 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 $2.10 one way or $4.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Elk Grove and Rain Showers near River Forest.
Stop Ideas Near Schiller 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 Schiller Park.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Summit
Chicago Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elk Grove and River Forest. Straight-line distance: 9.97 mi (16.04 km).
#1 Elk Grove
Township in Cook County, Illinois
| Population | 31,831 |
| Coordinates | 42.0072500, -87.9403400 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
#2 River Forest
Village in Cook County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 10,694 |
| Coordinates | 41.8978100, -87.8139500 |
| Altitude | 192 |
| Country | United States |
End: River Forest (-87.81395, 41.89781)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 21 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 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 | $2.10 | $4.20 |
| Mid-grade | $5.29 | $2.38 | $4.76 |
| Premium | $5.84 | $2.63 | $5.25 |
| Diesel | $6.57 | $2.96 | $5.91 |
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