How far is Galena, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Galena, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 151.5 miles (243.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 132.9 miles (213.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 13m 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 02h 36m.
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 Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Galena and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Galena and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on South Bench Street
2297 ft · 2 min · South Bench Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto South Bench Street
32 m · 11 sec · South Bench Street
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3
Turn left onto Decatur Street
1.2 km · 2 min · Decatur Street
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4
Continue on U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
12.8 mi · 18 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
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5
Continue on Madison Street
1.2 km · 2 min · Madison Street
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6
Continue on West Diagonal Street
639 ft · 21 sec · West Diagonal Street
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7
Continue on North Main Street
2099 ft · 1 min · North Main Street
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8
Continue on U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
4.6 mi · 6 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
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9
Continue on East Woodbine Street
2853 ft · 1 min · East Woodbine Street
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10
Continue on U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
6.4 mi · 9 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
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11
Continue on West North Avenue
2.1 mi · 4 min · West North Avenue
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12
Continue on U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
33.2 mi · 42 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
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13
Continue on West State Road
9.8 mi · 11 min · West State Road
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14
Continue on U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
14.5 mi · 17 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
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15
Continue straight
1 km · 41 sec
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16
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 East: Chicago
2544 ft · 1 min
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17
Merge slight left onto Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
19.8 mi · 21 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
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18
Keep slight left to continue on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
35.7 mi · 38 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
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19
Take the exit slight right toward Elmhurst Road
2200 ft · 42 sec
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20
Keep slight left to continue on Elmhurst Road North
88 m · 9 sec
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21
Turn straight onto South Elmhurst Road
1889 ft · 42 sec · South Elmhurst Road
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22
Turn right onto West Oakton Street
645 ft · 13 sec · West Oakton Street
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23
Continue on West Oakton Street
1.4 km · 2 min · West Oakton Street
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24
Continue on East Oakton Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East Oakton Street
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25
Turn left onto Lee Street
2735 ft · 59 sec · Lee Street
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26
Turn right onto East Algonquin Road
2758 ft · 2 min · East Algonquin Road
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27
Turn left onto White Street
650 ft · 30 sec · White Street
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28
Turn right onto Henry Avenue
80 m · 12 sec · Henry Avenue
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29
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Galena and Des Plaines.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Keep slight left to continue on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
35.7 mi · 00h 38m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Galena and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Des Plaines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Galena to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 151.5 miles (243.8 km) and usually takes 02h 36m 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?
Winnebago is a useful midpoint, sitting about 73.6 miles from Galena and 78 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 132.9 miles (213.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.6 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 1:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.17 one way or $40.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Galena and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Winnebago
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 Winnebago.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Galena and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 132.91 mi (213.89 km).
#1 Galena
County seat of Jo Daviess County, Illinois
| Population | 3,151 |
| Coordinates | 42.4166700, -90.4290200 |
| Altitude | 193 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Des Plaines
The most populous city in Cook County, Illinois.
| Population | 58,179 |
| Coordinates | 42.0333600, -87.8834000 |
| Altitude | 193 |
| Country | United States |
End: Henry Avenue (-87.883408, 42.033456)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 244 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.17 | $40.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.75 | $45.51 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.90 | $49.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.38 | $56.75 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.