How far is Gardner, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Gardner, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 72.1 miles (116 km), with a travel time of about 01h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 62.6 miles (100.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 34m 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 17m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gardner and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gardner and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on South Grundy Street
34 m · 10 sec · South Grundy Street
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2
Turn left onto West Main Street
2177 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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3
Continue straight
731 ft · 14 sec
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4
Take the ramp right toward I 55 North: Joliet
1823 ft · 44 sec
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5
Merge slight left
49.6 mi · 58 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
1.6 mi · 3 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 North: Wisconsin
1694 ft · 41 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
11.7 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Touhy Avenue
635 ft · 16 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue
2694 ft · 1 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue West
688 ft · 17 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on Touhy Avenue West
1799 ft · 44 sec
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14
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
99 m · 7 sec · East Touhy Avenue
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15
Turn slight right
103 m · 9 sec
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16
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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17
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gardner and Des Plaines.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 55 North
Merge slight left
49.6 mi · 00h 58m
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 Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Gardner 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 Gardner to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 72.1 miles (116 km) and usually takes 01h 17m 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?
Romeoville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36 miles from Gardner and 36 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 62.6 miles (100.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.5 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 3:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.58 one way or $19.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Gardner and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Romeoville
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 Romeoville.
Joliet Transportation Center
Naperville
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gardner and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 62.58 mi (100.71 km).
#1 Gardner
Village in Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,377 |
| Coordinates | 41.1855900, -88.3097800 |
| Altitude | 179 |
| 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: 116 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.58 | $19.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.80 | $21.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.82 | $23.64 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.47 | $26.94 |
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.