How far is Gilmer, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Gilmer, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 23 miles (37 km), with a travel time of about 00h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 16.2 miles (26.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 07m 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 33m.
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.
City in West Virginia
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gilmer and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gilmer and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on Gilmer Road
3.4 mi · 8 min · Gilmer Road
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2
Turn right onto State Highway 83
2.3 mi · 4 min · State Highway 83
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3
Continue on McHenry Road
3.7 mi · 7 min · McHenry Road
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4
Turn right onto North Elmhurst Road
4.3 mi · 7 min · North Elmhurst Road
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5
Turn left onto East Rand Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · East Rand Road
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6
Continue on Rand Road
2.2 mi · 3 min · Rand Road
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7
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.6 km · 2 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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8
Turn right onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gilmer and Des Plaines.
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.
North Elmhurst Road
Turn right onto North Elmhurst Road
4.33 mi · 00h 07m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Gilmer and Mostly Sunny near Des Plaines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gilmer to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 23 miles (37 km) and usually takes 00h 33m 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?
Wheeling is a useful midpoint, sitting about 9.2 miles from Gilmer and 13.8 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 16.2 miles (26.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.8 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 7:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.05 one way or $6.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Gilmer and Mostly Sunny near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Wheeling
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 Wheeling.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Chicago Union Station
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gilmer and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 16.24 mi (26.13 km).
#1 Gilmer
Unincorporated community in Illinois
| Population | 1,038 |
| Coordinates | 42.2350200, -88.0461900 |
| Altitude | 247 |
| 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: 37 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.05 | $6.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.44 | $6.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $3.77 | $7.54 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $4.30 | $8.59 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.