How far is Lake Catherine, IL from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance from Lake Catherine, IL to Elgin, IL is about 38.2 miles (61.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 31.4 miles (50.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 05m 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 02m.
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.
Lake in Marquette County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Catherine and Elgin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Catherine and Elgin.
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1
Start on West IL Route 173
1.5 mi · 2 min · West IL Route 173
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2
Turn straight
74 m · 11 sec
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3
Turn slight right
10.9 mi · 17 min
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4
Continue straight
1.1 mi · 1 min
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5
Continue straight
1576 ft · 26 sec
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6
Continue straight
575 ft · 7 sec
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7
Continue straight
1.7 mi · 2 min
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8
Continue straight
1.1 mi · 1 min
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9
Continue straight
2.1 mi · 4 min
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10
Take the exit slight right
7.8 mi · 13 min
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11
Turn slight right
87 m · 5 sec
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12
Continue on New Sutton Road
6.3 mi · 10 min · New Sutton Road
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13
Take the ramp slight right toward I 90 West Toll: Rockford
2305 ft · 56 sec
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14
Merge slight left onto Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
2.8 mi · 3 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward IL 25
154 m · 12 sec
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16
Continue on IL 25
2671 ft · 1 min
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17
Continue straight
648 ft · 18 sec
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18
Turn left onto Dundee Avenue
2 mi · 4 min · Dundee Avenue
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19
Continue on Center Street
694 ft · 24 sec · Center Street
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20
Turn right
95 m · 28 sec
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21
Turn left onto East Chicago Street
36 m · 3 sec · East Chicago Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Chicago Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake Catherine and Elgin.
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.
Longest stretch
Turn slight right
10.9 mi · 00h 17m
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.
Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers leaving Lake Catherine and Mostly Sunny near Elgin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake Catherine to Elgin?
The road trip is about 38.2 miles (61.4 km) and usually takes 01h 02m 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?
Tower Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.6 miles from Lake Catherine and 18.6 miles from Elgin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 31.4 miles (50.6 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.09 one way or $10.18 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost then Chance Rain Showers around Lake Catherine and Mostly Sunny near Elgin.
Stop Ideas Near Tower Lake
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 Tower Lake.
Glenview station
Naperville
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Catherine and Elgin. Straight-line distance: 31.45 mi (50.62 km).
#1 Lake Catherine
Census-designated place in Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,379 |
| Coordinates | 42.4791900, -88.1334200 |
| Altitude | 228 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elgin
The second most populous city in Kane County, Illinois.
| Population | 110,196 |
| Coordinates | 42.0372500, -88.2811900 |
| Altitude | 227 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Chicago Street (-88.281194, 42.037244)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 61 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.09 | $10.18 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $5.74 | $11.48 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.28 | $12.57 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.16 | $14.32 |
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.