How far is Lena, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Lena, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 115.5 miles (185.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 102.1 miles (164.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 45m 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 52m.
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.
Township in Winnebago County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lena and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lena and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on West Lena Street
28 m · 4 sec · West Lena Street
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2
Turn right onto North Schuyler Street
1 km · 56 sec · North Schuyler Street
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3
Continue on IL 73
1 mi · 2 min · IL 73
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4
Turn left onto U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
25.4 mi · 31 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
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5
Continue on West State Road
9.8 mi · 11 min · West State Road
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6
Continue on U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
14.5 mi · 17 min · U.S. Grant Memorial Highway
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7
Continue straight
1 km · 41 sec
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 East: Chicago
2544 ft · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left onto Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
19.8 mi · 21 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
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10
Keep slight right to continue on Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
35.7 mi · 38 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Elmhurst Road
2200 ft · 42 sec
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Elmhurst Road North
88 m · 9 sec
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13
Turn straight onto South Elmhurst Road
1889 ft · 42 sec · South Elmhurst Road
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14
Turn right onto West Oakton Street
645 ft · 13 sec · West Oakton Street
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15
Continue on West Oakton Street
1.4 km · 2 min · West Oakton Street
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16
Continue on East Oakton Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East Oakton Street
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17
Turn left onto Lee Street
2735 ft · 60 sec · Lee Street
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18
Turn right onto East Algonquin Road
2758 ft · 2 min · East Algonquin Road
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19
Turn left onto White Street
650 ft · 30 sec · White Street
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20
Turn right onto Henry Avenue
80 m · 12 sec · Henry Avenue
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lena 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 right 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.
Sunny leaving Lena and Sunny near Des Plaines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lena to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 115.5 miles (185.8 km) and usually takes 01h 52m 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?
Cherry Valley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56 miles from Lena and 59.4 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 102.1 miles (164.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.4 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 2:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.35 one way or $30.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Lena and Sunny near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Cherry Valley
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 Cherry Valley.
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Plano
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lena and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 102.07 mi (164.27 km).
#1 Lena
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 2,680 |
| Coordinates | 42.3794600, -89.8223400 |
| Altitude | 289 |
| 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: 186 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.35 | $30.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.31 | $34.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.94 | $37.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.59 | $43.17 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.