How far is Markham, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Markham, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 251 miles (404 km), with a travel time of about 03h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 203.2 miles (327 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 54m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 57m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 McLean County, Illinois
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 Markham and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Markham and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on Markham Road
1.1 mi · 4 min · Markham Road
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2
Turn right onto US Highway 67
6.4 mi · 7 min · US Highway 67
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3
Take the exit slight right toward I 72 East: Quincy
1842 ft · 45 sec
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4
Merge slight left
50.9 mi · 55 min
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5
Continue straight
20.5 mi · 22 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 North: Chicago
29.4 mi · 31 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
120.8 mi · 2 hr 14 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
1.6 mi · 3 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 North: Wisconsin
1694 ft · 41 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
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11
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
11.7 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Touhy Avenue
635 ft · 16 sec
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13
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue
2694 ft · 1 min
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14
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue West
688 ft · 17 sec
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15
Keep slight right to continue on Touhy Avenue West
1799 ft · 44 sec
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16
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
99 m · 7 sec · East Touhy Avenue
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17
Turn slight right
103 m · 9 sec
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18
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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19
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Markham 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
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
121 mi · 02h 14m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Partly Sunny leaving Markham 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 Markham to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 251 miles (404 km) and usually takes 03h 57m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Towanda is a useful midpoint, sitting about 125.4 miles from Markham and 125.6 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 203.2 miles (327 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:06 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $33.41 one way or $66.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 78.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Markham and Mostly Sunny near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Towanda
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall - Town of Normal
City of Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington Finance Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Towanda.
Uptown Station
Pontiac station
Lincoln
Peoria, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Markham and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 203.16 mi (326.96 km).
#1 Markham
City in Morgan County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 12,165 |
| Coordinates | 39.7458800, -90.3279000 |
| Altitude | 181 |
| 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: 404 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $33.41 | $66.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $37.68 | $75.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $41.23 | $82.47 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $46.99 | $93.99 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.