How far is McHenry, IL from Elk Grove, IL?
The driving distance from McHenry, IL to Elk Grove, IL is about 36 miles (58 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28 miles (45.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 39m 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 00h 49m.
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.
Village in Lake County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between McHenry and Elk Grove.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between McHenry and Elk Grove.
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1
Start on the route
22 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn left
33 m · 10 sec
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3
Turn right onto North Green Street
1.4 km · 3 min · North Green Street
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4
Turn right onto West Elm Street
2.6 mi · 5 min · West Elm Street
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5
Continue on Rand Road
1.1 mi · 2 min · Rand Road
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6
Continue on West Belvidere Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · West Belvidere Road
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7
Turn right
615 ft · 8 sec
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8
Continue straight
575 ft · 7 sec
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9
Continue straight
1.7 mi · 2 min
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10
Continue straight
1.1 mi · 1 min
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11
Continue straight
14.3 mi · 21 min
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12
Take the ramp right toward IL 53 South
1668 ft · 41 sec
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13
Merge slight left
4.4 mi · 6 min
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14
Keep slight right to continue on I 90 Toll: Rockford, Chicago
1.1 mi · 2 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 90 East Toll: Chicago
1209 ft · 41 sec
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16
Continue on I 90 East Toll: Chicago
988 ft · 30 sec
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17
Keep slight left to continue on I 90 Toll East
2497 ft · 41 sec
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18
Merge slight left onto Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
4.4 mi · 5 min · Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
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19
Take the exit slight right toward Elmhurst Road
2200 ft · 42 sec
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20
Keep slight right to continue on Elmhurst Road South
104 m · 8 sec
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21
Turn straight onto South Elmhurst Road
1 km · 1 min · South Elmhurst Road
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Elmhurst Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between McHenry and Elk Grove.
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.
West Belvidere Road
Continue straight
14.3 mi · 00h 21m
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.
Rain Showers leaving McHenry and Showers And Thunderstorms near Elk Grove.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from McHenry to Elk Grove?
The road trip is about 36 miles (58 km) and usually takes 00h 49m 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?
Lake Zurich is a useful midpoint, sitting about 18 miles from McHenry and 18 miles from Elk Grove.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28 miles (45.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 4:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.92 one way or $11.85 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around McHenry and Showers And Thunderstorms near Elk Grove.
Stop Ideas Near Lake Zurich
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 Lake Zurich.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Naperville
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between McHenry and Elk Grove. Straight-line distance: 28.05 mi (45.15 km).
#1 McHenry
City in Illinois
| Population | 27,100 |
| Coordinates | 42.3333500, -88.2667500 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elk Grove
Township in Cook County, Illinois
| Population | 31,831 |
| Coordinates | 42.0072500, -87.9403400 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Elmhurst Road (-87.940348, 42.00725)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 58 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.67 | $5.92 | $11.85 |
| Mid-grade | $5.29 | $6.72 | $13.44 |
| Premium | $5.84 | $7.41 | $14.83 |
| Diesel | $6.57 | $8.35 | $16.69 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026