How far is North Pekin, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from North Pekin, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 170.1 miles (273.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 133.2 miles (214.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 28m 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 02h 44m.
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 Livingston County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Frost then Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between North Pekin and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between North Pekin and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on South Main Street
1.2 km · 1 min · South Main Street
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2
Turn right onto Radio City Drive
1521 ft · 26 sec · Radio City Drive
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3
Take the ramp slight right
2974 ft · 1 min
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4
Merge slight left
4.8 mi · 5 min
-
5
Merge slight left
27 mi · 29 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, US 51 North: Chicago
1.4 mi · 3 min
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7
Merge slight left
113.6 mi · 2 hr 7 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
-
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
-
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 North Pekin 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
Merge slight left
114 mi · 02h 07m
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.
Areas Of Frost then Sunny leaving North Pekin 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 North Pekin to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 170.1 miles (273.7 km) and usually takes 02h 44m 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?
Odell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 84.9 miles from North Pekin and 85.1 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 133.2 miles (214.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 36.9 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 1:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.63 one way or $45.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Frost then Sunny around North Pekin and Mostly Sunny near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Odell
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 Odell.
Dwight station
Pontiac station
Gilman
Kankakee
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between North Pekin and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 133.2 mi (214.37 km).
#1 North Pekin
Village in Illinois, USA
| Population | 1,530 |
| Coordinates | 40.6150400, -89.6223200 |
| Altitude | 147 |
| 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: 274 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.63 | $45.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.52 | $51.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.92 | $55.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.82 | $63.65 |
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.