How far is Seneca, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Seneca, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 76 miles (122.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 62.4 miles (100.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 44m 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 22m.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Seneca and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Seneca and Des Plaines.
-
1
Start on West Union Street
2 m · 6 sec · West Union Street
-
2
Turn left onto North Main Street
1.1 km · 1 min · North Main Street
-
3
Turn right onto East Jackson Street
5.1 mi · 8 min · East Jackson Street
-
4
Continue on Seneca Road
1925 ft · 38 sec · Seneca Road
-
5
Take the ramp straight toward I 80 East: Joliet
2160 ft · 53 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
21 mi · 23 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North: Chicago
1892 ft · 54 sec
-
8
Merge slight left
26.6 mi · 33 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
1.6 mi · 3 min
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 North: Wisconsin
1694 ft · 41 sec
-
11
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
-
12
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
11.7 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward Touhy Avenue
635 ft · 16 sec
-
14
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue
2694 ft · 1 min
-
15
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue West
688 ft · 17 sec
-
16
Keep slight right to continue on Touhy Avenue West
1799 ft · 44 sec
-
17
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
99 m · 7 sec · East Touhy Avenue
-
18
Turn slight right
103 m · 9 sec
-
19
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road
-
20
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
-
21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Seneca 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
26.6 mi · 00h 33m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Seneca 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 Seneca to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 76 miles (122.3 km) and usually takes 01h 22m 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?
Crystal Lawns is a useful midpoint, sitting about 38 miles from Seneca and 38 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 62.4 miles (100.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.6 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 3:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.11 one way or $20.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Seneca and Mostly Sunny near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Crystal Lawns
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 Crystal Lawns.
Joliet Transportation Center
Naperville
Plano
La Grange Road
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Seneca and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 62.41 mi (100.44 km).
#1 Seneca
Village in Illinois
| Population | 2,179 |
| Coordinates | 41.3111400, -88.6097900 |
| Altitude | 155 |
| 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: 122 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.11 | $20.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.40 | $22.80 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.47 | $24.95 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.21 | $28.43 |
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.