How far is Springfield, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Springfield, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 204 miles (328.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 179.5 miles (288.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 32m 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 16m.
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 Livingston County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Springfield and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Springfield and Des Plaines.
-
1
Start on East Washington Street
1206 ft · 42 sec · East Washington Street
-
2
Turn left onto North 12th Street
1013 ft · 36 sec · North 12th Street
-
3
Turn straight onto Clear Lake Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · Clear Lake Avenue
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North: Chicago
1533 ft · 53 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
29.2 mi · 32 min
-
6
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 North: Chicago
29.4 mi · 31 min
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
120.8 mi · 2 hr 14 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
1.6 mi · 3 min
-
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
-
11
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
11.7 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward Touhy Avenue
635 ft · 16 sec
-
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
-
15
Keep slight right to continue on Touhy Avenue West
1799 ft · 44 sec
-
16
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
99 m · 7 sec · East Touhy Avenue
-
17
Turn slight right
103 m · 9 sec
-
18
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road
-
19
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
-
20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Springfield 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.
Sunny leaving Springfield and Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely near Des Plaines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Springfield to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 204 miles (328.3 km) and usually takes 03h 16m 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?
Rooks Creek is a useful midpoint, sitting about 101.9 miles from Springfield and 102.1 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 179.5 miles (288.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.5 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 10:28 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.15 one way or $54.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 64 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Springfield and Mostly Cloudy then Rain Likely near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Rooks Creek
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 Rooks Creek.
Pontiac station
Dwight station
Uptown Station
Gilman
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Springfield and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 179.5 mi (288.87 km).
#1 Springfield
The capital of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County.
| Population | 113,671 |
| Coordinates | 39.8017200, -89.6437100 |
| Altitude | 182 |
| 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: 328 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.15 | $54.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.62 | $61.24 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.51 | $67.02 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.19 | $76.38 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.