How far is Uptown, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Uptown, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 18.2 miles (29.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 12.7 miles (20.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 33m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
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 46m.
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 United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Drizzle
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Uptown and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Uptown and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on the route
55 m · 13 sec
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2
Continue on West Eastwood Avenue
155 m · 19 sec · West Eastwood Avenue
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3
Turn right onto North Sheridan Road
989 ft · 38 sec · North Sheridan Road
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4
Turn left onto West Lawrence Avenue
1.8 mi · 4 min · West Lawrence Avenue
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5
Turn right onto North Western Avenue
657 ft · 20 sec · North Western Avenue
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6
Turn left onto North Lincoln Avenue
1.8 mi · 3 min · North Lincoln Avenue
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7
Turn slight left onto West Peterson Avenue
2.2 mi · 4 min · West Peterson Avenue
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8
Continue on North Caldwell Avenue
2.5 mi · 4 min · North Caldwell Avenue
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9
Turn left onto West Touhy Avenue
2.3 mi · 4 min · West Touhy Avenue
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10
Turn slight right onto Busse Highway
1.5 mi · 3 min · Busse Highway
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11
Turn slight left onto Oakton Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · Oakton Street
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12
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.1 km · 1 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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13
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Uptown and Des Plaines.
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.
North Caldwell Avenue
Continue on North Caldwell Avenue
2.51 mi · 00h 04m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Uptown and Slight Chance Drizzle near Des Plaines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Uptown to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 18.2 miles (29.3 km) and usually takes 00h 46m 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?
Lincolnwood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 7.2 miles from Uptown and 11 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 12.7 miles (20.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:56 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.95 one way or $5.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Uptown and Slight Chance Drizzle near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Lincolnwood
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 Lincolnwood.
Glenview station
Chicago Union Station
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Uptown and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 12.73 mi (20.49 km).
#1 Uptown
Uptown is a place in Illinois, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.9659000, -87.6526200 |
| 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: 29 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.61 | $2.95 | $5.90 |
| Mid-grade | $5.24 | $3.35 | $6.71 |
| Premium | $5.79 | $3.71 | $7.42 |
| Diesel | $6.59 | $4.22 | $8.44 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026