How far is Waterman, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Waterman, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 61 miles (98.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49.2 miles (79.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 19m 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 09m.
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.
City in DuPage County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterman and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterman and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on North Elm Street
931 ft · 35 sec · North Elm Street
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2
Turn left onto West Lincoln Highway
2.4 mi · 4 min · West Lincoln Highway
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3
Continue on West Lincoln Street
3.9 mi · 5 min · West Lincoln Street
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4
Continue on West Lincoln Avenue
10.8 mi · 17 min · West Lincoln Avenue
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5
Continue straight
25.3 mi · 32 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
4.7 mi · 6 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rockford
3128 ft · 1 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 Toll North: O'Hare International Airport, Milwaukee
1156 ft · 28 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
9.9 mi · 13 min · Tri-State Tollway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Touhy Avenue
635 ft · 16 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue
2694 ft · 1 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Touhy Avenue West
688 ft · 17 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on Touhy Avenue West
1799 ft · 44 sec
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14
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
99 m · 7 sec · East Touhy Avenue
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15
Turn slight right
103 m · 9 sec
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16
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road
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17
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterman 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.
West Lincoln Avenue
Continue straight
25.3 mi · 00h 32m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Waterman and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Des Plaines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterman to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 61 miles (98.2 km) and usually takes 01h 09m 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?
Warrenville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 30.5 miles from Waterman and 30.6 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49.2 miles (79.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.8 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 4:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.11 one way or $16.22 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Waterman and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Warrenville
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 Warrenville.
Naperville
La Grange Road
Summit
Joliet Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterman and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 49.23 mi (79.22 km).
#1 Waterman
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 1,497 |
| Coordinates | 41.7717000, -88.7736900 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| 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: 98 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.11 | $16.22 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.14 | $18.29 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.01 | $20.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.40 | $22.81 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.