How far is Wilmette, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Wilmette, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 10.7 miles (17.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 8.6 miles (13.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 45m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 22m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wilmette and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wilmette and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on Wilmette Avenue
20 m · 9 sec · Wilmette Avenue
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2
Turn right onto Ridge Road
1211 ft · 34 sec · Ridge Road
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3
Continue on Gross Point Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · Gross Point Road
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4
Turn right onto Golf Road
7.6 mi · 14 min · Golf Road
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5
Turn left onto North Des Plaines River Road
1.5 mi · 3 min · North Des Plaines River Road
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6
Turn right onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wilmette 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.
Golf Road
Turn right onto Golf Road
7.64 mi · 00h 14m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Wilmette and Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Plaines.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wilmette to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 10.7 miles (17.2 km) and usually takes 00h 22m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Golf is a useful midpoint, sitting about 5.3 miles from Wilmette and 5.3 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 8.6 miles (13.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.77 one way or $3.55 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Wilmette and Showers And Thunderstorms near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Golf
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 Golf.
Glenview station
Chicago Union Station
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wilmette and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 8.66 mi (13.94 km).
#1 Wilmette
Village in Cook County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 26,819 |
| Coordinates | 42.0722500, -87.7228400 |
| Altitude | 194 |
| 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: 17 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.67 | $1.77 | $3.55 |
| Mid-grade | $5.29 | $2.01 | $4.02 |
| Premium | $5.84 | $2.22 | $4.44 |
| Diesel | $6.57 | $2.50 | $4.99 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026