How far is Winthrop Harbor, IL from Des Plaines, IL?
The driving distance from Winthrop Harbor, IL to Des Plaines, IL is about 41.4 miles (66.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 30.9 miles (49.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 38m 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 00h 49m.
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 Illinois, United States of America
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 Winthrop Harbor and Des Plaines.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winthrop Harbor and Des Plaines.
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1
Start on Sheridan Road
6.6 mi · 14 min · Sheridan Road
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2
Turn left onto West Greenwood Avenue
1637 ft · 32 sec · West Greenwood Avenue
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3
Take the ramp slight right toward IL 137
5.5 mi · 7 min
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4
Turn right onto Buckley Road
3 mi · 5 min · Buckley Road
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5
Take the ramp slight left toward I 94 Toll East: Chicago
1998 ft · 52 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
11 mi · 13 min · Tri-State Tollway
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7
Keep slight right to continue on Tri-State Tollway
7.2 mi · 9 min · Tri-State Tollway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IL 58: Golf Road
2218 ft · 1 min
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9
Turn left onto North East River Road
536 ft · 18 sec · North East River Road
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10
Turn right onto East Golf Road
1.5 km · 2 min · East Golf Road
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11
Turn left onto North Des Plaines River Road
1.5 mi · 3 min · North Des Plaines River Road
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12
Turn right onto Henry Avenue
557 ft · 24 sec · Henry Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Henry Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Winthrop Harbor 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.
Tri-State Tollway
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
11 mi · 00h 13m
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 Winthrop Harbor 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 Winthrop Harbor to Des Plaines?
The road trip is about 41.4 miles (66.7 km) and usually takes 00h 49m 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?
Green Oaks is a useful midpoint, sitting about 18.5 miles from Winthrop Harbor and 22.9 miles from Des Plaines.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 30.9 miles (49.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.5 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.51 one way or $11.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Winthrop Harbor and Mostly Sunny near Des Plaines.
Stop Ideas Near Green Oaks
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 Green Oaks.
Glenview station
Sturtevant station
Chicago Union Station
La Grange Road
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Winthrop Harbor and Des Plaines. Straight-line distance: 30.94 mi (49.79 km).
#1 Winthrop Harbor
Village in Illinois, United States
| Population | 6,568 |
| Coordinates | 42.4789100, -87.8236800 |
| 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: 67 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.51 | $11.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.21 | $12.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.79 | $13.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.74 | $15.49 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.