This 310.1-mile journey from Carmi, IL, to Des Plaines, IL, is estimated to take about 5 hours and 21 minutes of pure driving time. With a fuel cost around $47 and a recommended one-day itinerary, this route is designed for a single-day adventure. You'll be navigating primarily local roads, indicated by its 'turn-heavy local drive' profile and 0% highway share. This drive offers a straightforward, albeit winding, connection between two points within the Midwest region. It's a practical option if you're looking to cover the distance without extensive highway time.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
155.3 miles from Carmi, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 30m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
158.9 mi
2h 52m
IL 33
36.3 mi
53m
Tri-State Tollway
32.5 mi
40m
500E
24.3 mi
33m
South Van Buren Street
11 mi
15m
South Cross Street
8.6 mi
12m
County Road 1100 East
6.7 mi
9m
Illinois Route 16
5.3 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 158.9 mi, about 2h 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carmi, IL and Des Plaines, IL.
1
Start on IL 1; IL 14
4.5 mi·6 min·East Main Street
2
Continue on IL 1; IL 14
8.6 mi·12 min·South Cross Street
3
Continue on IL 1
3.0 mi·4 min·South Court Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left onto IL 130
4.3 mi·6 min·Hagedorn Road
Use the left lane.
5
Continue on IL 130
1.4 mi·2 min·700E
6
Turn straight onto IL 130
1.8 mi·2 min·575E
7
Continue on IL 130
0.5 mi·49 sec·South 1st Street
8
Turn left onto IL 130
0.3 mi·31 sec·East Walnut Street
9
Turn right onto IL 130
24 mi·33 min·500E
10
Continue on IL 130; IL 250
2.5 mi·4 min·South West Street
Use the straight lane.
11
Continue on IL 130
6.7 mi·9 min·County Road 1100 East
12
Continue on IL 130
11 mi·15 min·South Van Buren Street
13
Turn right onto IL 33; IL 130
36 mi·53 min·IL 33; IL 130
14
Turn left onto IL 16
2.5 mi·4 min·Lincoln Avenue
15
Continue on IL 16
5.3 mi·7 min·Illinois Route 16
16
Continue on IL 16
0.4 mi·38 sec·Charleston Avenue East
17
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I-57 North: Champaign
18
Merge onto I 57
159 mi·2 hr 52 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 349-350Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, WisconsinUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
1.8 mi·3 min
Exit 349Toward I 294 Toll North: WisconsinUse the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Merge onto I 294
21 mi·25 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
12 mi·15 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy AvenueUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy Avenue
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward Touhy Avenue WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 42BToward Touhy Avenue WestUse the right lane.
27
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
325 ft·7 sec·East Touhy Avenue
28
Turn slight right
339 ft·9 sec
29
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi·3 min·South Des Plaines River Road
30
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
0.1 mi·24 sec·Henry Avenue
31
Arrive at destination
Henry Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 21-minute estimated driving time and the turn-heavy nature of this route, starting early is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize potential fatigue. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point, to refuel and stretch. The $47 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always consider having a little extra for unexpected detours or price variations. A specific tip for this route: pay close attention to local speed limit changes as you transition between different town and county roads; they can vary significantly.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 155.3 miles from Carmi, IL, or about 3h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 158.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 68 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.3 miles or 3h 30m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Des Plaines, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Carmi, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Carmi, IL
This is one driving day of about 310.6 miles and 6h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Carmi, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 57 for about 158.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 272.9 and 308.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
272.9 mi into trip|~5h 38m in
Take the exit toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 349-350
Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevar...
8
273.2 mi into trip|~5h 39m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 349
Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
7
307.5 mi into trip|~6h 22m in
Take the exit toward Touhy Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
7
308.2 mi into trip|~6h 24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Touhy Avenue West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Touhy Avenue West
8
308.3 mi into trip|~6h 24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Touhy Avenue West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 42B
Toward Touhy Avenue West
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.56 one way
$97.12 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg109 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$53.32
$106.63
premium
$4.89
$59.77
$119.54
diesel
$5.61
$68.58
$137.15
Estimated Tolls: $1.95
Tri-state Tollway
(32.5 mi)$1.95
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$49
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$76–$101
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 108.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
93.2
1
$32.61
$14.91
Efficient EV
77.7
0
$27.18
$12.42
EV Truck/SUV
124.2
1
$43.48
$19.88
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Carmi, IL
Night
in Carmi on Saturday
Local time
11:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Des Plaines, IL
Night
in Des Plaines on Saturday
Local time
11:34 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 29m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Pullman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...
7 mi from route
~18 min detour
Free
near mile 278.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for the entirety of this 310.1-mile trip, as there's a 0% highway share. This means you'll be engaging with local roads like South Cross Street, South Court Street, and Hagedorn Road for the full duration. Without any long highway stretches, your longest uninterrupted drive will be limited, requiring constant attention to navigation and speed changes. The character of the road will likely be a continuous series of turns and varied speed limits, making for an engaging, albeit less predictable, driving experience.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 158.9 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and IL 33. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 272.9 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 310.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 272.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 273.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 307.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Carmi, IL to Des Plaines, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Wisconsin along the way.
Des Plaines is in Chicagoland. It is an inner-ring, northwest suburb of Chicago with two distinct portions: a suburban northern portion reminiscient of other, nearby northwest suburbs (including Niles, Park Ridge, and Mount Prospect), as well as a built-up southern portion with the businesses, hotels, and other amenities of the O'Hare Airport corridor (much like Rosemont, Chicago's O'Hare neighborhood, and Elk Grove Village).
Top landmarks
•McDonald's #1 Store Museum — former McDonald's spot
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 29m. Total distance: 310.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 29m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 158.9 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.95 in tolls one way, starting with Tri-state Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Des Plaines, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 272.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 273.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 307.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Des Plaines, IL before the return drive.
