This 288-mile drive from Hartford to Des Plaines, Illinois, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 5 hours and 32 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated at around $44. The route is predominantly highway-focused, making it an efficient option for traveling within the Midwest. With 89% of the drive on highways, you'll spend most of your time on I-55 and the Tri-State Tollway. This makes it a practical choice if you're looking for a quick transit between these two Illinois locations.
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
144 miles from Hartford, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
246.8 mi
4h 30m
Tri-State Tollway
16.6 mi
20m
State Route 140
9.7 mi
13m
Lewis and Clark Boulevard
1.9 mi
2m
West Bethalto Drive
1.8 mi
3m
Vaughn Road
1.7 mi
3m
South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi
3m
West Madison Avenue
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 246.8 mi, about 4h 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hartford, IL and Des Plaines, IL.
1
Start on South Delmar Avenue
67 ft·8 sec·South Delmar Avenue
2
Turn left onto West Hawthorne Street
0.2 mi·35 sec·West Hawthorne Street
3
Turn right onto IL 3
1.9 mi·2 min·Lewis and Clark Boulevard
4
Take the exit
216 ft·5 sec
5
Turn slight right onto IL 143
0.1 mi·10 sec·West Ferguson Avenue
6
Continue on IL 143
1.5 mi·2 min·West Madison Avenue
7
Turn left onto IL 111
0.3 mi·28 sec·South Central Avenue
8
Continue on IL 111
1.7 mi·3 min·Vaughn Road
9
Continue on IL 111
0.7 mi·1 min·South Bellwood Drive
10
Continue on IL 111
0.9 mi·1 min·North Bellwood Drive
11
Turn right onto IL 140
1.8 mi·3 min·West Bethalto Drive
12
Continue on IL 140
9.6 mi·13 min·State Route 140
13
Continue on IL 140
0.8 mi·1 min·West State Street
14
Continue on IL 140
443 ft·13 sec·State Route 140
15
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
16
Merge onto I 55
97 mi·1 hr 44 min·I 55
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
121 mi·2 hr 14 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, PeoriaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
1.6 mi·3 min
Exit 277AToward I 294 Tollway North: WisconsinUse the right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
21
Merge onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 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 32-minute duration, starting your drive from Hartford, IL, in the morning is advisable to avoid potential afternoon traffic as you approach Des Plaines. The route includes a substantial 246.8-mile stretch on I-55, so plan for a single refueling stop if needed before embarking on this long segment. While the drive is manageable in one day, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is key, especially with an estimated cost of $44. Consider using State Route 140 for any necessary breaks or to slightly vary the scenery if desired.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 144 miles from Hartford, IL, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 246.8 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 63 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144 miles or 2h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 27m
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 Hartford, 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 Hartford, IL
This is one driving day of about 288 miles and 5h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Hartford, 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 55 for about 246.8 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 116.4 and 285.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
116.4 mi into trip|~2h 15m in|I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
8
145.7 mi into trip|~2h 47m in|I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
7
266.5 mi into trip|~5h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 277A
Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
7
285 mi into trip|~5h 26m 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
8
285.8 mi into trip|~5h 28m 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
$45.03 one way
$90.05 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$49.44
$98.87
premium
$4.89
$55.42
$110.85
diesel
$5.61
$63.59
$127.17
Estimated Tolls: $0.99
Tri-state Tollway
(16.6 mi)$0.99
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
$45
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.4
1
$30.24
$13.82
Efficient EV
72
0
$25.20
$11.52
EV Truck/SUV
115.2
1
$40.32
$18.43
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 kg (66% 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 20, 2026
Origin
Hartford, IL
Late night
in Hartford on Tuesday
Local time
3:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Des Plaines, IL
Late night
in Des Plaines on Tuesday
Local time
3:46 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
68°F
Bloomington, IL
144 mi in
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
11 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
5h 32m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
National Monument
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...
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...
16 mi from route
~41 min detour
Free
near mile 268.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a highway-focused experience, as 89% of this 288-mile trip is on major roads like I-55 and the Tri-State Tollway. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 246.8 miles primarily on I-55, meaning extended periods of consistent driving. While the route is efficient, it's designed for getting you from point A to point B rather than offering scenic detours. The character of the drive is largely consistent, characterized by the steady pace of interstate travel.
89% 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: 246.8 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 116.4 miles in near I 55.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 288 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 116.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.7 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 266.5 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 Hartford, IL to Des Plaines, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Peoria 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 5h 32m. Total distance: 288 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 246.8 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.99 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 116.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.7 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 266.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 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.
