This 297.4-mile drive from New Baden, Illinois, to Des Plaines, Illinois, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in a single day, with an estimated duration of 5 hours and 44 minutes. You'll primarily be navigating on I-55 and the Tri-State Tollway, with a brief section on IL-4. Given that 92% of this route is on highways, it’s designed for efficiency rather than scenic detours. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $45. This route is a solid option if you're looking to cover ground quickly within the Midwest region.
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
148.7 miles from New Baden, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 52m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 55
243.4 mi
4h 26m
IL 4
26 mi
38m
Tri-State Tollway
16.6 mi
20m
I 64
4 mi
4m
South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi
3m
West Hanover Street
1.4 mi
2m
Henry Avenue
0.1 mi
<1m
East Touhy Avenue
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 243.4 mi, about 4h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Baden, IL and Des Plaines, IL.
1
Start on IL 161
1.4 mi·2 min·West Hanover Street
2
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
3
Merge onto I 64
4.0 mi·4 min·I 64
4
Take the exit
0.4 mi·32 sec
Toward IL 4
5
Keep slight right at fork
181 ft·3 sec
Toward IL 4
6
Turn straight onto IL 4
26 mi·38 min·IL 4
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·44 sec
8
Merge onto I 55
93 mi·1 hr 40 min·I 55
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi·31 min·I 55
Toward I 55 North: ChicagoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
Take the exit
1.6 mi·3 min
Exit 277AToward I 294 Tollway North: WisconsinUse the right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
13
Merge onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
12 mi·15 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy AvenueUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy Avenue
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward Touhy Avenue WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 42BToward Touhy Avenue WestUse the right lane.
19
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
325 ft·7 sec·East Touhy Avenue
20
Turn slight right
339 ft·9 sec
21
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi·3 min·South Des Plaines River Road
22
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
0.1 mi·24 sec·Henry Avenue
23
Arrive at destination
Henry Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour and 44-minute drive, starting early is a good strategy to maximize daylight and potentially avoid heavier traffic, especially as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 243.4 miles on I-55, plan your breaks accordingly. A single fuel stop should suffice for the approximately $45 fuel cost. Keep an eye on the Tri-State Tollway for potential toll charges, as this is a significant portion of your journey. Given the highway-centric nature, staying alert for changing speed limits and traffic patterns is key.
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 148.7 miles from New Baden, IL, or about 2h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 243.4 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 65 miles or 1h 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 148.7 miles or 2h 52m 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 37m
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 New Baden, 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 New Baden, IL
This is one driving day of about 297.4 miles and 5h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from New Baden, 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 243.4 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 125.7 and 295.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
125.7 mi into trip|~2h 27m 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
155.1 mi into trip|~2h 59m 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
275.9 mi into trip|~5h 13m 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
294.3 mi into trip|~5h 38m 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
295.1 mi into trip|~5h 40m 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
$46.50 one way
$92.99 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg104 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$51.05
$102.10
premium
$4.89
$57.23
$114.46
diesel
$5.61
$65.66
$131.32
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
$47
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 104.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
89.2
1
$31.23
$14.28
Efficient EV
74.4
0
$26.02
$11.90
EV Truck/SUV
119
1
$41.64
$19.03
Gas CO2
104 kg
EV CO2
35 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 15, 2026
Origin
New Baden, IL
Night
in New Baden on Saturday
Local time
11:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Des Plaines, IL
Night
in Des Plaines on Saturday
Local time
11:37 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Bloomington, IL
149 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
25 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 44m 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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 92.3
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 276.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 297.4-mile trip, as 92% of the drive utilizes major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you’ll encounter is a substantial 243.4 miles on I-55, meaning you can settle in for a significant period of consistent driving. While the profile is highway-focused, the shift onto IL-4 and then the Tri-State Tollway will introduce variations in the road environment. This drive is characterized by its efficiency, making it ideal for covering distance.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 243.4 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and IL 4. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 125.7 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 17 significant decision points across 297.4 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 125.7 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 155.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 275.9 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 New Baden, 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 44m. Total distance: 297.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 243.4 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 125.7 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 155.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 275.9 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 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.5 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.
