Origin
Rosemont, IL
Late night in Rosemont on Sunday
Local time
5:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Rosemont, IL to Des Plaines, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 34m
Distance
294.7 mi
474 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$46
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 21m
★
6 AM
5h 34m
8 AM
6h 1m
10 AM
5h 43m
12 PM
5h 41m
3 PM
5h 45m
5 PM
5h 59m
8 PM
5h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rosemont, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Des Plaines, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Spanning 294.7 miles, this route from Rosemont to Des Plaines is designed as a focused day trip that typically takes about 5 hours and 34 minutes to complete. You will primarily utilize I-55, the Tri-State Tollway, and Kingshighway to navigate between these two Midwest locations. With a fuel budget of approximately $45, the trip is an efficient undertaking for those looking to travel between these points without unnecessary complexity. Because the total duration is manageable within a single day, you do not need to worry about booking overnight accommodations. It is a straightforward, highway-centric journey that prioritizes speed and directness over detours.
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
147.4 miles from Rosemont, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 42m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 270.2 mi | 4h 56m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 16.6 mi | 20m |
| Kingshighway | 2.3 mi | 4m |
| South Des Plaines River Road | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| Hallows Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| IL 111 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Henry Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Collinsville Road | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 270.2 mi, about 4h 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rosemont, IL and Des Plaines, IL.
1
Start on Hallows Avenue
0.2 mi
·
59 sec
·
Hallows Avenue
2
At end of road, turn left onto IL 111
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Kingshighway
3
Turn left onto IL 111
373 ft
·
12 sec
·
Collinsville Road
4
Turn slight right onto IL 111
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
IL 111
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
6
Merge onto I 55; I 70; US 40
12 mi
·
13 min
·
I 55; I 70; US 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
108 mi
·
1 hr 56 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi
·
31 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55
121 mi
·
2 hr 14 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
1.6 mi
·
3 min
Exit 277A
Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
Use the right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
12
Merge onto I 294
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 42 A-B
Toward Touhy Avenue
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
Toward Touhy Avenue West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 42B
Toward Touhy Avenue West
Use the right lane.
18
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
325 ft
·
7 sec
·
East Touhy Avenue
19
Turn slight right
339 ft
·
9 sec
20
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
South Des Plaines River Road
21
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
Henry Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
Henry Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a one-day trip, plan for a single stop to keep your energy levels high throughout the 5-hour and 34-minute drive. Departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid mid-day congestion on these high-traffic arteries. Keep your $45 fuel budget in mind, and ensure your vehicle is ready for the longest 270.2-mile stretch on I-55 before you head out. Because you only have one planned stop, use that time strategically to refuel and stretch your legs rather than trying to fit in multiple quick breaks. Flexibility is your greatest asset here, so adjust your departure time based on real-time traffic reports for the Tri-State Tollway.
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 147.4 miles from Rosemont, IL, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 270.2 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 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 147.4 miles or 2h 42m 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 Rosemont, 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 Rosemont, IL
This is one driving day of about 294.7 miles and 5h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 65 miles from Rosemont, 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 270.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
147 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 65 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 147.4 miles from Rosemont, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 270.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 123.1 and 292.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
123.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m 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
152.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 48m 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
273.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 2m 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
291.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 27m 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
292.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 29m 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
$46.07 one way
$92.15 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
103 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $50.59 | $101.17 |
| premium | $4.89 | $56.71 | $113.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $65.07 | $130.13 |
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
$46
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: 103.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 88.4 | 1 | $30.94 | $14.15 |
| Efficient EV | 73.7 | 0 | $25.79 | $11.79 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 117.9 | 1 | $41.26 | $18.86 |
Gas CO2
103 kg
EV CO2
34 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.
Destination
Des Plaines, IL
Late night in Des Plaines on Sunday
Local time
5:12 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Bloomington, IL
147 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
27 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 34m 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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 91.5
View on nps.gov
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...
16 mi from route
~41 min detour
Free
near mile 274.4
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is defined by its high-speed nature, with 92 percent of the journey occurring on highways. You should prepare for a consistent interstate experience, highlighted by a significant 270.2-mile stretch along I-55. The route maintains a very steady pace, as the majority of your time will be spent cruising on major arterial roads. While you will eventually transition onto the Tri-State Tollway and Kingshighway, the core of the drive remains a dedicated highway-focused grind. Expect a predictable, high-speed environment that allows you to cover the nearly 300 miles with minimal technical maneuvering.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 270.2 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 123.1 miles in near I 55.
Driving Effort
8/10
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 294.7 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 123.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 152.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 273.2 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Rosemont, IL and Des Plaines, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City and Peoria.
Springfield
15.2 mi in
|
~20m
|
via I 55
Kansas City
15.2 mi in
|
~20m
|
via I 55
Peoria
152.4 mi in
|
~2h 48m
|
via I 55
About the Cities
Arriving in Des Plaines, IL
Full guide →Founded 1852
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
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 34m. Total distance: 294.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 34m 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 270.2 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 123.1 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 152.4 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 273.2 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 5.6 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.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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