Origin
Deerfield, IL
Evening in Deerfield on Tuesday
Local time
5:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Deerfield, IL to Des Plaines, IL
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
20m
Distance
13.3 mi
21 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$2
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 19m
★
6 AM
0h 21m
8 AM
0h 25m
10 AM
0h 22m
12 PM
0h 22m
3 PM
0h 22m
5 PM
0h 24m
8 PM
0h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Deerfield, IL
Mike Tyurin
Des Plaines, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This short, 13.3-mile drive from Deerfield to Des Plaines, Illinois, is easily manageable in about 20 minutes, making it a perfect option for a single-day trip. You'll primarily navigate using Tri-State Tollway, Deerfield Road, and North Des Plaines River Road. With a modest estimated fuel cost of $2, this journey is quite budget-friendly. The route offers a straightforward local transit experience within the Midwest region. Expect a generally practical and efficient drive without the need for an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
6.6 miles from Deerfield, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 10m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' suggesting frequent navigation changes rather than long stretches of uninterrupted highway. While it includes a 7.9-mile segment on the Tri-State Tollway, the overall experience is more about local road engagement. With a 0% highway share, you'll be moving through more community-oriented settings. The frequent turns will keep you actively involved in the driving process, offering a dynamic feel as you transition between different local thoroughfares.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Tri-State Tollway is the longest continuous segment at about 7.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near IL 43 / North Waukegan Road.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 13.3 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (IL 43 / North Waukegan Road): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 3.1 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
IL 43 / North Waukegan Road
Turn left onto IL 43 / North Waukegan Road
Navigation decision point
5
1.9 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Take the ramp toward I 94 East Toll: Chicago
Navigation decision point
Toward I 94 East Toll: Chicago
8
3.1 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
7
10.2 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the exit toward IL 58: Golf Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 45
Toward IL 58: Golf Road
6
11.7 mi into trip
|
~17m in
|
US 45 / North Des Plaines River Road
Turn left onto US 45 / North Des Plaines River Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
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 Deerfield, IL to Des Plaines, IL, road signs begin pointing toward O'hare along the way.
O'hare
3.1 mi in
|
~5m
|
via I 294
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tri-State Tollway | 7.9 mi | 9m |
| Deerfield Road | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| North Des Plaines River Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| East Golf Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| North Waukegan Road | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Elder Lane | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Henry Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| North East River Road | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Tri-State Tollway
— 7.9 mi, about 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Deerfield, IL and Des Plaines, IL.
1
Start on this road
112 ft
·
10 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto Elder Lane
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
Elder Lane
3
Turn left onto IL 43
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
North Waukegan Road
4
Turn right onto Deerfield Road
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Deerfield Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 94 East Toll: Chicago
6
Merge onto I 94
0.8 mi
·
53 sec
·
Tri-State Tollway
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
7.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
Use the slight right lane.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 45
Toward IL 58: Golf Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Turn left onto North East River Road
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
North East River Road
Use the left lane.
10
Turn right onto IL 58
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
East Golf Road
Use the right lane.
11
Turn left onto US 45
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
North Des Plaines River Road
Use the left lane.
12
Turn right onto Henry Avenue
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
Henry Avenue
13
Arrive at destination
Henry Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the brief 20-minute duration, this drive offers significant flexibility in timing. You can easily depart at your convenience without needing to worry about breaking up a long journey. The minimal distance means you won't need extensive fuel stops, though it's always wise to start with a full tank. Keep an eye on your navigation, especially during the numerous turns that define this local drive. For a smooth experience, aim to avoid peak local traffic hours if possible.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 6.6 miles from Deerfield, IL, or about 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 7.9 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 13.3 miles or 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 6.6 miles or 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 17m
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 Deerfield, 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 Deerfield, IL
This is one driving day of about 13.3 miles and 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Deerfield, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Tri-State Tollway for about 7.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 6.6 mi from Deerfield, IL · 10m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
7 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 13.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 6.6 miles from Deerfield, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Des Plaines, IL
The final approach into Des Plaines, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Des Plaines, IL.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$2.08 one way
$4.16 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
5 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $2.28 | $4.57 |
| premium | $4.89 | $2.56 | $5.12 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $2.94 | $5.87 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.48
Tri-state Tollway
(7.9 mi)
$0.48
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
$2
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 4.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 60% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 4 | 0 | $1.40 | $0.64 |
| Efficient EV | 3.3 | 0 | $1.16 | $0.53 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 5.3 | 0 | $1.86 | $0.85 |
Gas CO2
5 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (60% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Evening in Des Plaines on Tuesday
Local time
5:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°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
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
20m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Deerfield, IL to Des Plaines, IL covers 13.3 miles and takes about 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Tri-State Tollway, Deerfield Road, North Des Plaines River Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 6.6 miles from Deerfield, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $2.08 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 13.3 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (IL 43 / North Waukegan Road): Navigation decision point; at 1.9 miles: Navigation decision point; at 3.1 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Deerfield, IL to Des Plaines, IL, road signs begin pointing toward O'hare along the way.
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