Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
1h 9m
Distance
52 mi
84 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Des Plaines, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Channahon, IL
Wikimedia Commons
The drive from Des Plaines, IL to Channahon, IL covers 52 miles and takes about 1h 9m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on Adlai Stevenson Expressway, Tri-State Tollway, West Eames Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 28.3 miles on Adlai Stevenson Expressway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $8.13 one way before food or hotel costs.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 9m. Total distance: 52 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (55%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
The drive from Des Plaines, IL to Channahon, IL covers 52 miles and takes about 1h 9m, using a mix of highways and local roads.
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near South Des Plaines River Road.
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 52 miles you will encounter 10 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 (South Des Plaines River Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward US 6: Joliet, Morris
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Des Plaines, IL and Channahon, IL, road signs point toward St. Louis and Morris.
St. Louis
Morris
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Adlai Stevenson Expressway | 28.3 mi | 35m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 17.5 mi | 22m |
| West Eames Street | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| South Des Plaines River Road | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| Henry Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines, IL and Channahon, IL.
Start on Henry Avenue
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 294
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 55
Take the exit
Turn right onto US 6
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 26 mi from Des Plaines, IL · 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
26 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.
A short stop after about 11 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 26 miles from Des Plaines, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Channahon, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$8.13 one way
$16.26 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $8.93 | $17.85 |
| premium | $4.89 | $10.01 | $20.01 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $11.48 | $22.96 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.05
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$8
Tolls
$1
Total
$9
Estimated CO2 emission: 18.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 15.6 | 0 | $5.46 | $2.50 |
| Efficient EV | 13 | 0 | $4.55 | $2.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 20.8 | 0 | $7.28 | $3.33 |
Gas CO2
18 kg
EV CO2
6 kg (67% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Des Plaines on Thursday
Local time
9:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Destination
Night in Channahon on Thursday
Local time
9:36 PM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Des Plaines, IL or browse trips ending in Channahon, IL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.
Explore maps for Des Plaines, IL or Channahon, IL on MapSof.net.
