Trip from Des Plaines, IL to Olney, IL

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

5h 17m

Distance

259.1 mi

417 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 4m ★

6 AM

5h 17m

8 AM

5h 44m

10 AM

5h 27m

12 PM

5h 24m

3 PM

5h 28m

5 PM

5h 43m

8 PM

5h 9m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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city in Cook County, Illinois, United States

Des Plaines, IL

Wikimedia Commons

city in Richland County, Illinois, United States

Olney, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 259.1-mile drive from Des Plaines, IL, to Olney, IL, is a manageable 5-hour and 17-minute journey, making it an ideal one-day trip. Primarily utilizing I-57 and the Tri-State Tollway, this route focuses on efficient highway travel. With an estimated fuel cost of $41, it's an economical option for exploring the Midwest. The drive is straightforward, designed for getting you to your destination with minimal fuss. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained highways, so pack some good audiobooks or podcasts for the journey.

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

129.5 miles from Des Plaines, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 17m. Total distance: 259.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 5-hour trip, with 67% of the route on major highways like I-57. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers an impressive 156.5 miles on I-57, allowing for steady progress. While the majority of the drive is on fast-paced interstates, you will transition to local roads like North 1250th Street as you approach Olney. This blend means you can cover a lot of ground quickly before a slight shift in pace at the end.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 57 is the longest continuous segment at about 156.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Tri-State Tollway. 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.

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 16 significant decision points across 259.1 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 0.1 miles (South Des Plaines River Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 18.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | South Des Plaines River Road

Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

2.3 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Merge onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

18.6 mi into trip | ~25m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

31.5 mi into trip | ~41m in

Take the exit toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 12 B-A Toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th...

31.7 mi into trip | ~41m in

Keep slight left at fork toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Exit 12A Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 57	156.5 mi	2h 49m
Tri-State Tollway	28.3 mi	35m
North 1250th Street	13.3 mi	19m
South Van Buren Street	11 mi	15m
Route 130	10 mi	14m
County Road 1100 East	6.7 mi	9m
Illinois Route 16	6 mi	8m
Cicero Avenue	4.9 mi	7m

Longest stretch: I 57 — 156.5 mi, about 2h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Des Plaines, IL and Olney, IL.

Start on Henry Avenue

0.1 mi · 25 sec · Henry Avenue

Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road

1.8 mi · 3 min · South Des Plaines River Road

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 55 sec

Toward I 294 South: Indiana

Merge onto I 294

11 mi · 14 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294

3.5 mi · 4 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 294

0.9 mi · 1 min · Mile-Long Bridge

Continue on I 294

8.5 mi · 10 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Exit 12 B-A Toward IL 50 South, IL 83: Cicero Avenue, 127th Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 12A Toward IL 50 South: Cicero Avenue Use the straight lane.

Turn straight onto IL 50; IL 83

4.9 mi · 7 min · Cicero Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto 167th Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · 167th Street

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 57 South: Kankakee, I-80

Merge onto I 57

157 mi · 2 hr 49 min · I 57

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec

Exit 190A Toward IL 16 East: Charleston

Turn straight onto IL 16

0.7 mi · 1 min · Charleston Avenue East

Continue on IL 16

6.0 mi · 8 min · Illinois Route 16

Continue on IL 16

1.8 mi · 2 min · West Lincoln Avenue

Turn right onto IL 130

1.6 mi · 2 min · 18th Street

Continue on IL 130

0.8 mi · 1 min · Illinois Route 130

Continue on IL 130

10.0 mi · 14 min · Route 130

Continue on IL 130

2.0 mi · 2 min · County Road 1825 East

Continue on IL 130

0.8 mi · 1 min · County Road 1775 E

Continue on IL 130

0.4 mi · 32 sec · North Haughton Highway

Continue on IL 130

1.3 mi · 1 min · 1700E

Continue on IL 130

4.0 mi · 5 min · North Haughton Highway

Continue on IL 130

2.1 mi · 3 min · County Road 1700E

Continue on IL 130

13 mi · 19 min · North 1250th Street

Turn left onto IL 130

11 mi · 15 min · South Van Buren Street

Continue on IL 130

6.7 mi · 9 min · County Road 1100 East

Continue on IL 130

1.3 mi · 2 min · North West Street

Turn left onto West Butler Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Butler Street

Turn right onto North Walnut Street

0.1 mi · 19 sec · North Walnut Street

Arrive at destination

South Walnut Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 5-hour trip, consider an early morning departure from Des Plaines to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the long 156.5-mile stretch on I-57. The estimated fuel cost of $41 is based on current averages, so adjust your budget accordingly. This drive is easily completed in a single day, so you can focus on enjoying your destination upon arrival.

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 129.5 miles from Des Plaines, IL, or about 2h 31m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.5 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 57 miles or 1h 13m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 129.5 miles or 2h 31m 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 8m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Olney, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines, IL

This is one driving day of about 259.1 miles and 5h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Des Plaines, 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 57 for about 156.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 129.5 mi from Des Plaines, IL · 2h 31m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

130 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

Orland Park, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Rantoul, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 129.5 miles from Des Plaines, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 156.5 miles.

Arriving in Olney, IL

The final approach into Olney, 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 Olney, IL.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

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...

9 mi from route ~22 min detour Free near mile 35.7

Caution: Road Construction Near the Park

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$40.51 one way

$81.01 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 91 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$44.48	$88.95
premium	$4.89	$49.86	$99.72
diesel	$5.61	$57.21	$114.41

Estimated Tolls: $1.70

Tri-state Tollway (28.3 mi) $1.70

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

$41

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$67–$92

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 90.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	77.7	0	$27.21	$12.44
Efficient EV	64.8	0	$22.67	$10.36
EV Truck/SUV	103.6	1	$36.27	$16.58

Gas CO2

91 kg

EV CO2

30 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 14, 2026

Origin

Des Plaines, IL

Night in Des Plaines on Thursday

Local time

10:06 PM

CDT

Current temp

81°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

SSW 15 mph 27% chance Live forecast

Destination

Olney, IL

Night in Olney on Thursday

Local time

10:06 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°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

7 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 17m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Des Plaines, IL to Olney, IL covers 259.1 miles and takes about 5h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 57, Tri-State Tollway, North 1250th Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 129.5 miles from Des Plaines, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $40.51 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.