Orion, IL to Des Plaines, IL is 169.6 miles and takes about 3h 17m via IL 110 and Tri-State Tollway, with a fuel budget near $27 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive will take you across the Midwest, staying within Illinois for the entire journey. With an 85% highway share, expect a relatively quick trip, making it ideal for a single-day excursion. Plan for a fuel cost of approximately $27 for this 169.6-mile route. It's a straightforward drive that's easy to manage within a few hours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
84.8 miles from Orion, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 37m into the drive
.
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).
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 17m. Total distance: 169.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This drive is predominantly highway, with 85% of the route utilizing major roadways like IL 110 and the Tri-State Tollway. You'll experience a consistent flow, with the longest uninterrupted stretch covering 135 miles on IL 110. Expect a driving personality that prioritizes efficiency over scenic detours. While not designed for leisurely sightseeing, the highway focus ensures steady progress towards your destination, with minimal slowdowns except for potential toll plazas on the Tri-State Tollway.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
IL 110 is the longest continuous segment at about 135 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on IL 110 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16.1 miles in near IL 110.
Driving Effort10/10
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 16 significant decision points across 169.6 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 16.1 miles (IL 110): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 155.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 166.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
8
16.1 mi into trip|~22m in|IL 110
Take the exit onto IL 110 toward I 88 East, IL 92 East: Sterling, Rock Falls
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 4B
Toward I 88 East, IL 92 East: Sterling, Rock Fa...
8
155.8 mi into trip|~2h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rockford
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 139
Toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rock...
7
166.6 mi into trip|~3h 11m 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
7
167.2 mi into trip|~3h 12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Touhy Avenue West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Touhy Avenue West
8
167.3 mi into trip|~3h 13m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Orion, IL and Des Plaines, IL, road signs point toward Rock Falls, Rockford and Milwaukee.
Rock Falls
16.1 mi in|~22m|via IL 110
Rockford
155.8 mi in|~2h 56m
Milwaukee
156.4 mi in|~2h 57m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
IL 110
135 mi
2h 28m
Tri-State Tollway
9.9 mi
13m
East 200th Street
6.1 mi
8m
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
5.1 mi
5m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
4.7 mi
5m
US 6
3.3 mi
5m
South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi
3m
US 150
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
IL 110
— 135 mi, about 2h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Orion, IL and Des Plaines, IL.
1
Start on 4th Street
15 ft·5 sec·4th Street
2
Turn left onto 10th Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·10th Avenue
3
Turn right onto US 150
1.1 mi·1 min·US 150
4
Turn right onto East 200th Street
6.1 mi·8 min·East 200th Street
5
At end of road, turn right onto US 6
3.3 mi·5 min·US 6
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·34 sec
7
Merge onto I 80; IL 110
5.1 mi·5 min·Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
8
Take the exit onto IL 110
135 mi·2 hr 28 min·IL 110
Exit 4BToward I 88 East, IL 92 East: Sterling, Rock FallsUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110
4.7 mi·5 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 139Toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, RockfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 294 Toll North: O'Hare International Airport, Milwaukee
12
Merge onto I 294
9.9 mi·13 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy AvenueUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy Avenue
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward Touhy Avenue WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 42BToward Touhy Avenue WestUse the right lane.
17
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
325 ft·7 sec·East Touhy Avenue
18
Turn slight right
339 ft·9 sec
19
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi·3 min·South Des Plaines River Road
20
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
0.1 mi·24 sec·Henry Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
Henry Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 17m duration and 169.6-mile distance, this trip is easily accomplished in one day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid any potential afternoon traffic, especially as you approach Des Plaines. With only one recommended stop, you can afford to be flexible; however, be mindful of the 135-mile stretch on IL 110, so consider fueling up before you begin that segment. Keep an eye out for toll collection points along the Tri-State Tollway to ensure a smooth passage.
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 84.8 miles from Orion, IL, or about 1h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 135 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 37 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.8 miles or 1h 37m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 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 Orion, 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 Orion, IL
This is one driving day of about 169.6 miles and 3h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Orion, 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 IL 110 for about 135 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 84.8 mi from Orion, IL
· 1h 37m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 157.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.52 one way
$53.03 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg59 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$29.11
$58.22
premium
$4.89
$32.64
$65.28
diesel
$5.61
$37.45
$74.89
Estimated Tolls: $0.88
Tri-state Tollway
(9.9 mi)$0.60
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(4.7 mi)$0.28
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
$27
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
50.9
0
$17.81
$8.14
Efficient EV
42.4
0
$14.84
$6.78
EV Truck/SUV
67.8
0
$23.74
$10.85
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Orion, IL
Late night
in Orion on Saturday
Local time
4:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Des Plaines, IL
Late night
in Des Plaines on Saturday
Local time
4:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
51°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
20 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
3h 17m 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 Orion, IL to Des Plaines, IL covers 169.6 miles and takes about 3h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are IL 110, Tri-State Tollway, East 200th 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 84.8 miles from Orion, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.52 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 169.6 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 16.1 miles (IL 110): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 155.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 166.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Orion, IL and Des Plaines, IL, road signs point toward Rock Falls, Rockford and Milwaukee.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Pullman National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh 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.
