Origin
Rosemont, IL
Afternoon in Rosemont on Sunday
Local time
1:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Rosemont, IL to Des Plaines, IL
Drive Time
5h 34m
Distance
294.7 mi
474 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$45
one way
Rosemont, IL
Tom Fisk
Des Plaines, IL
Tom Fisk
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 .
Drive Character
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.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 55 is the longest continuous segment at about 270.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 15.2 miles in near I 55.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 17 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 15.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
15.2 mi into trip
|
~20m in
|
I 55
Keep slight left at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the none lane.
Toward I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springf...
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 none / 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 none lane.
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
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
Towns Along This Route
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
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
Use the none lane.
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 none / 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
Use the none lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
29 mi
·
31 min
·
I 55
Toward I 55 North: Chicago
Use the none / 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 none lane.
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
Use the none lane.
12
Merge onto I 294
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the none / 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 none / 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
Use the none lane.
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 80 miles or 1h 30m 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 80 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.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 147.4 mi from Rosemont, IL · 2h 42m into the drive
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 80 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.
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.
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.76 one way
$89.52 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
103 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $49.34 | $98.69 |
| premium | $4.80 | $55.63 | $111.27 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $65.47 | $130.94 |
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
$45
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$71–$96
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, 2026-04-06.
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
Afternoon in Des Plaines on Sunday
Local time
1:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
53°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
10 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Rosemont, IL to Des Plaines, IL covers 294.7 miles and takes about 5h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 55, Tri-State Tollway, Kingshighway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 147.4 miles from Rosemont, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.76 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 15.2 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; 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.
Between Rosemont, IL and Des Plaines, IL, road signs point toward Springfield, Kansas City and Peoria.
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