This 152.7-mile drive from Urbana, IL to Des Plaines, IL is a straightforward trip through the Midwest, easily manageable as a single-day adventure. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 3 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated at $24. The route predominantly utilizes major highways, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently. With only one recommended stop, you can maintain a good pace. This journey is all about covering ground within Illinois, offering a no-fuss transition between two points in the same region.
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
76.3 miles from Urbana, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 30m into the drive
.
Champaign-Urbana is a metropolitan area in central Illinois, composed of the towns of Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy. The community is the site of the main campus of the University of Illinois, one of the great public universities of the United States.
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 3m. Total distance: 152.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is heavily highway-focused, with 71% of the drive taking place on major roadways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 108.1 miles primarily on I-57, offering a consistent, high-speed travel experience. The road character is largely defined by these main arteries, including the Tri-State Tollway, suggesting a drive that prioritizes directness over scenic detours. While North Market Street offers a brief change of pace, the majority of your time will be spent navigating these efficient, albeit sometimes monotonous, highway segments.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 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 108.1 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 115 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 18 significant decision points across 152.7 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 115 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 149.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
115 mi into trip|~2h 12m in
Take the exit toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, Wisconsin
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 349-350
Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevar...
8
115.3 mi into trip|~2h 13m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 349
Toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
7
149.7 mi into trip|~2h 57m 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
150.3 mi into trip|~2h 58m 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
150.4 mi into trip|~2h 58m 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.
On the drive from Urbana, IL to Des Plaines, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Wisconsin along the way.
Wisconsin
115 mi in|~2h 12m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
108.1 mi
1h 58m
Tri-State Tollway
32.5 mi
40m
North Market Street
3.7 mi
6m
South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi
3m
South Goodwin Avenue
1.2 mi
3m
West Green Street
0.8 mi
2m
West Bradley Avenue
0.8 mi
1m
Henry Avenue
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 108.1 mi, about 1h 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Urbana, IL and Des Plaines, IL.
1
Start on this road
46 ft·9 sec·this road
2
Turn left
121 ft·10 sec
3
Turn right
196 ft·16 sec
4
Turn right onto South Race Street
284 ft·9 sec·South Race Street
5
Turn left onto West Green Street
0.8 mi·2 min·West Green Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Turn right onto South Goodwin Avenue
1.2 mi·3 min·South Goodwin Avenue
7
Turn left onto West Bradley Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·West Bradley Avenue
8
Turn right onto North Market Street
3.7 mi·6 min·North Market Street
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I-57 North: Kankakee
10
Merge onto I 57
108 mi·1 hr 58 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
Exit 349-350Toward IL 83, I 294 Toll North: Sibley Boulevard, 147th Street, WisconsinUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
1.8 mi·3 min
Exit 349Toward I 294 Toll North: WisconsinUse the straight / slight left lanes.
13
Merge onto I 294
21 mi·25 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
12 mi·15 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi·15 sec
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy AvenueUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 42 A-BToward Touhy Avenue
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward Touhy Avenue WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 42BToward Touhy Avenue WestUse the right lane.
19
Turn straight onto East Touhy Avenue
325 ft·7 sec·East Touhy Avenue
20
Turn slight right
339 ft·9 sec
21
Turn right onto South Des Plaines River Road
1.7 mi·3 min·South Des Plaines River Road
22
Turn left onto Henry Avenue
0.1 mi·24 sec·Henry Avenue
23
Arrive at destination
Henry Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 3-hour duration, this trip from Urbana to Des Plaines is perfectly suited for a single day. Consider departing early in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. While the longest stretch is over 100 miles, the need for only one stop means you have flexibility in timing your breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as highway services can sometimes be spread out, and remember that tolls are a factor on 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 76.3 miles from Urbana, IL, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 108.1 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 34 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 76.3 miles or 1h 30m 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 26m
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 Urbana, 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 Urbana, IL
This is one driving day of about 152.7 miles and 3h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Urbana, 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 108.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 76.3 mi from Urbana, IL
· 1h 30m 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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 115.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.87 one way
$47.75 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg53 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$26.21
$52.42
premium
$4.89
$29.39
$58.77
diesel
$5.61
$33.71
$67.43
Estimated Tolls: $1.95
Tri-state Tollway
(32.5 mi)$1.95
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
$24
Tolls
$2
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 53.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
13 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Champaign, Illinois
Other
1 DCFC
EV Connect Charging Station
Champaign, Illinois
EV Connect
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Champaign, Illinois
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Champaign, Illinois
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Urbana, Illinois
Tesla
1 DCFC
Electrify America Charging Station
Champaign, Illinois
Electrify America
1 DCFC
EV Connect Charging Station
Savoy, Illinois
EV Connect
1 DCFC
Nissan Charging Station
Champaign, Illinois
Other
1 DCFC
Other: 4
EV Connect: 2
Tesla: 2
ChargePoint: 2
Tesla Destination: 1
Electrify America: 1
Blink: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
45.8
0
$16.03
$7.33
Efficient EV
38.2
0
$13.36
$6.11
EV Truck/SUV
61.1
0
$21.38
$9.77
Gas CO2
53 kg
EV CO2
18 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 16, 2026
Origin
Urbana, IL
Late night
in Urbana on Saturday
Local time
12:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Des Plaines, IL
Late night
in Des Plaines on Saturday
Local time
12:28 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 10 to 15 mph44% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:30AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 16 at 11:30AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
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
16 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
3h 3m on the road
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Urbana, IL to Des Plaines, IL covers 152.7 miles and takes about 3h 3m 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 Market 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 76.3 miles from Urbana, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $23.87 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 18 significant decision points across 152.7 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 115 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 149.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Urbana, IL to Des Plaines, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Wisconsin along the way.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
