Des Plaines to Detroit: Road Trip Guide & Distance

248.5 miles 399.9 km · straight line
300.2 miles actual route 483.1 km · driving distance
5h 45min estimated drive time
$29 - $36 estimated fuel cost
~1h 0min flight time
84° E bearing direction

How far is Des Plaines from Detroit?

The distance from Des Plaines to Detroit is 248.5 miles (399.9 km) as the crow flies. Detroit is located E of Des Plaines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 300.2 miles, taking about 5h 45min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 0min. Both are located in United States — Des Plaines in Illinois and Detroit in Michigan.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Des Plaines and Detroit. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Des Plaines to Detroit

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 5h 45min $29 - $36 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 0min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~6h 54min $24–$45* Budget
Train ~5h 28min $36–$105* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Des Plaines & Detroit

Quick Facts

Des Plaines
42.03°N, 87.88°W
America/Chicago
193m elevation
Detroit
42.33°N, 83.05°W
America/Detroit
183m elevation
Explore more routes from Detroit

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 83 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 21 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 100.2 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM