How far is Alden, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Alden, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 41 miles (66 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35 miles (56.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 59m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 59m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place in Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Alden and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alden and Waukegan.
-
1
Start on Alden Road
3 m · 4 sec · Alden Road
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2
Turn right
30.3 mi · 44 min
-
3
Turn right onto North Skokie Highway
7.4 mi · 9 min · North Skokie Highway
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4
Take the exit slight right toward IL 132: Grand Avenue
1010 ft · 28 sec
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5
Keep slight left to continue on IL 132 East
94 m · 11 sec
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6
Turn straight onto Grand Avenue
2.8 mi · 6 min · Grand Avenue
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7
Turn right onto North Jackson Street
1375 ft · 38 sec · North Jackson Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Alden and Waukegan.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn right
30.3 mi · 00h 44m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Alden and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waukegan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Alden to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 41 miles (66 km) and usually takes 00h 59m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Lake Catherine is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.4 miles from Alden and 20.6 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35 miles (56.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 6 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.47 one way or $10.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Alden and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Lake Catherine
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Lake Catherine.
Sturtevant station
Glenview station
Milwaukee Airport Railroad Station
Milwaukee Intermodal Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Alden and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 34.96 mi (56.27 km).
#1 Alden
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 1,344 |
| Coordinates | 42.4589100, -88.5178800 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Waukegan
The second most populous city in Lake County, Illinois.
| Population | 85,453 |
| Coordinates | 42.3636300, -87.8447900 |
| Altitude | 199 |
| Country | United States |
End: Waukegan (-87.84479, 42.36363)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 66 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.47 | $10.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.17 | $12.33 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.75 | $13.50 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.69 | $15.38 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Illinois · Apr 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.