How far is Athens, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The estimated driving distance from Athens, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 240.8 miles (387.5 km), with a travel time of about 04h 13m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 192.6 miles (310 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 26m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 13m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
City in Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Athens and Waukegan.
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Athens and Rain Showers near Waukegan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Athens to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 240.8 miles (387.5 km) and usually takes 04h 13m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Streator is a useful midpoint, sitting about 96.3 miles from Athens and 144.5 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 192.6 miles (310 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.2 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:34 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.05 one way or $64.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 75.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Athens and Rain Showers near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Streator
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 Streator.
Pontiac station
Dwight station
Mendota station
Princeton
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Athens and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 192.64 mi (310.03 km).
#1 Athens
City in Menard County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,893 |
| Coordinates | 39.9608800, -89.7239900 |
| Altitude | 183 |
| 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: 388 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.05 | $64.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.15 | $72.30 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $39.56 | $79.12 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $45.08 | $90.17 |
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 11, 2026