How far is Aurora, IL from Waukegan, IL?
Fastest route
The distance between Aurora, Illinois, and Waukegan, Illinois is approximately 66.4 miles (106.8 kilometers). The fastest route takes around 1 hour and 14 minutes and involves tolls. Follow I-88 E, I-294 N, and I-94 W before taking exit 11A to merge onto IL-120 E/Belvidere Rd. Finally, continue on Belvidere Rd and turn left onto S Jackson St in Waukegan.
Directions
- Get on I-88 E in North Aurora from State Rte 31 N.
- Head southeast on W Galena Blvd, then turn left onto State Rte 31 N/N Lake St.
- Continue to follow State Rte 31 N, pass Dairy Queen on the left.
- Turn left onto the I-88 W/IL-56 W ramp to Chicago/DeKalb/Iowa (Toll road).
- Keep right and merge onto I-88 E (Toll road).
- Follow I-88 E, I-294 N, and I-94 W to IL-120 E/Belvidere Rd in Warren Township.
- Take exit 11A from I-94 W (Toll road).
- Merge onto IL-120 E/Belvidere Rd (Toll road).
- Continue on Belvidere Rd and drive to S Jackson St in Waukegan.
- Merge onto IL-120 E/Belvidere Rd and follow Belvidere Rd. Turn left onto Glen Rock Ave, then left onto S Jackson St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 When taking the I-88 E route, be prepared for tolls along the way.
- ⛽ Plan for any necessary fuel stops or restroom breaks before starting the journey.
- 🚧 Check for road closures or traffic updates to ensure a smooth trip.
- 🍔 Pack some snacks and drinks for the road to stay refreshed during the drive.
- 🕑 Consider the time of day and potential traffic conditions while planning your departure.
- 🗺️ Use GPS or a navigation app to stay on track and avoid getting lost.
- 📞 Have a fully charged phone and a car charger in case of emergency calls or assistance needs.
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 01h 14m.
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.
Village in Cook County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Aurora and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Aurora and Waukegan.
-
1
Start on West Galena Boulevard
575 ft · 15 sec · West Galena Boulevard
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2
Turn left onto North Lake Street
2.2 mi · 4 min · North Lake Street
-
3
Continue on South Lincolnway Street
1885 ft · 39 sec · South Lincolnway Street
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4
Take the ramp left toward I 88 West Toll, IL 56 West Toll: Chicago, Dekalb-Iowa
118 m · 10 sec
-
5
Keep slight right to continue on I 88 East: Chicago
736 ft · 18 sec
-
6
Continue on I 88 East: Chicago
896 ft · 22 sec
-
7
Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
17.8 mi · 22 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
-
8
Keep slight right to continue on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
4.7 mi · 6 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rockford
3128 ft · 1 min
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 Toll North: O'Hare International Airport, Milwaukee
1156 ft · 28 sec
-
11
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
35.2 mi · 43 min · Tri-State Tollway
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
1923 ft · 47 sec
-
13
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
-
14
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
-
15
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
-
16
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Aurora and Waukegan.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Tri-State Tollway
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
35.2 mi · 00h 43m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers leaving Aurora and Partly Sunny near Waukegan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Aurora to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 66.5 miles (107.1 km) and usually takes 01h 14m 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?
Schiller Park is a useful midpoint, sitting about 33.2 miles from Aurora and 33.3 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.3 miles (77.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.2 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.86 one way or $17.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 20.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers around Aurora and Partly Sunny near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Schiller Park
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 Schiller Park.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Summit
Chicago Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Aurora and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 48.27 mi (77.69 km).
#1 Aurora
The second most populous city in Illinois.
| Population | 196,383 |
| Coordinates | 41.7605800, -88.3200700 |
| Altitude | 207 |
| 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: North Jackson Street (-87.844706, 42.363629)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 107 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.86 | $17.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.99 | $19.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.94 | $21.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.46 | $24.93 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.