How far is Braidwood, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Braidwood, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 91.1 miles (146.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 78.2 miles (125.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 18m 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 01h 39m.
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 Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Braidwood and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Braidwood and Waukegan.
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1
Start on the route
61 m · 20 sec
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto North Washington Street
3.6 mi · 5 min · North Washington Street
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3
Take the ramp straight
2274 ft · 55 sec
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4
Merge slight right
38.3 mi · 46 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
1.6 mi · 3 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 North: Wisconsin
1694 ft · 41 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
37 mi · 45 min · Tri-State Tollway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
1923 ft · 47 sec
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10
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
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11
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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12
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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13
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Braidwood and Waukegan.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
North Washington Street
Merge slight right
38.3 mi · 00h 46m
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 leaving Braidwood and Mostly Sunny near Waukegan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Braidwood to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 91.1 miles (146.6 km) and usually takes 01h 39m 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?
Western Springs is a useful midpoint, sitting about 45.5 miles from Braidwood and 45.6 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 78.2 miles (125.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.9 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 3:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.10 one way or $24.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Braidwood and Mostly Sunny near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Western Springs
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 Western Springs.
La Grange Road
Summit
Naperville
Chicago Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Braidwood and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 78.23 mi (125.9 km).
#1 Braidwood
City in Will County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 6,148 |
| Coordinates | 41.2650300, -88.2122800 |
| Altitude | 176 |
| 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: 147 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.10 | $24.21 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.65 | $27.30 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.94 | $29.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.03 | $34.05 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.