How far is Champaign, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Champaign, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 178.1 miles (286.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 156.6 miles (252.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 50m 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 02h 55m.
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.
City in Illinois, United States of America
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 Champaign and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Champaign and Waukegan.
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1
Start on North Neil Street
13 m · 9 sec · North Neil Street
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2
Turn left onto East University Avenue
73 m · 12 sec · East University Avenue
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3
Turn left onto North Walnut Street
1377 ft · 45 sec · North Walnut Street
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4
Turn right onto East Washington Street
77 m · 13 sec · East Washington Street
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5
Turn left onto North Market Street
4.3 mi · 7 min · North Market Street
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6
Take the ramp right toward I-57 North: Kankakee
1642 ft · 40 sec
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7
Merge slight left
117.8 mi · 2 hr 11 min
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8
Continue on Dan Ryan Expressway
3.3 mi · 5 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
7.9 mi · 11 min · Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
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10
Continue on Kennedy Expressway
8.2 mi · 12 min · Kennedy Expressway
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11
Continue on Edens Expressway
13.5 mi · 17 min · Edens Expressway
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Skokie Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Skokie Highway
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13
Continue on Skokie Valley Road
3.4 mi · 4 min · Skokie Valley Road
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14
Continue on South Skokie Highway
8.2 mi · 10 min · South Skokie Highway
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15
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East
1323 ft · 36 sec
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16
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1830 ft · 33 sec · Belvidere Road
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17
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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18
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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19
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Champaign and Waukegan.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I-57 North
Merge slight left
118 mi · 02h 11m
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 Champaign 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 Champaign to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 178.1 miles (286.6 km) and usually takes 02h 55m 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?
Manteno is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.2 miles from Champaign and 90.9 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 156.6 miles (252.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.5 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 12:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.68 one way or $47.36 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers around Champaign and Partly Sunny near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Manteno
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 Manteno.
Kankakee
Homewood
Joliet Transportation Center
Dyer station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Champaign and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 156.64 mi (252.09 km).
#1 Champaign
The most populous city in Champaign County, Illinois.
| Population | 89,390 |
| Coordinates | 40.1164200, -88.2433800 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| 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: 287 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.68 | $47.36 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.71 | $53.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.23 | $58.45 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.31 | $66.62 |
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.