How far is Dixon, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Dixon, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 128.3 miles (206.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 91.3 miles (146.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 16m 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 08m.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dixon and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dixon and Waukegan.
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1
Start on East 6th Street
86 m · 18 sec · East 6th Street
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2
Turn left onto South Galena Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · South Galena Avenue
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3
Turn left
1065 ft · 26 sec
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4
Keep slight left
1.1 km · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
80.5 mi · 1 hr 30 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
4.7 mi · 6 min · Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rockford
3128 ft · 1 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 Toll North: O'Hare International Airport, Milwaukee
1156 ft · 28 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
35.2 mi · 43 min · Tri-State Tollway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
1923 ft · 47 sec
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11
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
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12
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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13
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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14
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dixon 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.
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Merge slight left onto Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
80.5 mi · 01h 30m
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.
Sunny leaving Dixon and Sunny near Waukegan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dixon to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 128.3 miles (206.5 km) and usually takes 02h 08m 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?
North Aurora is a useful midpoint, sitting about 64.1 miles from Dixon and 64.2 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 91.3 miles (146.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 37 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 2:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.08 one way or $34.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Dixon and Sunny near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near North Aurora
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 North Aurora.
Naperville
Plano
Joliet Transportation Center
La Grange Road
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dixon and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 91.31 mi (146.95 km).
#1 Dixon
City and county seat of Lee County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 14,927 |
| Coordinates | 41.8389200, -89.4795500 |
| Altitude | 208 |
| 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: 207 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.08 | $34.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.27 | $38.53 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.08 | $42.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.03 | $48.05 |
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 · May 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.