How far is Joliet, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 78.4 miles (126.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 59.2 miles (95.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 48m 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 24m.
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 Cook County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joliet and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Waukegan.
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1
Start on the route
34 m · 10 sec
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2
Turn right onto Ottawa Street
53 m · 12 sec · Ottawa Street
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3
Turn left onto East Jefferson Street
119 m · 19 sec · East Jefferson Street
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4
Turn left onto North Chicago Street
1.3 km · 2 min · North Chicago Street
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5
Continue on Ruby Street
842 ft · 24 sec · Ruby Street
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6
Turn right onto Broadway Street
4.1 mi · 8 min · Broadway Street
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7
Continue on Independence Boulevard
5.4 mi · 10 min · Independence Boulevard
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8
Continue on Joliet Road
2.3 mi · 4 min · Joliet Road
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9
Take the ramp straight toward I 355 South Toll, I 55 North: Suburbs, Chicago
33 m · 3 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North: Chicago
2653 ft · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left onto Adlai Stevenson Expressway
7.8 mi · 10 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
1.6 mi · 3 min
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13
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 North: Wisconsin
1694 ft · 41 sec
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14
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
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15
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
37 mi · 45 min · Tri-State Tollway
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16
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
1923 ft · 47 sec
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17
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
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18
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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19
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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20
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet 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
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
37 mi · 00h 45m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Joliet and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Waukegan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 78.4 miles (126.1 km) and usually takes 01h 24m 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?
Northlake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 34.9 miles from Joliet and 43.5 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 59.2 miles (95.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.2 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 3:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.45 one way or $20.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Joliet and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Northlake
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 Northlake.
La Grange Road
Summit
Glenview station
Chicago Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 59.22 mi (95.3 km).
#1 Joliet
The second most populous city in Will County, Illinois.
| Population | 85,583 |
| Coordinates | 41.5251900, -88.0834000 |
| Altitude | 165 |
| 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: 126 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.45 | $20.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.78 | $23.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.89 | $25.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.69 | $29.38 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.