How far is La Grange, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from La Grange, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 48.7 miles (78.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.6 miles (62.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 59m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
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 00h 59m.
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.
Township in Iroquois County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between La Grange and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between La Grange and Waukegan.
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1
Start on South La Grange Road
6 m · 8 sec · South La Grange Road
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2
Turn left onto West 47th Street
2689 ft · 1 min · West 47th Street
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3
Turn right onto South Brainard Avenue
1.5 km · 3 min · South Brainard Avenue
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4
Turn left onto West Ogden Avenue
1.6 mi · 4 min · West Ogden Avenue
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
1529 ft · 37 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
1.9 mi · 2 min · Tri-State Tollway
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
37 mi · 45 min · Tri-State Tollway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
1923 ft · 47 sec
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9
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
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10
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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11
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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12
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between La Grange 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.
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.
Partly Sunny leaving La Grange 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 La Grange to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 48.7 miles (78.4 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
Ridgeland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.5 miles from La Grange and 25.2 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.6 miles (62.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.1 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:30 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.99 one way or $15.97 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around La Grange and Partly Sunny near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Ridgeland
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 Ridgeland.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Chicago Union Station
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between La Grange and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 38.62 mi (62.15 km).
#1 La Grange
La Grange is a place in Illinois, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 41.8050300, -87.8692300 |
| Altitude | 197 |
| 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: 78 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.64 | $7.99 | $15.97 |
| Mid-grade | $5.28 | $9.08 | $18.15 |
| Premium | $5.83 | $10.02 | $20.04 |
| Diesel | $6.61 | $11.37 | $22.74 |
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 · Nov 05, 2026