How far is Melrose Park, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Melrose Park, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 41.9 miles (67.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 32 miles (51.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 47m 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 00h 53m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Melrose Park and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Melrose Park and Waukegan.
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1
Start on Division Street
2062 ft · 2 min · Division Street
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2
Turn right onto North 25th Avenue
3.9 mi · 9 min · North 25th Avenue
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3
Turn left onto Irving Park Road
1843 ft · 45 sec · Irving Park Road
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
1735 ft · 42 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
28 mi · 34 min · Tri-State Tollway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
1923 ft · 47 sec
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7
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
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8
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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9
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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10
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Melrose Park 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
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
28 mi · 00h 34m
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 Melrose Park 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 Melrose Park to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 41.9 miles (67.5 km) and usually takes 00h 53m 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?
Riverwoods is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19 miles from Melrose Park and 23.1 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 32 miles (51.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.9 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 4:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.58 one way or $11.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Melrose Park and Mostly Sunny near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Riverwoods
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 Riverwoods.
Glenview station
Chicago Union Station
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Melrose Park and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 32 mi (51.5 km).
#1 Melrose Park
Village in Cook County, Illenois, United States of America
| Population | 24,406 |
| Coordinates | 41.9005900, -87.8567300 |
| Altitude | 193 |
| 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: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.58 | $11.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.29 | $12.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.89 | $13.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.85 | $15.70 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.