How far is Metamora, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Metamora, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 168.7 miles (271.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134 miles (215.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 57m 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 58m.
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 Grundy County, Illinois
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 Metamora and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Metamora and Waukegan.
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1
Start on North Niles Street
1.1 km · 1 min · North Niles Street
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2
Continue on State Route 89
8.8 mi · 15 min · State Route 89
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3
Continue on West Parkside Drive
1950 ft · 39 sec · West Parkside Drive
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4
Continue on South Jefferson Street
2760 ft · 55 sec · South Jefferson Street
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5
Continue on East State Street
5.4 mi · 10 min · East State Street
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6
Continue on 2160 E Rd
3 mi · 5 min · 2160 E Rd
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7
Turn right onto 700 North Road
9.2 mi · 14 min · 700 North Road
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8
Take the ramp slight left
1749 ft · 43 sec
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9
Merge slight left
23.2 mi · 25 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East: Chicago
1 km · 57 sec
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11
Merge slight left
47.3 mi · 51 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North: Chicago
1892 ft · 54 sec
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13
Merge slight left
26.6 mi · 33 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
1.6 mi · 3 min
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15
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 North: Wisconsin
1694 ft · 41 sec
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16
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
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17
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
37 mi · 45 min · Tri-State Tollway
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18
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
1923 ft · 47 sec
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19
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
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20
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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21
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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22
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Metamora and Waukegan.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
I 80 East
Merge slight left
47.3 mi · 00h 51m
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 Metamora 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 Metamora to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 168.7 miles (271.5 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Aux Sable is a useful midpoint, sitting about 87.4 miles from Metamora and 81.3 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 134 miles (215.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.7 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 12:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.44 one way or $44.87 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Metamora and Mostly Sunny near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Aux Sable
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 Aux Sable.
Joliet Transportation Center
Plano
Dwight station
Naperville
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Metamora and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 133.97 mi (215.61 km).
#1 Metamora
Village in Woodford County, Illinois
| Population | 3,648 |
| Coordinates | 40.7905900, -89.3606400 |
| Altitude | 249 |
| 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: 272 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.44 | $44.87 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.31 | $50.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.69 | $55.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.56 | $63.12 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.