How far is Palos Heights, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Palos Heights, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 58.2 miles (93.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.1 miles (77.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 19m 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 09m.
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 Cook County, Illinois, United States
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 Palos Heights and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palos Heights and Waukegan.
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1
Start on the route
13 m · 6 sec
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2
Turn right onto West 123rd Street
15 m · 6 sec · West 123rd Street
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3
Turn right onto Harlem Avenue
3.6 mi · 6 min · Harlem Avenue
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4
Turn right
960 ft · 35 sec
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5
Turn straight onto West 95th Street
1958 ft · 50 sec · West 95th Street
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6
Take the ramp slight right toward I 294 Toll North: Wisconsin
2386 ft · 58 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
11.7 mi · 14 min · Tri-State Tollway
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
37 mi · 45 min · Tri-State Tollway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
1923 ft · 47 sec
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10
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
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11
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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12
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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13
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Palos Heights 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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Palos Heights 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 Palos Heights to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 58.2 miles (93.6 km) and usually takes 01h 09m 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?
Park Ridge is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.1 miles from Palos Heights and 29.1 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.1 miles (77.4 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.73 one way or $15.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Palos Heights and Mostly Sunny near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Park Ridge
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 Park Ridge.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Chicago Union Station
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Palos Heights and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 48.12 mi (77.44 km).
#1 Palos Heights
City in Cook County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 12,375 |
| Coordinates | 41.6680900, -87.7964400 |
| Altitude | 190 |
| 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: 94 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.73 | $15.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.72 | $17.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.54 | $19.08 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.87 | $21.75 |
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.