How far is Princeton, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Princeton, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 147.5 miles (237.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 108.1 miles (173.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 55m 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 27m.
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.
Village in Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Princeton and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Princeton and Waukegan.
-
1
Start on South Main Street
2.1 mi · 4 min · South Main Street
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2
Take the ramp right
1168 ft · 29 sec
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3
Merge slight left
69.6 mi · 1 hr 15 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North: Chicago
1892 ft · 54 sec
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5
Merge slight left
26.6 mi · 33 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
1.6 mi · 3 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 North: Wisconsin
1694 ft · 41 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
37 mi · 45 min · Tri-State Tollway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
1923 ft · 47 sec
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11
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
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12
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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13
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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14
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Princeton and Waukegan.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
South Main Street
Merge slight left
69.6 mi · 01h 15m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Princeton and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waukegan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Princeton to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 147.5 miles (237.3 km) and usually takes 02h 27m 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?
Shorewood is a useful midpoint, sitting about 73.6 miles from Princeton and 73.8 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 108.1 miles (173.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.4 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 1:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.61 one way or $39.22 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Princeton and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Shorewood
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 Shorewood.
Joliet Transportation Center
Naperville
Plano
La Grange Road
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Princeton and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 108.07 mi (173.92 km).
#1 Princeton
City in Illinois, United States
| Population | 7,403 |
| Coordinates | 41.3680900, -89.4648100 |
| Altitude | 219 |
| 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: 237 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 06m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.61 | $39.22 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $22.12 | $44.23 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $24.20 | $48.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $27.58 | $55.16 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.