How far is Rantoul, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Rantoul, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 165.2 miles (265.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.9 miles (230 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 30m 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 45m.
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.
City in United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rantoul and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rantoul and Waukegan.
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1
Start on South Century Boulevard
19 m · 6 sec · South Century Boulevard
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2
Turn right onto East Champaign Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · East Champaign Avenue
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3
Take the ramp slight right toward I-57 North: Kankakee
2320 ft · 49 sec
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4
Merge slight left
108.2 mi · 2 hr 1 min
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5
Continue on Dan Ryan Expressway
3.3 mi · 5 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
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6
Keep slight left to continue on Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
7.9 mi · 11 min · Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
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7
Continue on Kennedy Expressway
8.2 mi · 12 min · Kennedy Expressway
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8
Continue on Edens Expressway
13.5 mi · 17 min · Edens Expressway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Skokie Highway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Skokie Highway
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10
Continue on Skokie Valley Road
3.4 mi · 4 min · Skokie Valley Road
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11
Continue on South Skokie Highway
8.2 mi · 10 min · South Skokie Highway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East
1323 ft · 36 sec
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13
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1830 ft · 33 sec · Belvidere Road
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14
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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15
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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16
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rantoul and Waukegan.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I-57 North
Merge slight left
108 mi · 02h 01m
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.
Sunny leaving Rantoul 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 Rantoul to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 165.2 miles (265.9 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Peotone is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.8 miles from Rantoul and 84.4 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.9 miles (230 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.3 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 1:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.98 one way or $43.97 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Rantoul and Mostly Sunny near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Peotone
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 Peotone.
Kankakee
Homewood
Dyer station
Joliet Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rantoul and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 142.92 mi (230.01 km).
#1 Rantoul
Village in Illinois
| Population | 12,305 |
| Coordinates | 40.3083700, -88.1558800 |
| Altitude | 227 |
| 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: 266 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 45m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.98 | $43.97 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.79 | $49.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.13 | $54.27 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.92 | $61.84 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.