How far is Reading, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Reading, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 132 miles (212.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 103.6 miles (166.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 40m 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 50m.
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.
Census designated place
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 Reading and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Reading and Waukegan.
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1
Start on Co Rd 379 E Rd
1336 ft · 59 sec · Co Rd 379 E Rd
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2
Turn straight onto North 379 E Road
1002 ft · 50 sec · North 379 E Road
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3
Turn left onto East 3000 North Road
2.6 mi · 4 min · East 3000 North Road
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4
Continue on East 3000 N Road
5.7 mi · 9 min · East 3000 N Road
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5
Continue on East 3000 North Road
1.8 mi · 3 min · East 3000 North Road
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6
Turn right onto E 3200 N Road
3 mi · 4 min · E 3200 N Road
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7
Continue on East 3200 North Road
10.1 mi · 15 min · East 3200 North Road
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8
Turn left onto I 55 North: Joliet
2047 ft · 50 sec
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9
Merge slight left
59.4 mi · 1 hr 9 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
1.6 mi · 3 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 294 North: Wisconsin
1694 ft · 41 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
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13
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
37 mi · 45 min · Tri-State Tollway
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14
Take the exit slight right toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
1923 ft · 47 sec
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15
Turn straight onto Belvidere Road
1.9 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
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16
Continue on Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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17
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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18
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · South Jackson Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jackson Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Reading 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.
I 55 North
Merge slight left
59.4 mi · 01h 09m
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 Reading 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 Reading to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 132 miles (212.5 km) and usually takes 02h 50m 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?
Crystal Lawns is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66 miles from Reading and 66.1 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 103.6 miles (166.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.4 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 12:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.57 one way or $35.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Reading and Mostly Sunny near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Crystal Lawns
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 Crystal Lawns.
Joliet Transportation Center
Naperville
Plano
La Grange Road
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Reading and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 103.63 mi (166.78 km).
#1 Reading
Township in Livingston County, Illinois
| Population | 1,860 |
| Coordinates | 41.0667000, -88.8542400 |
| 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: Waukegan (-87.84479, 42.36363)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 213 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 53m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.57 | $35.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.82 | $39.64 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.69 | $43.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.72 | $49.43 |
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.