How far is Utica, IL from Waukegan, IL?
The driving distance from Utica, IL to Waukegan, IL is about 122.5 miles (197.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 92.7 miles (149.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 00m 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 30m.
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.
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 Utica and Waukegan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Utica and Waukegan.
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1
Start on East Canal Street
54 m · 8 sec · East Canal Street
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2
Turn right onto Clark Street
677 ft · 13 sec · Clark Street
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3
Continue on North Division Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Division Street
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4
Turn left
32 m · 2 sec
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5
Turn straight
1988 ft · 42 sec
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6
Take the ramp right toward I 80 East: Joliet
2021 ft · 49 sec
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7
Merge slight left
44.7 mi · 48 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 North: Chicago
1892 ft · 54 sec
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9
Merge slight left
26.6 mi · 33 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 Utica 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 80 East
Merge slight left
44.7 mi · 00h 48m
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 Utica 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 Utica to Waukegan?
The road trip is about 122.5 miles (197.1 km) and usually takes 02h 30m 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?
Romeoville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.2 miles from Utica and 61.3 miles from Waukegan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 92.7 miles (149.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.8 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 1:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.29 one way or $32.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Utica and Mostly Sunny near Waukegan.
Stop Ideas Near Romeoville
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 Romeoville.
Joliet Transportation Center
Naperville
La Grange Road
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Utica and Waukegan. Straight-line distance: 92.7 mi (149.18 km).
#1 Utica
Village also known as Utica, in LaSalle County, Illinois
| Population | 1,988 |
| Coordinates | 41.3405900, -89.0100800 |
| Altitude | 146 |
| 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: 197 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.29 | $32.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.37 | $36.75 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.11 | $40.21 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.91 | $45.83 |
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.