How far is Waterman, IL from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance from Waterman, IL to Elgin, IL is about 42 miles (67.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 31.3 miles (50.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 56m 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 00h 58m.
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 Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waterman and Elgin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waterman and Elgin.
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1
Start on North Elm Street
931 ft · 35 sec · North Elm Street
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2
Turn left onto West Lincoln Highway
1 mi · 2 min · West Lincoln Highway
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3
Turn left onto State Route 23
5.5 mi · 8 min · State Route 23
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4
Turn right onto Perry Road
7.8 mi · 11 min · Perry Road
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5
Turn left onto East County Line Road
3.3 mi · 6 min · East County Line Road
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6
Turn right onto Lincoln Highway
10.1 mi · 14 min · Lincoln Highway
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7
Turn left onto LaFox Road
2.3 mi · 4 min · LaFox Road
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8
Continue on Burlington Road
1513 ft · 31 sec · Burlington Road
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Bolcum Road
7 m · 1 sec · Bolcum Road
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10
Exit the roundabout onto Bolcum Road
3.2 mi · 5 min · Bolcum Road
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11
Turn left onto Randall Road
1.3 km · 1 min · Randall Road
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12
Turn right onto Silver Glen Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Silver Glen Road
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13
At the end of the road, turn left
6.1 mi · 11 min
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14
Turn right onto East Chicago Street
1719 ft · 55 sec · East Chicago Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Chicago Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waterman and Elgin.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Lincoln Highway
Turn right onto Lincoln Highway
10.1 mi · 00h 14m
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 Waterman and Sunny near Elgin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waterman to Elgin?
The road trip is about 42 miles (67.6 km) and usually takes 00h 58m 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?
Maple Park is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21 miles from Waterman and 21 miles from Elgin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 31.3 miles (50.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.7 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 4:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.58 one way or $11.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Waterman and Sunny near Elgin.
Stop Ideas Near Maple Park
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 Maple Park.
Plano
Naperville
Rockford, Illinois
Mendota station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waterman and Elgin. Straight-line distance: 31.27 mi (50.33 km).
#1 Waterman
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
| Population | 1,497 |
| Coordinates | 41.7717000, -88.7736900 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elgin
The second most populous city in Kane County, Illinois.
| Population | 110,196 |
| Coordinates | 42.0372500, -88.2811900 |
| Altitude | 227 |
| Country | United States |
End: East Chicago Street (-88.281194, 42.037244)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $5.58 | $11.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $6.29 | $12.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $6.89 | $13.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $7.85 | $15.70 |
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.