How far is Waukegan, IL from Alton, IL?
The estimated driving distance from Waukegan, IL to Alton, IL is about 318 miles (511.7 km), with a travel time of about 05h 34m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 269.5 miles (433.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 05h 34m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 McLean County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan and Alton.
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Rain Showers leaving Waukegan and Rain Showers Likely near Alton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukegan to Alton?
The road trip is about 318 miles (511.7 km) and usually takes 05h 34m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Hudson is a useful midpoint, sitting about 134.7 miles from Waukegan and 183.2 miles from Alton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 269.5 miles (433.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.5 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 5:52 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $42.31 one way or $84.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 99.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Waukegan and Rain Showers Likely near Alton.
Stop Ideas Near Hudson
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall - Town of Normal
City of Bloomington, Illinois
El Paso City Water Works
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Hudson.
Uptown Station
Pontiac station
Lincoln
Peoria, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukegan and Alton. Straight-line distance: 269.48 mi (433.68 km).
#1 Waukegan
The second most populous city in Lake County, Illinois.
| Population | 85,453 |
| Coordinates | 42.3636300, -87.8447900 |
| Altitude | 199 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alton
City in Madison County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 26,049 |
| Coordinates | 38.8906000, -90.1842800 |
| Altitude | 150 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alton (-90.18428, 38.8906)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 512 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 56m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $42.31 | $84.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $47.72 | $95.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $52.22 | $104.44 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $59.51 | $119.02 |
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 11, 2026