How far is Waukegan, IL from Ashland, IL?
The estimated driving distance from Waukegan, IL to Ashland, IL is about 255.9 miles (411.9 km), with a travel time of about 04h 29m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 204.7 miles (329.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 58m 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 04h 29m.
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.
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
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 Ashland.
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 Showers And Thunderstorms near Ashland.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukegan to Ashland?
The road trip is about 255.9 miles (411.9 km) and usually takes 04h 29m 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?
Kangley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 102.4 miles from Waukegan and 153.6 miles from Ashland.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 204.7 miles (329.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.2 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 8:02 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.05 one way or $68.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers around Waukegan and Showers And Thunderstorms near Ashland.
Stop Ideas Near Kangley
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 Kangley.
Pontiac station
Dwight station
Mendota station
Princeton
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukegan and Ashland. Straight-line distance: 204.77 mi (329.54 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 Ashland
Village in Cass County, Illinois
| Population | 1,169 |
| Coordinates | 39.8878300, -90.0078900 |
| Altitude | 193 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ashland (-90.00789, 39.88783)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 412 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $34.05 | $68.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $38.40 | $76.81 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $42.03 | $84.05 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $47.90 | $95.79 |
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 10, 2026