How far is Waukegan, IL from Chicago Ridge, IL?
The driving distance from Waukegan, IL to Chicago Ridge, IL is about 57.2 miles (92 km), with a travel time of about 01h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 45.9 miles (73.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 32m 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 01h 16m.
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.
The most populous city in Cook County, Illinois.
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 Waukegan and Chicago Ridge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan and Chicago Ridge.
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1
Start on North Jackson Street
2647 ft · 1 min · North Jackson Street
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2
Turn right onto Glen Rock Avenue
2495 ft · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
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3
Turn right onto Belvidere Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
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4
Continue on Belvidere Road
2.2 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 94 East Toll: Chicago
1511 ft · 37 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
13.9 mi · 16 min · Tri-State Tollway
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7
Keep slight right to continue on Tri-State Tollway
22.7 mi · 29 min · Tri-State Tollway
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Tri-State Tollway
4.8 mi · 6 min · Tri-State Tollway
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9
Keep slight right to continue on Tri-State Tollway
3.5 mi · 4 min · Tri-State Tollway
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10
Continue on Mile-Long Bridge
1.5 km · 1 min · Mile-Long Bridge
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11
Continue on Tri-State Tollway
3.4 mi · 4 min · Tri-State Tollway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 12 East, US 20 East: 95th Street, 76th Avenue
1131 ft · 28 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on US 12, US 20 East: 95th Street
710 ft · 17 sec
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14
Turn straight onto West 95th Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · West 95th Street
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15
Turn right onto South Ridgeland Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · South Ridgeland Avenue
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Ridgeland Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waukegan and Chicago Ridge.
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.
Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right to continue on Tri-State Tollway
22.7 mi · 00h 29m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Waukegan and Mostly Sunny near Chicago Ridge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukegan to Chicago Ridge?
The road trip is about 57.2 miles (92 km) and usually takes 01h 16m 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?
Des Plaines is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28.6 miles from Waukegan and 28.6 miles from Chicago Ridge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 45.9 miles (73.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.3 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 3:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.62 one way or $15.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Waukegan and Mostly Sunny near Chicago Ridge.
Stop Ideas Near Des Plaines
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 Des Plaines.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Summit
Chicago Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukegan and Chicago Ridge. Straight-line distance: 45.88 mi (73.83 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 Chicago Ridge
Village in Cook County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 13,775 |
| Coordinates | 41.7014200, -87.7792200 |
| Altitude | 181 |
| Country | United States |
End: Chicago Ridge (-87.77922, 41.70142)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 92 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.62 | $15.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.59 | $17.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.40 | $18.80 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.71 | $21.43 |
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 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.