How far is Waukegan, IL from Lawrence, IL?
The driving distance from Waukegan, IL to Lawrence, IL is about 51 miles (82.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 41 miles (66 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 34m 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 17m.
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 Houston County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waukegan and Lawrence.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan and Lawrence.
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1
Start on North Jackson Street
1375 ft · 45 sec · North Jackson Street
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2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
2.8 mi · 6 min · Grand Avenue
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3
Take the ramp right toward US 41 North: Milwaukee
152 m · 14 sec
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4
Keep slight left to continue on US 41 North
806 ft · 22 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Skokie Highway
7.4 mi · 9 min · Skokie Highway
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6
Turn left onto Rosecrans Road
13.9 mi · 21 min · Rosecrans Road
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7
Continue on Kenosha Road
3.7 mi · 5 min · Kenosha Road
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8
Continue on Kenosha Street
18.8 mi · 27 min · Kenosha Street
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9
Turn left onto North Division Street
2662 ft · 49 sec · North Division Street
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10
Turn right onto West Brink Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West Brink Street
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11
Turn right onto Lawrence Road
2661 ft · 1 min · Lawrence Road
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12
Turn left onto Ramer Road
994 ft · 27 sec · Ramer Road
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13
Keep slight right to continue on Lawrence Road
1.3 mi · 3 min · Lawrence Road
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14
Turn right onto Oak Grove Road
1050 ft · 33 sec · Oak Grove Road
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15
Turn right
24 m · 6 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waukegan and Lawrence.
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.
Kenosha Street
Continue on Kenosha Street
18.8 mi · 00h 27m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Waukegan and Chance Rain Showers near Lawrence.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukegan to Lawrence?
The road trip is about 51 miles (82.1 km) and usually takes 01h 17m 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?
Spring Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.5 miles from Waukegan and 25.5 miles from Lawrence.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 41 miles (66 km), while the road route adds roughly 10 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 3:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.79 one way or $13.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Waukegan and Chance Rain Showers near Lawrence.
Stop Ideas Near Spring Grove
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 Spring Grove.
Sturtevant station
Glenview station
Milwaukee Airport Railroad Station
South Beloit, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukegan and Lawrence. Straight-line distance: 40.99 mi (65.96 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 Lawrence
Township in Lawrence County, Illinois
| Population | 4,380 |
| Coordinates | 42.4411300, -88.6412100 |
| Altitude | 276 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lawrence (-88.64121, 42.44113)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 82 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.79 | $13.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.66 | $15.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.38 | $16.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.55 | $19.09 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.