How far is Waukegan, IL from Machesney Park, IL?
The driving distance from Waukegan, IL to Machesney Park, IL is about 72 miles (115.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 61 miles (98.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 33m 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 46m.
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.
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waukegan and Machesney Park.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan and Machesney Park.
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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
12.4 mi · 18 min · West Brink Street
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11
Continue on State Route 173
5.6 mi · 8 min · State Route 173
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12
Continue on West Lane Road
4.6 mi · 8 min · West Lane Road
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13
Turn left onto North Alpine Road
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Alpine Road
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14
Turn right onto Roosevelt Road
2753 ft · 1 min · Roosevelt Road
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Roosevelt Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waukegan and Machesney Park.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Waukegan and Sunny near Machesney Park.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukegan to Machesney Park?
The road trip is about 72 miles (115.8 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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?
Hebron is a useful midpoint, sitting about 35.9 miles from Waukegan and 36 miles from Machesney Park.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 61 miles (98.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 11 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 2:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.58 one way or $19.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Waukegan and Sunny near Machesney Park.
Stop Ideas Near Hebron
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 Hebron.
South Beloit, Illinois
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Sturtevant station
Janesville, Wisconsin
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukegan and Machesney Park. Straight-line distance: 60.99 mi (98.15 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 Machesney Park
Village in the U.
| Population | 22,678 |
| Coordinates | 42.3472400, -89.0390000 |
| Altitude | 226 |
| Country | United States |
End: Machesney Park (-89.039, 42.34724)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 116 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $9.58 | $19.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $10.80 | $21.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $11.82 | $23.64 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $13.47 | $26.94 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.