How far is Waukegan, IL from Rockford, IL?
The driving distance from Waukegan, IL to Rockford, IL is about 103.7 miles (166.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 64.1 miles (103.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 27m 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 43m.
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.
Partly Sunny
Patchy Frost then Isolated Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waukegan and Rockford.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan and Rockford.
-
1
Start on North Jackson Street
1375 ft · 45 sec · North Jackson Street
-
2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
2.8 mi · 6 min · Grand Avenue
-
3
Take the ramp right toward US 41 North: Milwaukee
152 m · 14 sec
-
4
Keep slight left to continue on US 41 North
806 ft · 22 sec
-
5
Merge slight left onto Skokie Highway
7.4 mi · 9 min · Skokie Highway
-
6
Turn left onto Rosecrans Road
13.9 mi · 21 min · Rosecrans Road
-
7
Continue on Kenosha Road
3.7 mi · 5 min · Kenosha Road
-
8
Continue on Kenosha Street
18.8 mi · 27 min · Kenosha Street
-
9
Turn left onto North Division Street
2662 ft · 49 sec · North Division Street
-
10
Turn right onto West Brink Street
12.4 mi · 18 min · West Brink Street
-
11
Continue on State Route 173
5.6 mi · 8 min · State Route 173
-
12
Continue on West Lane Road
4.9 mi · 8 min · West Lane Road
-
13
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
7.5 mi · 12 min · North 2nd Street
-
14
Turn right onto East Jefferson Street
2128 ft · 45 sec · East Jefferson Street
-
15
Turn left onto North Wyman Street
793 ft · 24 sec · North Wyman Street
-
16
Turn right onto West State Street
23 m · 2 sec · West State Street
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West State Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waukegan and Rockford.
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Waukegan and Patchy Frost then Isolated Rain Showers near Rockford.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukegan to Rockford?
The road trip is about 103.7 miles (166.9 km) and usually takes 01h 43m 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?
Alden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.2 miles from Waukegan and 64.5 miles from Rockford.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 64.1 miles (103.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.6 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 3:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.80 one way or $27.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Waukegan and Patchy Frost then Isolated Rain Showers near Rockford.
Stop Ideas Near Alden
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 Alden.
South Beloit, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois
Janesville, Wisconsin
Sturtevant station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukegan and Rockford. Straight-line distance: 64.14 mi (103.22 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 Rockford
The second most populous city in Illinois.
| Population | 144,835 |
| Coordinates | 42.2711300, -89.0940000 |
| Altitude | 218 |
| Country | United States |
End: West State Street (-89.094046, 42.271066)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 167 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.80 | $27.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.57 | $31.13 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.03 | $34.07 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.41 | $38.83 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.