How far is Waukegan, IL from Wheaton, IL?
The driving distance from Waukegan, IL to Wheaton, IL is about 54.2 miles (87.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.9 miles (59.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 09m 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 04m.
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 Cook County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waukegan and Wheaton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan and Wheaton.
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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
3.5 mi · 4 min · Tri-State Tollway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Willow Road
1072 ft · 26 sec
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9
Keep slight right
1015 ft · 25 sec
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10
Turn right onto Willow Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Willow Road
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11
Continue on Palatine Road
6.2 mi · 9 min · Palatine Road
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12
Take the exit slight right toward IL 53 South
1330 ft · 33 sec
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13
Merge slight left
3.2 mi · 4 min
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14
Keep slight left to continue on I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
7 mi · 9 min
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15
Keep slight left to continue on I 355 South Tollway: Joliet
4.6 mi · 6 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward IL 64: North Avenue
1535 ft · 38 sec
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17
Turn right onto North Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Avenue
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18
Turn left onto Main Street
1.8 mi · 4 min · Main Street
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19
Turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · Pennsylvania Avenue
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20
Continue on College Avenue
1.3 mi · 3 min · College Avenue
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21
Turn left onto North Washington Street
120 m · 13 sec · North Washington Street
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22
Turn right onto East Wesley Street
1587 ft · 46 sec · East Wesley Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Wesley Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waukegan and Wheaton.
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
Merge slight left onto Tri-State Tollway
13.9 mi · 00h 16m
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 Wheaton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukegan to Wheaton?
The road trip is about 54.2 miles (87.3 km) and usually takes 01h 04m 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?
Prospect Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.4 miles from Waukegan and 29 miles from Wheaton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36.9 miles (59.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.3 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 4:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.24 one way or $14.48 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Waukegan and Mostly Sunny near Wheaton.
Stop Ideas Near Prospect Heights
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 Prospect Heights.
Glenview station
La Grange Road
Chicago Union Station
Summit
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukegan and Wheaton. Straight-line distance: 36.91 mi (59.4 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 Wheaton
The most populous city in DuPage County, Illinois.
| Population | 52,451 |
| Coordinates | 41.8661400, -88.1070100 |
| Altitude | 231 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Wesley Street (-88.10701, 41.866123)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.24 | $14.48 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.17 | $16.33 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.94 | $17.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.18 | $20.37 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.