How far is Waukegan, IL from Zion, IL?
The driving distance from Waukegan, IL to Zion, IL is about 6.8 miles (10.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 14m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 5.7 miles (9.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 29m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 14m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waukegan and Zion.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan and Zion.
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1
Start on North Jackson Street
1 mi · 3 min · North Jackson Street
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2
Turn right onto West Glen Flora Avenue
3009 ft · 2 min · West Glen Flora Avenue
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3
Turn left onto North Sheridan Road
4.8 mi · 10 min · North Sheridan Road
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4
Turn left onto 27th Street
1975 ft · 54 sec · 27th Street
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5
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 27th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waukegan and Zion.
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.
North Sheridan Road
Turn left onto North Sheridan Road
4.84 mi · 00h 10m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Waukegan and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Zion.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waukegan to Zion?
The road trip is about 6.8 miles (10.9 km) and usually takes 00h 14m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Beach Park is a useful midpoint, sitting about 3.4 miles from Waukegan and 3.4 miles from Zion.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 5.7 miles (9.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $0.91 one way or $1.81 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 2.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Waukegan and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Zion.
Stop Ideas Near Beach Park
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 Beach Park.
Sturtevant station
Glenview station
Milwaukee Airport Railroad Station
Chicago Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waukegan and Zion. Straight-line distance: 5.74 mi (9.23 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 Zion
City in Lake County, Illinois, US
| Population | 23,321 |
| Coordinates | 42.4461300, -87.8328500 |
| Altitude | 198 |
| Country | United States |
End: Zion (-87.83285, 42.44613)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 11 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $0.91 | $1.81 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $1.02 | $2.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $1.12 | $2.23 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $1.27 | $2.55 |
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.