Origin
Andalusia, IL
Late night in Andalusia on Sunday
Local time
3:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Andalusia, IL to Waukegan, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 3m
Distance
205.7 mi
331 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 50m
★
6 AM
4h 3m
8 AM
4h 29m
10 AM
4h 13m
12 PM
4h 10m
3 PM
4h 14m
5 PM
4h 28m
8 PM
3h 56m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Andalusia, IL
Arenda Vermeulen
Trip Overview
Andalusia, IL to Waukegan, IL is 205.7 miles and takes about 4h 3m via Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway and Tri-State Tollway, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, traversing the Midwest region. Expect a drive that mixes substantial highway time with more intricate local road navigation. Given the relatively short duration, it's a convenient option for a single-day journey, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
102.8 miles from Andalusia, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway | 95.7 mi | 1h 46m |
| I 88 | 43.8 mi | 46m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 35.2 mi | 43m |
| John Deere Road | 10.4 mi | 15m |
| I 280 | 6.5 mi | 6m |
| 78th Avenue West | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| Belvidere Road | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Belvidere Street | 1.6 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
— 95.7 mi, about 1h 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Andalusia, IL and Waukegan, IL.
1
Start on 2nd Street East
69 ft
·
5 sec
·
2nd Street East
2
Turn right onto IL 92
0.6 mi
·
49 sec
·
6th Avenue East
3
Continue on IL 92
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
78th Avenue West
4
Turn left onto IL 92
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Centennial Expressway
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 280 East
6
Merge onto I 280
6.5 mi
·
6 min
·
I 280
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 18B
Toward I 74 West, US 6 West: Moline
8
Merge onto US 6
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
·
US 6
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 4B
Toward IL 5 East
10
Merge onto IL 5
10 mi
·
15 min
·
John Deere Road
11
Keep slight left at fork onto IL 5; IL 92
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
IL 5; IL 92
12
Continue on I 88; IL 92
44 mi
·
46 min
·
I 88; IL 92
13
Continue on I 88; IL 110
91 mi
·
1 hr 40 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 139
Toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rockford
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 294 Toll North: O'Hare International Airport, Milwaukee
17
Merge onto I 294
35 mi
·
43 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 11A
Toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto IL 120
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Belvidere Road
20
Continue on IL 120
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Belvidere Street
21
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Jackson Street
23
Arrive at destination
North Jackson Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just over 4 hours, this is easily a one-day trip, so you can depart at your leisure. The fuel cost is estimated at $32, and it's wise to note the longest stretch is nearly 96 miles on the tollway, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on that segment. While there's only one stop explicitly noted, having flexibility means you can add others as needed, but be mindful of the 'turn-heavy' nature of the drive which might require more frequent attention to navigation.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 102.8 miles from Andalusia, IL, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.7 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 45 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.8 miles or 1h 59m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Waukegan, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Andalusia, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Andalusia, IL
This is one driving day of about 205.7 miles and 4h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Andalusia, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway for about 95.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
103 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.8 miles from Andalusia, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 95.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 13.2 and 200.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
13.2 mi into trip
|
~17m in
Take the exit toward I 74 West, US 6 West: Moline
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 18B
Toward I 74 West, US 6 West: Moline
6
160.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 3m in
|
I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
164.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 9m in
Take the exit toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rockford
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 139
Toward I 294 North, I 290 West: Milwaukee, Rock...
6
165.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 294 Toll North: O'Hare International Airport, Milwaukee
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 294 Toll North: O'Hare International A...
7
200.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 54m in
Take the exit toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 11A
Toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.16 one way
$64.32 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $35.31 | $70.62 |
| premium | $4.89 | $39.59 | $79.17 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $45.42 | $90.83 |
Estimated Tolls: $7.85
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(95.7 mi)
$5.74
Tri-state Tollway
(35.2 mi)
$2.11
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Tolls
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.7 | 0 | $21.60 | $9.87 |
| Efficient EV | 51.4 | 0 | $18.00 | $8.23 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82.3 | 1 | $28.80 | $13.16 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Waukegan, IL
Late night in Waukegan on Sunday
Local time
3:07 AM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
10 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 3m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Pullman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...
20 mi from route
~50 min detour
Free
near mile 163.1
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive' despite a 25% highway share. While you'll experience a significant 95.7-mile stretch on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the overall journey involves more frequent adjustments and navigating through various local road networks. Be prepared for a driving experience that transitions between faster highway segments and more deliberate, potentially slower, city or town driving as you approach your destination.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 95.7 mi on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.2 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 205.7 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 160.1 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 164.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Andalusia, IL and Waukegan, IL, road signs point toward Rockford and Milwaukee.
Rockford
164.8 mi in
|
~3h 9m
Milwaukee
165.4 mi in
|
~3h 10m
About the Cities
Starting in Andalusia, IL
Full guide →Arriving in Waukegan, IL
Full guide →Waukegan is in the Far North Suburbs of the Chicagoland region of Illinois. It sits on Lake Michigan, has a large harbor, and is the county seat of Lake County, Illinois.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 3m. Total distance: 205.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 95.7 miles on Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $7.85 in tolls one way, starting with Reagan Memorial Tollway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Waukegan, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 160.1 miles (I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 164.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Waukegan, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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