Origin
Empire, IL
Late night in Empire on Sunday
Local time
3:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Empire, 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
3h 40m
Distance
178.9 mi
288 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 28m
★
6 AM
3h 41m
8 AM
4h 6m
10 AM
3h 50m
12 PM
3h 47m
3 PM
3h 51m
5 PM
4h 5m
8 PM
3h 33m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Empire, IL
Claudia Solano
Trip Overview
This 178.9-mile drive from Empire, IL to Waukegan, IL is a straightforward, highway-focused journey across the Midwest that can easily be completed in a single day, taking about 3 hours and 40 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-55, the Tri-State Tollway, and I-74, with 65% of the route being highway driving. With an estimated fuel cost of $28, it’s an economical option for a quick trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 105.6 miles on I-55, so plan your stops accordingly. This route is ideal for those who prefer efficient travel and don't need extensive scenic detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
89.4 miles from Empire, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 55 | 105.6 mi | 1h 58m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 41.8 mi | 50m |
| I 74 | 9.1 mi | 9m |
| Towanda Barnes Road | 6.8 mi | 10m |
| Towanda-Barnes Road | 3 mi | 4m |
| US 150 | 2 mi | 2m |
| Belvidere Road | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Belvidere Street | 1.6 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 55
— 105.6 mi, about 1h 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Empire, IL and Waukegan, IL.
1
Start on East 150 North Road
1.1 mi
·
4 min
·
East 150 North Road
2
Turn left onto US 136
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
East 200 North Road
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 74 West: Bloomington
4
Merge onto I 74
9.1 mi
·
9 min
·
I 74
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Toward Downs
6
Turn right onto CR 27; CR 36
460 ft
·
11 sec
·
East 700 North Road
7
Continue on CR 27; CR 36
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Seminary Street
8
At end of road, turn left onto US 150
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
US 150
9
Turn right onto CR 29
6.8 mi
·
10 min
·
Towanda Barnes Road
10
Continue on CR 29
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Towanda-Barnes Road
11
Continue on CR 29
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
West Hely Street
12
Turn left onto CR 29
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Jefferson Street
13
Continue on CR 29
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
North 1900 East Road
14
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I 55 North: Joliet
15
Merge onto I 55
106 mi
·
1 hr 58 min
·
I 55
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
1.6 mi
·
3 min
Exit 277A
Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
Use the right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
18
Merge onto I 294
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
37 mi
·
45 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 11A
Toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Turn straight onto IL 120
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Belvidere Road
22
Continue on IL 120
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Belvidere Street
23
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
24
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Jackson Street
25
Arrive at destination
North Jackson Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 40-minute drive, starting early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic, especially as you near Waukegan. With only one recommended stop, flexibility is key; you can choose to break up the 105.6-mile stretch on I-55 or wait until you're closer to your destination. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as major service areas can be spaced out on the interstate. The estimated fuel cost of $28 is quite reasonable, so factoring in a buffer for toll fees on the Tri-State Tollway is a practical consideration for this IL-to-IL trip.
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 89.4 miles from Empire, IL, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.6 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 39 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89.4 miles or 1h 50m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 58m
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 Empire, 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 Empire, IL
This is one driving day of about 178.9 miles and 3h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Empire, 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 I 55 for about 105.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
89 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 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 89.4 miles from Empire, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 105.6 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 175 decision points cluster between mile 24.7 and 174 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
24.7 mi into trip
|
~38m in
|
I 55
Merge onto I 55
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
130.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m in
Take the exit toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 277A
Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin
5
131.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 39m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
6
137 mi into trip
|
~2h 46m in
|
I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
174 mi into trip
|
~3h 31m 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
$27.97 one way
$55.94 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
63 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $30.71 | $61.42 |
| premium | $4.89 | $34.43 | $68.86 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.50 | $79.00 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.51
Tri-state Tollway
(41.8 mi)
$2.51
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
$28
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 53.7 | 0 | $18.78 | $8.59 |
| Efficient EV | 44.7 | 0 | $15.65 | $7.16 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 71.6 | 0 | $25.05 | $11.45 |
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 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
3:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
N 10 mph
39% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 16 at 12:33PM CDT until April 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued April 16 at 12:29PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
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
13 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
3h 40m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this trip, with 65% of the drive utilizing major interstates. The journey begins with a significant 105.6-mile segment on I-55, setting a fast-paced tone. As you transition to the Tri-State Tollway and I-74, the character remains largely consistent with high-speed travel, though you'll encounter more traffic as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. This route prioritizes getting you to your destination efficiently rather than offering winding backroads or extensive sightseeing opportunities.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 105.6 mi on I 55.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 24.7 miles in near I 55.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 178.9 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 24.7 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 131.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
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.
On the drive from Empire, IL to Waukegan, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Downs along the way.
Downs
10.8 mi in
|
~15m
About the Cities
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 3h 40m. Total distance: 178.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 105.6 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $2.51 in tolls one way, starting with Tri-state 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 24.7 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 131.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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