Traveling from Kincaid to Waukegan covers approximately 251.5 miles and typically takes around 5 hours and 2 minutes of driving time. Because this journey is manageable within a single day, you likely won't need an overnight stay, making it an efficient trip across the Illinois landscape. You will primarily navigate via US 51, IL 48, and the Tri-State Tollway to reach your destination. Expect to spend roughly $38 on fuel for the trek, which remains consistent across the Midwest region. This highway-focused route is straightforward and best suited for those looking to reach the northern part of the state without unnecessary delays.
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
125.7 miles from Kincaid, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 51
171.2 mi
3h 16m
Tri-State Tollway
41.8 mi
50m
IL 48
22.5 mi
25m
Springfield Street
6 mi
10m
Belvidere Road
1.9 mi
2m
Belvidere Street
1.6 mi
3m
West Park Street
1.1 mi
1m
West Springfield Road
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 51
— 171.2 mi, about 3h 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kincaid, IL and Waukegan, IL.
1
Start on North Avenue
69 ft·3 sec·North Avenue
2
Keep slight right at fork onto Dial Street
302 ft·14 sec·Dial Street
3
Turn left onto Market Street
523 ft·24 sec·Market Street
4
Turn left onto IL 104
6.0 mi·10 min·Springfield Street
Use the right lane.
5
Turn right onto IL 29
0.9 mi·1 min·West Springfield Road
Use the right lane.
6
Continue on IL 29
0.4 mi·34 sec·North Webster Street
7
Turn left onto IL 29
1.1 mi·1 min·West Park Street
8
Turn left onto Water Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Water Street
9
Turn left onto IL 48
22 mi·25 min·IL 48
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
11
Merge onto US 51
11 mi·11 min·US 51
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
Exit 141BToward US 51 North: Bloomington
13
Continue on US 51
38 mi·47 min·US 51
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit onto US 51
122 mi·2 hr 16 min·US 51
Toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, RockfordUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
1.6 mi·3 min
Exit 277AToward I 294 Tollway North: WisconsinUse the right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin
17
Merge onto I 294
4.8 mi·5 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
37 mi·45 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Exit 11AToward IL 120 East: Belvidere RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn straight onto IL 120
1.9 mi·2 min·Belvidere Road
21
Continue on IL 120
1.6 mi·3 min·Belvidere Street
22
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
23
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
0.5 mi·1 min·South Jackson Street
24
Arrive at destination
North Jackson Street
Trip Plan
Given the five-hour drive time, plan to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion on the busier sections of the tollway. Since there is only one recommended stop, pace yourself by identifying a convenient location along US 51 to stretch your legs before you hit the final stretch. Keep in mind that the $38 fuel estimate is based on standard driving; however, toll fees on the Tri-State portion may add to your total transit costs, so have your payment method ready. Prioritize efficiency by checking traffic reports for the Tri-State Tollway before you leave Kincaid to ensure a smooth transition into Waukegan.
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 125.7 miles from Kincaid, IL, or about 2h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 171.2 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 55 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.7 miles or 2h 31m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 3m
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 Kincaid, 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 Kincaid, IL
This is one driving day of about 251.5 miles and 5h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Kincaid, 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 US 51 for about 171.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 246.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|Dial Street
Keep slight right at fork onto Dial Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
7
80.8 mi into trip|~1h 41m in|US 51
Take the exit onto US 51 toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, 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.
Toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, Rockford
7
202.9 mi into trip|~3h 57m 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
6
209.6 mi into trip|~4h 7m 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
246.6 mi into trip|~4h 52m 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
$39.32 one way
$78.64 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$43.17
$86.34
premium
$4.89
$48.40
$96.80
diesel
$5.61
$55.53
$111.06
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
$39
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.5
0
$26.41
$12.07
Efficient EV
62.9
0
$22.01
$10.06
EV Truck/SUV
100.6
1
$35.21
$16.10
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Kincaid, IL
Morning
in Kincaid on Sunday
Local time
10:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Waukegan, IL
Morning
in Waukegan on Sunday
Local time
10:57 AM
CDT
Current temp
42°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 15 to 20 mph96% chanceLive 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
12 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 2m 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...
18 mi from route
~46 min detour
Free
near mile 208.1
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip defined by its highway-focused nature, with roughly 77% of the journey spent on high-speed roads. Your stamina will be tested most significantly on US 51, where you will encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 171.2 miles. The experience shifts from the quieter, localized feel of IL 48 to the more intense, high-traffic environment of the Tri-State Tollway as you approach the Waukegan area. While the drive is efficient, the varying road types mean you should be prepared for changing traffic volumes throughout the five-hour duration.
77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 171.2 mi on US 51.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 51 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Dial Street.
Driving Effort9/10
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 18 significant decision points across 251.5 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: near the start (Dial Street): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 80.8 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
849 ft551 ft
Total Climb
465 ft
Total Descent
410 ft
Highest Point
849 ft
~89.8 mi in
Elevation Range
298 ft
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 Kincaid, IL to Waukegan, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Rockford along the way.
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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 2m. Total distance: 251.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 171.2 miles on US 51. 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: near the start (Dial Street): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 80.8 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park and Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Waukegan, IL before the return drive.
