Long Creek, IL to Waukegan, IL is 222.8 miles and takes about 4h 25m via I 57, I 72, and Edens Expressway, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward trip across Illinois, taking you from one part of the Midwest to another. With a recommended single day for travel, you can expect a predominantly highway-focused experience. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground without a lot of detours. Plan for a fairly direct journey with minimal complexity.
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
111.4 miles from Long Creek, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 57
123.5 mi
2h 17m
I 72
36.9 mi
39m
Edens Expressway
13.5 mi
17m
South Skokie Highway
8.2 mi
10m
Kennedy Expressway
8.2 mi
11m
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
7.9 mi
11m
US 36
4.8 mi
7m
North 22nd Street
3.9 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 123.5 mi, about 2h 17m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 8 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~865 veh/hr typical
Quietest
1 AM
~101 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 5 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Long Creek, IL and Waukegan, IL.
1
Start on Gustin Avenue
33 ft·6 sec·Gustin Avenue
2
Turn left onto South Widener Avenue
0.1 mi·28 sec·South Widener Avenue
3
At end of road, turn left onto US 36
4.8 mi·7 min·US 36
4
Turn right onto North 22nd Street
3.9 mi·6 min·North 22nd Street
5
Continue on IL 48
1.0 mi·1 min·IL 48
6
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I-72 East: Champaign
7
Merge onto I 72
37 mi·39 min·I 72
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 182BToward I 57 North: Chicago
9
Merge onto I 57
124 mi·2 hr 17 min·I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 94
3.3 mi·4 min·Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
7.9 mi·11 min·Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 90; I 94
8.2 mi·11 min·Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 94
14 mi·17 min·Edens Expressway
Toward I 94 West: MilwaukeeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 41
3.8 mi·4 min·Skokie Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 41
3.4 mi·3 min·Skokie Valley Road
16
Continue on US 41
8.2 mi·10 min·South Skokie Highway
Use the left lane.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward IL 120 EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Turn straight onto IL 120
0.3 mi·33 sec·Belvidere Road
19
Continue on IL 120
1.6 mi·3 min·Belvidere Street
20
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
0.5 mi·1 min·Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
0.5 mi·1 min·South Jackson Street
22
Arrive at destination
North Jackson Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 25m estimated duration, leaving Long Creek in the morning allows ample time to reach Waukegan well before evening. With only one recommended stop, you can choose a convenient point along I 57 or I 72 for a break. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility in your departure time. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 123.5-mile stretch on I 57, as services can be spaced out. Aim to refuel before you get too low to avoid any unexpected delays.
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 111.4 miles from Long Creek, IL, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.5 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 49 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.4 miles or 2h 8m 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 31m
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 Long Creek, 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 Long Creek, IL
This is one driving day of about 222.8 miles and 4h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Long Creek, 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 57 for about 123.5 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 219.6 — 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|South Widener Avenue
Turn left onto South Widener Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
47.4 mi into trip|~56m in
Take the exit toward I 57 North: Chicago
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 182B
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
8
174.6 mi into trip|~3h 19m in|I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express: Pershing Roa...
6
204.2 mi into trip|~3h 59m in|US 41 / Skokie Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 41 / Skokie Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
219.6 mi into trip|~4h 18m in
Take the exit toward IL 120 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward IL 120 East
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.90 one way
$65.80 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.14
$36.32
$72.65
premium
$4.72
$41.37
$82.73
diesel
$4.80
$42.07
$84.14
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.8
0
$23.39
$10.69
Efficient EV
55.7
0
$19.50
$8.91
EV Truck/SUV
89.1
1
$31.19
$14.26
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Long Creek, IL
Late night
in Long Creek on Monday
Local time
5:50 AM
CDT
Current temp
91°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 13 mph23% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:04PM CDT until July 19 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 12:23PM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Destination
Waukegan, IL
Late night
in Waukegan on Monday
Local time
5:50 AM
CDT
Current temp
83°F
Patchy Smoke
NE 10 to 15 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:04PM CDT until July 19 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 12:23PM CDT until July 18 at 7:00PM 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
8 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
4h 25m 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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 169.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 89% of the journey on major interstates like I 57, I 72, and the Edens Expressway. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 123.5 miles on I 57, meaning extended periods of consistent driving. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes speed and directness over winding scenic byways. The character of the drive is largely consistent, offering a predictable pace for most of the 222.8 miles. It’s the kind of drive where you can settle in and cover significant distance efficiently.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 123.5 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and I 72. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near South Widener Avenue.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 222.8 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 (South Widener Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 47.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 174.6 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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.
Top landmarks
•Waukegan Public Library — library
•Waukegan Building — office building in Waukegan, Illinois, United States
•Hotel Waukegan — historic hotel in Waukegan, Illinois, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 25m. Total distance: 222.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 123.5 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (South Widener Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 47.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 174.6 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Waukegan, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.
