Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe & Banquets
Early in the drive, right off the route
Darien, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+13314314000
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 46m
Distance
244.1 mi
393 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Edinburg, IL
Sinitta Leunen
This 244.1-mile drive from Waukegan, IL, to Edinburg, IL, is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours and 46 minutes. With 79% of the route on highways, it's well-suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The estimated fuel cost is around $38, making it an economical option for exploring within Illinois. You'll be spending most of your time on major interstates like I-55 and the Tri-State Tollway, so expect a consistent pace for this Midwest to Midwest excursion.
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
122 miles from Waukegan, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Adlai Stevenson Expressway | 119.4 mi | 2h 13m |
| I 55 | 61 mi | 1h 5m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 42.6 mi | 51m |
| IL 29 | 13.1 mi | 19m |
| Belvidere Road | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Belvidere Street | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| West Springfield Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| North Jackson Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan, IL and Edinburg, IL.
Start on North Jackson Street
Turn right onto Glen Rock Avenue
Turn right onto Belvidere Street
Continue on IL 120
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 94
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
Keep slight left at fork onto I 294
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 55
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55
Take the exit
Merge onto IL 29
Continue on IL 29
Continue on IL 29
Continue on IL 29
Turn right onto North 725 East Road
Continue on IL 29
Turn left onto West Douglas Street
Turn right onto North Eaton Street
Turn right onto West Washington Street
Arrive at destination
Given the 4-hour and 46-minute duration, this trip is ideal for a single day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving in the morning will give you ample daylight for the 244.1-mile journey and allow for a relaxed arrival. Plan for one stop along the way, perhaps around the halfway point, to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 119.4-mile stretch on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, to ensure you don't need to deviate from your planned route for gas.
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.
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 54 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122 miles or 2h 25m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Edinburg, IL than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL
This is one driving day of about 244.1 miles and 4h 46m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
122 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.
A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 122 miles from Waukegan, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Adlai Stevenson Expressway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 119.4 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Darien, Illinois
Early in the drive, right off the route
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+13314314000
Star 66 Cafe
Springfield, Illinois
Rosemary Cafe
Joliet, Illinois
Top Coffee Stop
Waukegan, Illinois
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
Kafé De Kasa
Crest Hill, Illinois
Critical Grind Board Game Cafe
Shorewood, Illinois
Early in the drive, right off the route
Darien, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+13314314000
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Springfield, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
+12175230611
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Joliet, Illinois
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
+18157824094
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Burr Ridge, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+16306544644
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Springfield, Illinois
Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm
+12175445144
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Plainfield, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–7:30 pm
+18157826500
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Grandview, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+12175254952
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Crest Hill, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+18157826417
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Waukegan, Illinois
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Crest Hill, Illinois
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+18156303694
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Shorewood, Illinois
Hours: 9 am–11 pm
+18156304235
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, ~9 min detour
Plainfield, Illinois
Hours: 6 am–5 pm
+16306962137
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Shorewood, Illinois
Hours: 7 am–7 pm
+17792421902
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Joliet, Illinois
Hours: 9 am–9 pm
+18476271095
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Braidwood, Illinois
Hours: 8 am–12 pm
+18153905133
Near the start, ~12 min detour
Gurnee, Illinois
Hours: 8 am–10 pm
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Normal, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Lincoln, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
+12177354444
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Normal, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Normal, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887484261
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Normal, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Normal, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887484273
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Normal, Illinois
+13094549590
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Bloomington, Illinois
Hours: Open 24 hours
Around the midpoint, short detour
Wilmington, Illinois
Hours: 11 am–12 pm
+18154769009
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, ~9 min detour
Willowbrook, Illinois
Hours: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 18.9 and 168.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$38.16 one way
$76.32 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $41.90 | $83.80 |
| premium | $4.89 | $46.97 | $93.95 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $53.89 | $107.79 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.55
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
$38
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 73.2 | 0 | $25.63 | $11.72 |
| Efficient EV | 61 | 0 | $21.36 | $9.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 97.6 | 1 | $34.17 | $15.62 |
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Waukegan on Saturday
Local time
11:43 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Destination
Night in Edinburg on Saturday
Local time
11:43 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
National Monument
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Prepare for a drive that's predominantly highway, with 79% of the 244.1 miles on major arteries like the Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I-55. This means you'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including one segment of 119.4 miles solely on the Adlai Stevenson Expressway. The character of the drive remains largely consistent, emphasizing efficient travel over varied scenery. While not a winding backroad adventure, this route prioritizes getting you from point A to point B smoothly and directly.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Adlai Stevenson Expressway and I 55. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 18.9 miles in near I 294 / Tri-State Tollway.
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 244.1 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 18.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.4 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Waukegan, IL and Edinburg, IL, road signs point toward O'hare, St. Louis and Springfield.
O'hare
St. Louis
Springfield
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).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 46m. Total distance: 244.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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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