Origin
Waukegan, IL
Late night in Waukegan on Tuesday
Local time
3:11 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Waukegan, IL to Paris, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 56m
Distance
216.3 mi
348 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 43m
★
6 AM
4h 56m
8 AM
5h 23m
10 AM
5h 6m
12 PM
5h 3m
3 PM
5h 7m
5 PM
5h 22m
8 PM
4h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Paris, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Waukegan, IL to Paris, IL is 216.3 miles and takes about 4h 56m via Wicker Avenue and US 41, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. It's a fairly direct drive that should feel manageable for a single day. You'll encounter a mix of road types, so be prepared for some variation in your driving experience. Consider this route if you're looking for a straightforward journey across the state.
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
108.1 miles from Waukegan, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 29m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Wicker Avenue | 58.8 mi | 1h 18m |
| Georgetown Road | 29.8 mi | 44m |
| US 41 | 21.6 mi | 26m |
| SR 63 | 18.1 mi | 23m |
| Edens Expressway | 13.7 mi | 17m |
| Bishop Ford Freeway | 10.8 mi | 14m |
| I 74 | 9.3 mi | 10m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) | 8.8 mi | 11m |
Longest stretch:
Wicker Avenue
— 58.8 mi, about 1h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan, IL and Paris, IL.
1
Start on North Jackson Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Jackson Street
2
Turn right onto Glen Rock Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Glen Rock Avenue
3
Turn right onto Belvidere Street
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
Belvidere Street
4
Turn left onto South Lewis Avenue
2.9 mi
·
5 min
·
South Lewis Avenue
5
Turn right onto IL 137
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Buckley Road
Use the right lane.
6
Turn left onto US 41
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
North Skokie Highway
Use the left lane.
7
Continue on US 41
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Skokie Valley Road
8
Continue on US 41
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Skokie Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 94; US 41
14 mi
·
17 min
·
Edens Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 90; I 94
8.1 mi
·
11 min
·
Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
11
Continue on I 90; I 94
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94
8.8 mi
·
11 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
11 mi
·
14 min
·
Bishop Ford Freeway
Toward I 94 East: Indiana
Use the slight left lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
I 94
Toward I 80 East, I 94 East: Indiana
Use the slight left lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 161
Toward US 6 West, IL 83: Torrence Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 161
Toward US 6 West, IL 83 West: Torrence Avenue
Use the slight left lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
502 ft
·
12 sec
Toward IL 83 South
18
Turn straight onto IL 83
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Torrence Avenue
19
Turn left onto IL 83
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Glenwood Dyer Road
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on US 30
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Lincoln Highway
21
Continue on US 30
2.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Joliet Street
22
Continue on US 30
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
West Lincoln Highway
23
Turn right onto US 41
59 mi
·
1 hr 18 min
·
Wicker Avenue
Use the left lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto US 41
22 mi
·
26 min
·
US 41
25
Continue on SR 63
18 mi
·
23 min
·
SR 63
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I 74 West
27
Merge onto I 74
9.3 mi
·
10 min
·
I 74
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward US 150, IL 1
29
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward US 150 East, IL 1 South
30
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
Toward US 150 East, IL 1 South: Georgetown Road
31
Continue on US 150; IL 1
14 mi
·
20 min
·
Georgetown Road
32
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
North State Street
33
Continue on US 150; IL 1
6.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Georgetown Road
34
Continue on US 150; IL 1
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
1575 E US 36
35
Continue on US 150; IL 1
10 mi
·
14 min
·
Georgetown Road
36
Continue on US 150; IL 1
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
IL Route 1
37
Turn right onto US 150; IL 1
512 ft
·
8 sec
·
West Elliot Street
38
Turn left onto US 150; IL 1
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Central Avenue
39
Turn left onto West Court Street
37 ft
·
1 sec
·
West Court Street
40
Arrive at destination
West Court Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 56m duration, starting your drive in the morning from Waukegan is a good idea to allow for a leisurely pace. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility. The longest stretch is nearly 60 miles on Wicker Avenue, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps before embarking on this longer segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the halfway point, to ensure you stay within your estimated $34 budget. This is a manageable one-day drive, so you can afford to take your time and enjoy the journey.
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 108.1 miles from Waukegan, IL, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.8 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 48 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.1 miles or 2h 29m 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 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Paris, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
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 216.3 miles and 4h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Waukegan, 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 Wicker Avenue for about 58.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
108 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 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 108.1 miles from Waukegan, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 215 decision points cluster between mile 42.2 and 63.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
42.2 mi into trip
|
~56m in
|
I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express
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
7
51 mi into trip
|
~1h 8m in
|
I 94 / Bishop Ford Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 / Bishop Ford Freeway toward I 94 East: Indiana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 94 East: Indiana
8
61.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 23m in
|
I 94
Keep slight left at fork onto I 94 toward I 80 East, I 94 East: Indiana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 80 East, I 94 East: Indiana
9
62.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 6 West, IL 83: Torrence Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 161
Toward US 6 West, IL 83: Torrence Avenue
9
63.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 6 West, IL 83 West: Torrence Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 161
Toward US 6 West, IL 83 West: Torrence Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.82 one way
$67.63 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
76 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $37.13 | $74.26 |
| premium | $4.89 | $41.62 | $83.25 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $47.76 | $95.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 64.9 | 0 | $22.71 | $10.38 |
| Efficient EV | 54.1 | 0 | $18.93 | $8.65 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 86.5 | 1 | $30.28 | $13.84 |
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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.
Destination
Paris, IL
Late night in Paris on Tuesday
Local time
3:11 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°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 56m 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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 52.2
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 is a mixed drive, with 44% of the route on highways. Expect to spend a significant portion of your time on Wicker Avenue, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch at 58.8 miles. As you progress, the road will transition, offering a blend of faster highway segments and potentially more local road driving. This variety means you won't be stuck in a monotonous interstate crawl for the entire 4 hours and 56 minutes. The drive offers a dynamic feel as you move through different types of terrain and traffic.
44% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
40 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 58.8 mi on Wicker Avenue.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 42.2 miles in near I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express).
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 21 significant decision points across 216.3 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 42.2 miles (I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51 miles (I 94 / Bishop Ford Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.8 miles (I 94): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
About the Cities
Starting 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 56m. Total distance: 216.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 58.8 miles on Wicker Avenue. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Paris, 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 42.2 miles (I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51 miles (I 94 / Bishop Ford Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 61.8 miles (I 94): 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 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Paris, 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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