Green Creek Rest Area - Southbound
0 mi from route
Trip from Waukegan, IL to Unity, IL
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 47m
Distance
405.4 mi
652 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$67
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 38m
★
6 AM
7h 47m
8 AM
8h 6m
10 AM
7h 54m
12 PM
7h 52m
3 PM
7h 55m
5 PM
8h 5m
8 PM
7h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Waukegan, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Unity, IL
Luis Quintero
Trip Overview
Waukegan, IL to Unity, IL is 405.4 miles and takes about 7h 47m via I 57, with a fuel budget near $72 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Illinois, traversing the Midwest region from north to south. Expect a predominantly highway experience for most of the drive. With only 2 recommended stops and a drive time under 8 hours, it's a straightforward one-day commitment. This route is a practical option for connecting these two points efficiently.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
202.7 miles from Waukegan, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 55m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 266.5 mi | 4h 51m |
| Ken Gray Expressway | 73.9 mi | 1h 19m |
| Edens Expressway | 13.7 mi | 17m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) | 8.8 mi | 11m |
| Kennedy Expressway | 8.1 mi | 11m |
| North Skokie Highway | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| Skokie Highway | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| IL 127 | 3.7 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 266.5 mi, about 4h 51m
Traffic on I-57
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 18 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~912 veh/hr typical · worst 1,123
Quietest
3 AM
~148 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 51 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 Waukegan, IL and Unity, 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 right at fork onto I 57
201 mi
·
3 hr 40 min
·
I 57
Exit 63
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57
66 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
I 57
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
74 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
Ken Gray Expressway
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Shawnee College Road
17
Turn right onto Shawnee College Road
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Shawnee College Road
18
At end of road, turn left onto Old US Highway 51
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Old US Highway 51
19
Continue on North Chestnut Street
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
North Chestnut Street
20
Turn right onto Lackey Road
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Lackey Road
21
Continue on Sandusky Road
2.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Sandusky Road
22
At end of road, turn left onto IL 127
3.7 mi
·
6 min
·
IL 127
23
Turn left
82 ft
·
3 sec
24
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 7h 47m estimated duration, departing Waukegan, IL, in the morning is advisable to make the most of daylight. With only 2 stops recommended, you can plan them strategically for fuel and a break, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel ready. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 266.5-mile stretch on I 57, as services can be more spread out. The $72 fuel estimate should help you budget accordingly for this single-day trip.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 202.7 miles from Waukegan, IL, or about 3h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 266.5 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 89 miles or 1h 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 202.7 miles or 3h 55m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Unity, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Waukegan, IL
This is one driving day of about 405.4 miles and 7h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 miles from Waukegan, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 57 for about 266.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
203 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 89 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 202.7 miles from Waukegan, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 266.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Post Oak Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Post Oak Rest Area - Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Main Line Station Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Illini Prairie Rest Area - Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Rend Lake Rest Area (I57-SB)
0.1 mi from route
Illini Prairie Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Rend Lake Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Green Creek Rest Area - Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Trails of Tears Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Main Line Station Rest Area - Southbound
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Prairie View Rest Area - Northbound
0.2 mi from route
Prairie View Rest Area - Southbound
0.2 mi from route
Truckomat Truck Wash - Effingham
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Peotone Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Road Ranger
0.4 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.4 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.7 mi from route
Service Plaza
1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.6 mi from route
Lake Forest Oasis
2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
2 mi from route
QuikTrip
2.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 4.1 and 251.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
4.1 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
IL 137 / Buckley Road
Turn right onto IL 137 / Buckley Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
4
5.2 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
US 41 / North Skokie Highway
Turn left onto US 41 / North Skokie Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
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
8
51 mi into trip
|
~1h 8m in
|
I 57
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 South: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 63
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
5
251.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 49m in
|
I 57
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 South: Memphis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 57 South: Memphis
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$67.40 one way
$134.80 round trip
$4.22/gal
25.4 MPG avg
142 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.60 | $73.42 | $146.84 |
| premium | $5.18 | $82.72 | $165.45 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $85.39 | $170.78 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$67
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$92–$117
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 141.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 121.6 | 1 | $42.57 | $19.46 |
| Efficient EV | 101.4 | 1 | $35.47 | $16.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 162.2 | 2 | $56.76 | $25.95 |
Gas CO2
142 kg
EV CO2
47 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Origin
Waukegan, IL
Afternoon in Waukegan on Wednesday
Local time
2:01 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Chance Rain Showers
N 5 mph
22% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 10:38AM CDT until June 3 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
Destination
Unity, IL
Afternoon in Unity on Wednesday
Local time
2:01 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
NW 1 mph
30% chance
Live forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued May 31 at 10:38AM CDT until June 3 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 47m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 55.9
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 drive is primarily on highways, with 94% of the 405.4 miles covered on them. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 266.5 miles on I 57, which makes up the bulk of the travel. The highway portion will likely feel like consistent cruising with fewer interruptions. Expect to transition from highway to surface roads closer to Unity, IL, after the long stretch on I 57.
94% 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: 266.5 mi on I 57.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.1 miles in near IL 137 / Buckley Road.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 405.4 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 4.1 miles (IL 137 / Buckley Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.2 miles (US 41 / North Skokie Highway): Lane positioning matters here; 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.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
774 ft
333 ft
Total Climb
194 ft
Total Descent
514 ft
Highest Point
774 ft
~144.8 mi in
Elevation Range
441 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Waukegan, IL
Full guide →Founded 1859
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
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 7h 47m. Total distance: 405.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 47m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 266.5 miles on I 57. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 48 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 Unity, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 48 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.1 miles (IL 137 / Buckley Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 5.2 miles (US 41 / North Skokie Highway): Lane positioning matters here; 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.
Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Unity, IL before the return drive.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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