Trip from Assumption, IL to Waukegan, IL

Drive Time

4h 49m

Distance

239 mi

385 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 36m ★

6 AM

4h 50m

8 AM

5h 17m

10 AM

4h 59m

12 PM

4h 56m

3 PM

5h 1m

5 PM

5h 15m

8 PM

4h 42m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Assumption, IL

Stéphane Tendon

Trip Overview

Traveling from Assumption to Waukegan covers approximately 239 miles across the Illinois landscape. You should plan for about 4 hours and 49 minutes of total drive time, making this a manageable journey to complete in a single day. Since the route is highway-focused, you can expect a fairly efficient trip with an estimated fuel cost of around $36. Whether you are heading north for business or a change of scenery, the drive stays entirely within the Midwest region. While it is certainly possible to push through in one go, having the flexibility to add a stop helps break up the pace of the transit.

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

119.5 miles from Assumption, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 26m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip is defined by its focus on highway travel, which accounts for 61% of your total time on the road. You will spend a significant portion of the journey on US 51, including a long, uninterrupted stretch of 142 miles that requires steady focus. As you transition onto the Tri-State Tollway and eventually North Water Street, the character of the drive shifts from open highway cruising to more structured transit. Expect a mix of fast-paced corridors that demand consistent attention behind the wheel. The route offers a straightforward, functional experience that prioritizes efficiency over technical, winding backroads.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

US 51 is the longest continuous segment at about 142 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 around 68.3 miles in near US 51.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 239 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 68.3 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 192 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

68.3 mi into trip | ~1h 28m 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 none lane. Toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, Rockford

190.4 mi into trip | ~3h 45m 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

192 mi into trip | ~3h 48m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 294 North: Wisconsin

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin

197.2 mi into trip | ~3h 55m 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 none / straight / slight right lanes.

234.2 mi into trip | ~4h 40m 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

Towns Along This Route

Between Assumption, IL and Waukegan, IL, road signs point toward Decatur and Rockford.

Decatur

21.2 mi in | ~26m

Rockford

68.3 mi in | ~1h 28m | via US 51

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 51	142 mi	2h 39m
Tri-State Tollway	41.8 mi	50m
North Water Street	27.4 mi	36m
North 1450 East Road	14.7 mi	17m
South Business Route 51	2.6 mi	3m
Belvidere Road	1.9 mi	2m
Belvidere Street	1.6 mi	3m
South Franklin Street	1.6 mi	2m

Longest stretch: US 51 — 142 mi, about 2h 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Assumption, IL and Waukegan, IL.

Start on East 1st Street

105 ft · 10 sec · East 1st Street

Turn left onto North Oak Street

0.2 mi · 51 sec · North Oak Street

At end of road, turn right onto East 1200 North Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · East 1200 North Road

Continue on County Highway 6

0.2 mi · 25 sec · County Highway 6

Turn right onto US 51

0.5 mi · 47 sec · North 2600 East Road

Continue on US 51

20 mi · 22 min · US 51

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward Decatur

Keep slight right at fork

144 ft · 3 sec

Toward Decatur

Turn straight onto US 51 Business

2.6 mi · 3 min · South Business Route 51

Continue on US 51 Business

0.1 mi · 19 sec · South Main Street

Continue on US 51 Business

1.6 mi · 2 min · South Franklin Street

Continue on US 51 Business

27 mi · 36 min · North Water Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 51

15 mi · 17 min · North 1450 East Road

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit onto US 51

122 mi · 2 hr 16 min · US 51

Toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, Rockford Use the none lane.

Take the exit

1.6 mi · 3 min

Exit 277A Toward I 294 Tollway North: Wisconsin Use the right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec

Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin Use the none lane.

Merge onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

37 mi · 45 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec

Exit 11A Toward IL 120 East: Belvidere Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto IL 120

1.9 mi · 2 min · Belvidere Road

Use the none lane.

Continue on IL 120

1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto South Jackson Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Jackson Street

Arrive at destination

North Jackson Street

Trip Plan

To keep your trip smooth, aim to depart early in the morning to avoid potential traffic bottlenecks as you approach the Waukegan area. With only one recommended stop planned, try to time your break around the midpoint of the 239-mile trek to rest your eyes after that long 142-mile stretch on US 51. Since you will be navigating major thoroughfares like the Tri-State Tollway, ensure you have your toll payment method ready to prevent any delays. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Assumption, as the $36 budget is a solid estimate but can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency. This route is all about pacing, so be prepared to adjust your speed as you move from rural highway sections into more populated zones.

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 119.5 miles from Assumption, IL, or about 2h 26m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142 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 80 miles or 1h 41m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 119.5 miles or 2h 26m 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 53m

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 Assumption, 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 Assumption, IL

This is one driving day of about 239 miles and 4h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Assumption, 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 142 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 119.5 mi from Assumption, IL · 2h 26m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Akron, IL

120 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

Akron, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Akron, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 119.5 miles from Assumption, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 51 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 142 miles.

Arriving in Waukegan, IL

The final approach into Waukegan, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Waukegan, IL.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.30 one way

$72.60 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 84 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$40.02	$80.04
premium	$4.80	$45.12	$90.24
diesel	$5.64	$53.10	$106.20

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

$36

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 83.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	71.7	0	$25.10	$11.47
Efficient EV	59.8	0	$20.91	$9.56
EV Truck/SUV	95.6	1	$33.46	$15.30

Gas CO2

84 kg

EV CO2

28 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Assumption, IL

Evening in Assumption on Sunday

Local time

7:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waukegan, IL

Evening in Waukegan on Sunday

Local time

7:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

78°F

Akron, IL

120 mi in

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

4h 49m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Assumption, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 239 miles and takes about 4h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 51, Tri-State Tollway, North Water Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 119.5 miles from Assumption, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.30 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Assumption, IL and Waukegan, IL, road signs point toward Decatur and Rockford.

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Return Trip

Waukegan, IL to Assumption, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

237.1 mi 4h 46m

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Trip from Assumption, IL to Waukegan, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Waukegan, IL

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Assumption, IL

Waukegan, IL

Same local time

12 degrees cooler at arrival

4h 49m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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