Origin
Bourbonnais, IL
Evening in Bourbonnais on Wednesday
Local time
7:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Bourbonnais, IL to Waukegan, IL
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 7m
Distance
96.4 mi
155 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 59m
★
6 AM
2h 8m
8 AM
2h 26m
10 AM
2h 14m
12 PM
2h 12m
3 PM
2h 15m
5 PM
2h 25m
8 PM
2h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bourbonnais, IL
Pierre Blaché
Trip Overview
This 96.4-mile drive from Bourbonnais, IL, to Waukegan, IL, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes to complete. You'll primarily be on interstate highways, making it a straightforward trip through the Midwest. With an estimated fuel cost of $15, this route is an economical option for a quick journey. It's a highway-focused experience, perfect for those who prefer to cover ground efficiently. Plan for a direct transit rather than an extended exploration, given the relatively short distance and focus on main roads.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
48.2 miles from Bourbonnais, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 1m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-intensive experience on this route, with 76% of the drive utilizing major interstates like I-57 and the Edens Expressway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 39.6 miles on I-57, offering a consistent pace. While predominantly a high-speed journey, the transition onto South Skokie Highway will introduce a different road character as you approach your destination. The overall profile is that of a functional, efficient transit, prioritizing speed and directness over winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 57 is the longest continuous segment at about 39.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Edens Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near IL 102 / Main Street Northwest.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 96.4 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 0.4 miles (IL 102 / Main Street Northwest): Navigation decision point; at 4.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 48.2 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
IL 102 / Main Street Northwest
At end of road, turn right onto IL 102 / Main Street Northwest
Navigation decision point
5
4.8 mi into trip
|
~9m in
Take the ramp toward I-57 North: Chicago
Navigation decision point
Toward I-57 North: Chicago
8
48.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m 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
77.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m 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
93.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m 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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 39.6 mi | 47m |
| 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 |
| Skokie Highway | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| North Convent Street | 3.4 mi | 5m |
| Skokie Valley Road | 3.4 mi | 3m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 39.6 mi, about 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bourbonnais, IL and Waukegan, IL.
1
Start on Olde Oak Drive
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Olde Oak Drive
2
At end of road, turn right onto IL 102
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Main Street Northwest
3
Turn left onto East Marsile Street
0.3 mi
·
31 sec
·
East Marsile Street
4
Continue on US 45; US 52
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
North Convent Street
5
Turn right onto Bourbonnais Parkway
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Bourbonnais Parkway
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I-57 North: Chicago
7
Merge onto I 57
40 mi
·
47 min
·
I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 94
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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 Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 90; I 94
8.2 mi
·
11 min
·
Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 94
14 mi
·
17 min
·
Edens Expressway
Toward I 94 West: Milwaukee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 41
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Skokie Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on US 41
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Skokie Valley Road
14
Continue on US 41
8.2 mi
·
10 min
·
South Skokie Highway
Use the left lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward IL 120 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto IL 120
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
Belvidere Road
17
Continue on IL 120
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Belvidere Street
18
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
19
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Jackson Street
20
Arrive at destination
North Jackson Street
Trip Plan
Given this drive's 2-hour duration, it's easily manageable in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. You won't need to plan for overnight stops, and with no specific stops listed, you can decide on breaks as needed. Keep an eye on traffic, especially as you approach the Chicagoland area on the Edens Expressway, as congestion can impact your 2-hour estimate. The $15 fuel cost is a good budget point, but always check your gauge before heading out, particularly before embarking on the 39.6-mile stretch on I-57.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 48.2 miles from Bourbonnais, IL, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 39.6 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 21 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.2 miles or 1h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 43m
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 Bourbonnais, 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 Bourbonnais, IL
This is one driving day of about 96.4 miles and 2h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Bourbonnais, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 57 for about 39.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 48.2 mi from Bourbonnais, IL · 1h 1m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
48 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 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 48.2 miles from Bourbonnais, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.07 one way
$30.14 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $16.55 | $33.09 |
| premium | $4.89 | $18.55 | $37.10 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.28 | $42.57 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 28.9 | 0 | $10.12 | $4.63 |
| Efficient EV | 24.1 | 0 | $8.44 | $3.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 38.6 | 0 | $13.50 | $6.17 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Waukegan, IL
Evening in Waukegan on Wednesday
Local time
7:18 PM
CDT
Current temp
62°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
11 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
2h 7m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Bourbonnais, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 96.4 miles and takes about 2h 7m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, Edens Expressway, South Skokie Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 48.2 miles from Bourbonnais, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.07 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 96.4 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (IL 102 / Main Street Northwest): Navigation decision point; at 4.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 48.2 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Bourbonnais, IL to Waukegan, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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