Trip from Empire, IL to Waukegan, IL

Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026

Drive Time

3h 40m

Distance

178.9 mi

288 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 28m ★

6 AM

3h 41m

8 AM

4h 6m

10 AM

3h 50m

12 PM

3h 47m

3 PM

3h 51m

5 PM

4h 5m

8 PM

3h 33m

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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Empire, IL

Claudia Solano

Trip Overview

This 178.9-mile drive from Empire, IL to Waukegan, IL is a straightforward, highway-focused journey across the Midwest that can easily be completed in a single day, taking about 3 hours and 40 minutes. You'll primarily be on I-55, the Tri-State Tollway, and I-74, with 65% of the route being highway driving. With an estimated fuel cost of $28, it’s an economical option for a quick trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 105.6 miles on I-55, so plan your stops accordingly. This route is ideal for those who prefer efficient travel and don't need extensive scenic detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

89.4 miles from Empire, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this trip, with 65% of the drive utilizing major interstates. The journey begins with a significant 105.6-mile segment on I-55, setting a fast-paced tone. As you transition to the Tri-State Tollway and I-74, the character remains largely consistent with high-speed travel, though you'll encounter more traffic as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. This route prioritizes getting you to your destination efficiently rather than offering winding backroads or extensive sightseeing opportunities.

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

There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 55 is the longest continuous segment at about 105.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Tri-State Tollway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 24.7 miles in near I 55.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 178.9 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 24.7 miles (I 55): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 131.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

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

24.7 mi into trip | ~38m in | I 55

Merge onto I 55

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

130.3 mi into trip | ~2h 36m 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

131.8 mi into trip | ~2h 39m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 294 North: Wisconsin

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 294 North: Wisconsin

137 mi into trip | ~2h 46m 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 straight / slight right lanes.

174 mi into trip | ~3h 31m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Empire, IL to Waukegan, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Downs along the way.

Downs

10.8 mi in | ~15m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 55	105.6 mi	1h 58m
Tri-State Tollway	41.8 mi	50m
I 74	9.1 mi	9m
Towanda Barnes Road	6.8 mi	10m
Towanda-Barnes Road	3 mi	4m
US 150	2 mi	2m
Belvidere Road	1.9 mi	2m
Belvidere Street	1.6 mi	3m

Longest stretch: I 55 — 105.6 mi, about 1h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on East 150 North Road

1.1 mi · 4 min · East 150 North Road

Turn left onto US 136

0.1 mi · 13 sec · East 200 North Road

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 49 sec

Toward I 74 West: Bloomington

Merge onto I 74

9.1 mi · 9 min · I 74

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec

Toward Downs

Turn right onto CR 27; CR 36

460 ft · 11 sec · East 700 North Road

Continue on CR 27; CR 36

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Seminary Street

At end of road, turn left onto US 150

2.0 mi · 2 min · US 150

Turn right onto CR 29

6.8 mi · 10 min · Towanda Barnes Road

Continue on CR 29

3.0 mi · 4 min · Towanda-Barnes Road

Continue on CR 29

0.2 mi · 40 sec · West Hely Street

Turn left onto CR 29

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Jefferson Street

Continue on CR 29

0.1 mi · 15 sec · North 1900 East Road

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec

Toward I 55 North: Joliet

Merge onto I 55

106 mi · 1 hr 58 min · I 55

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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

Merge onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

37 mi · 45 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the 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

Continue on IL 120

1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street

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

For this 3-hour and 40-minute drive, starting early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic, especially as you near Waukegan. With only one recommended stop, flexibility is key; you can choose to break up the 105.6-mile stretch on I-55 or wait until you're closer to your destination. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as major service areas can be spaced out on the interstate. The estimated fuel cost of $28 is quite reasonable, so factoring in a buffer for toll fees on the Tri-State Tollway is a practical consideration for this IL-to-IL trip.

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 89.4 miles from Empire, IL, or about 1h 50m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 105.6 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 39 miles or 54m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 89.4 miles or 1h 50m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 58m

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 Empire, 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 Empire, IL

This is one driving day of about 178.9 miles and 3h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Empire, 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 I 55 for about 105.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 89.4 mi from Empire, IL · 1h 50m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Joliet, IL

89 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

El Paso, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Joliet, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 89.4 miles from Empire, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 105.6 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

$27.97 one way

$55.94 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$30.71	$61.42
premium	$4.89	$34.43	$68.86
diesel	$5.61	$39.50	$79.00

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

$28

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 62.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	53.7	$18.78	$8.59
Efficient EV	44.7	$15.65	$7.16
EV Truck/SUV	71.6	$25.05	$11.45

Gas CO2

63 kg

EV CO2

21 kg (67% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Empire, IL

Afternoon in Empire on Wednesday

Local time

4:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waukegan, IL

Afternoon in Waukegan on Wednesday

Local time

4:21 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

9 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

3h 40m 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 Empire, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 178.9 miles and takes about 3h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 55, Tri-State Tollway, I 74. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 89.4 miles from Empire, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.97 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

On the drive from Empire, IL to Waukegan, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Downs along the way.

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Trip from Empire, IL to Waukegan, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Empire, IL

Waukegan, IL

Same local time

9 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 40m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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