Trip from Kincaid, IL to Waukegan, IL

Drive Time

5h 2m

Distance

251.5 mi

405 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 49m ★

6 AM

5h 2m

8 AM

5h 29m

10 AM

5h 12m

12 PM

5h 9m

3 PM

5h 13m

5 PM

5h 28m

8 PM

4h 54m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Kincaid, IL

NGUYỄN THÀNH NHƠN

Trip Overview

Traveling from Kincaid to Waukegan covers approximately 251.5 miles and typically takes around 5 hours and 2 minutes of driving time. Because this journey is manageable within a single day, you likely won't need an overnight stay, making it an efficient trip across the Illinois landscape. You will primarily navigate via US 51, IL 48, and the Tri-State Tollway to reach your destination. Expect to spend roughly $38 on fuel for the trek, which remains consistent across the Midwest region. This highway-focused route is straightforward and best suited for those looking to reach the northern part of the state without unnecessary delays.

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

125.7 miles from Kincaid, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 31m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a trip defined by its highway-focused nature, with roughly 77% of the journey spent on high-speed roads. Your stamina will be tested most significantly on US 51, where you will encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 171.2 miles. The experience shifts from the quieter, localized feel of IL 48 to the more intense, high-traffic environment of the Tri-State Tollway as you approach the Waukegan area. While the drive is efficient, the varying road types mean you should be prepared for changing traffic volumes throughout the five-hour duration.

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 171.2 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 early in the drive near Dial Street.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 251.5 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: near the start (Dial Street): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 80.8 miles (US 51): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

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

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Dial Street

Keep slight right at fork onto Dial Street

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

80.8 mi into trip | ~1h 41m 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 straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 74 West, US 51 North: Peoria, Rockford

202.9 mi into trip | ~3h 57m 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

209.6 mi into trip | ~4h 7m 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.

246.6 mi into trip | ~4h 52m 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

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

Rockford

80.8 mi in | ~1h 41m | via US 51

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 51	171.2 mi	3h 16m
Tri-State Tollway	41.8 mi	50m
IL 48	22.5 mi	25m
Springfield Street	6 mi	10m
Belvidere Road	1.9 mi	2m
Belvidere Street	1.6 mi	3m
West Park Street	1.1 mi	1m
West Springfield Road	0.9 mi	1m

Longest stretch: US 51 — 171.2 mi, about 3h 16m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on North Avenue

69 ft · 3 sec · North Avenue

Keep slight right at fork onto Dial Street

302 ft · 14 sec · Dial Street

Turn left onto Market Street

523 ft · 24 sec · Market Street

Turn left onto IL 104

6.0 mi · 10 min · Springfield Street

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto IL 29

0.9 mi · 1 min · West Springfield Road

Use the right lane.

Continue on IL 29

0.4 mi · 34 sec · North Webster Street

Turn left onto IL 29

1.1 mi · 1 min · West Park Street

Turn left onto Water Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Water Street

Turn left onto IL 48

22 mi · 25 min · IL 48

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Merge onto US 51

11 mi · 11 min · US 51

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec

Exit 141B Toward US 51 North: Bloomington

Continue on US 51

38 mi · 47 min · US 51

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 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

Given the five-hour drive time, plan to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion on the busier sections of the tollway. Since there is only one recommended stop, pace yourself by identifying a convenient location along US 51 to stretch your legs before you hit the final stretch. Keep in mind that the $38 fuel estimate is based on standard driving; however, toll fees on the Tri-State portion may add to your total transit costs, so have your payment method ready. Prioritize efficiency by checking traffic reports for the Tri-State Tollway before you leave Kincaid to ensure a smooth transition into Waukegan.

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 125.7 miles from Kincaid, IL, or about 2h 31m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 171.2 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 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 125.7 miles or 2h 31m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 3m

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 Kincaid, 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 Kincaid, IL

This is one driving day of about 251.5 miles and 5h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Kincaid, 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 171.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 125.7 mi from Kincaid, IL · 2h 31m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Normal, IL

126 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

Bloomington, IL

Fuel and coffee

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

Normal, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 125.7 miles from Kincaid, 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 171.2 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

$38.20 one way

$76.40 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 88 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$42.11	$84.22
premium	$4.80	$47.48	$94.96
diesel	$5.64	$55.87	$111.75

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

$38

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 88 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	75.5	0	$26.41	$12.07
Efficient EV	62.9	0	$22.01	$10.06
EV Truck/SUV	100.6	1	$35.21	$16.10

Gas CO2

88 kg

EV CO2

29 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 1 day ago

Origin

Kincaid, IL

Morning in Kincaid on Monday

Local time

6:35 AM

CDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waukegan, IL

Morning in Waukegan on Monday

Local time

6:35 AM

CDT

Current temp

43°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

24 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

5h 2m 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 Kincaid, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 251.5 miles and takes about 5h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are US 51, Tri-State Tollway, IL 48. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 125.7 miles from Kincaid, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.20 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.

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

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Waukegan, IL to Kincaid, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

250.7 mi 5h

Explore more options from Kincaid, IL or browse trips ending in Waukegan, IL.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.

Explore maps for Kincaid, IL or Waukegan, IL on MapSof.net.

Trip from Kincaid, 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

Kincaid, IL

Waukegan, IL

Same local time

24 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 2m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Waukegan, IL

More from Kincaid, IL

More trips to Waukegan, IL