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Trip from Monticello, IL to Waukegan, IL

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

3h 50m

Distance

193.3 mi

311 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 38m ★
6 AM
3h 50m
8 AM
4h 16m
10 AM
3h 59m
12 PM
3h 57m
3 PM
4h 1m
5 PM
4h 15m
8 PM
3h 43m

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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Downtown Monticello, IL, IL

Monticello, IL

Stéphane Tendon

Trip Overview

Embarking on this 193.3-mile journey from Monticello, IL, to Waukegan, IL, will take you approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes of driving time. This route is designed as a single-day trip, with a manageable fuel cost estimated around $30. You'll primarily be on major interstates, making it a straightforward drive through the Midwest. The road is mostly highway, so expect a consistent pace for most of your travel. This efficient route connects two points within Illinois, offering a practical way to cover the distance without extensive planning.

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

96.6 miles from Monticello, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 50m. Total distance: 193.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This drive is heavily highway-focused, with 89% of the 193.3 miles utilizing interstate travel. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 123.5 miles on I-57, offering a chance to settle into a steady rhythm. The primary arteries for this trip are I-57, I-72, and the Edens Expressway. Expect a consistent, high-speed driving environment for the majority of your travel. The character of the road remains largely the same, prioritizing efficient transit over varied scenery.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 123.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and I 72. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 17.9 miles in.

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 11 significant decision points across 193.3 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 17.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 18.2 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 145 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 points

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

5
17.9 mi into trip | ~21m in

Take the exit toward I 57 North: Chicago

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 182B Toward I 57 North: Chicago
5
18.2 mi into trip | ~22m in | I 57

Merge onto I 57

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
145 mi into trip | ~2h 44m 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
174.6 mi into trip | ~3h 24m 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
190.1 mi into trip | ~3h 43m 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 57 123.5 mi 2h 17m
I 72 15.4 mi 16m
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
Skokie Valley Road 3.4 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 123.5 mi, about 2h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on West Center Street

21 ft · 7 sec · West Center Street
2

Turn left onto IL 105

2.0 mi · 3 min · North Market Street
3

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 54 sec
Toward I-72 East: Champaign
4

Merge onto I 72

15 mi · 16 min · I 72
5

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec
Exit 182B Toward I 57 North: Chicago
6

Merge onto I 57

124 mi · 2 hr 17 min · I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Continue on I 94

3.3 mi · 4 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

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.
9

Continue on I 90; I 94

8.2 mi · 11 min · Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on I 94

14 mi · 17 min · Edens Expressway
Toward I 94 West: Milwaukee Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto US 41

3.8 mi · 4 min · Skokie Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Continue on US 41

3.4 mi · 3 min · Skokie Valley Road
13

Continue on US 41

8.2 mi · 10 min · South Skokie Highway
Use the left lane.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward IL 120 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Turn straight onto IL 120

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Belvidere Road
16

Continue on IL 120

1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
17

Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
18

Turn left onto South Jackson Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Jackson Street
19

Arrive at destination

North Jackson Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 50-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day adventure, offering plenty of flexibility. Aim for an early morning departure to maximize your day and avoid potential afternoon traffic, especially as you approach the Waukegan area. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a major change in direction is 123.5 miles on I-57; it's wise to refuel before this segment if your tank is low.

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 96.6 miles from Monticello, IL, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.5 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 43 miles or 49m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 96.6 miles or 1h 49m 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 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 Monticello, 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 Monticello, IL

This is one driving day of about 193.3 miles and 3h 50m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Monticello, 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 57 for about 123.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 96.6 mi from Monticello, IL · 1h 49m into the drive

Downtown Orland Park, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Orland Park, IL

97 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

Rantoul, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Joliet, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 96.6 miles from Monticello, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 123.5 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Pullman National Historical Park

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 ~6 min detour Free near mile 140
Caution: Road Construction Near the Park
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.22 one way

$60.44 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $33.18 $66.36
premium $4.89 $37.20 $74.40
diesel $5.61 $42.68 $85.36

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 67.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 58 0 $20.30 $9.28
Efficient EV 48.3 0 $16.91 $7.73
EV Truck/SUV 77.3 0 $27.06 $12.37

Gas CO2

68 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (66% 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

Monticello, IL

Evening in Monticello on Thursday

Local time

8:53 PM

CDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waukegan, IL

Evening in Waukegan on Thursday

Local time

8:53 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 50m 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 Monticello, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 193.3 miles and takes about 3h 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, I 72, Edens Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 96.6 miles from Monticello, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.22 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 193.3 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 17.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 18.2 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 145 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 Monticello, IL to Waukegan, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Pullman National Historical Park.

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