Origin
Mount Pleasant, IL
Morning in Mount Pleasant on Monday
Local time
11:48 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Mount Pleasant, IL to Waukegan, IL
Drive Time
7h 17m
Distance
384.6 mi
619 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$58
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 7m
★
6 AM
7h 17m
8 AM
7h 39m
10 AM
7h 25m
12 PM
7h 23m
3 PM
7h 26m
5 PM
7h 37m
8 PM
7h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mount Pleasant, IL
fish socks
Trip Overview
The drive from Mount Pleasant, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 384.6 miles and takes about 7h 17m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 57, Ken Gray Expressway, Edens Expressway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 195.2 miles on I 57. At current regular gas prices, budget about $58.42 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
192.3 miles from Mount Pleasant, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 32m into the drive .
Drive Character
This is a 7h 17m highway drive covering 384.6 miles, with most of the trip on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. The longest continuous stretch is about 195.2 miles on I 57.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 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 195.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near IL 146 / 750N.
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 384.6 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 0.6 miles (IL 146 / 750N): Navigation decision point; at 137.8 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 336.4 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
0.6 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
IL 146 / 750N
At end of road, turn right onto IL 146 / 750N
Navigation decision point
7
137.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m in
|
I 57
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 North: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
8
336.4 mi into trip
|
~6h 11m 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
366 mi into trip
|
~6h 51m 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
381.4 mi into trip
|
~7h 10m 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 | 195.2 mi | 3h 34m |
| Ken Gray Expressway | 133 mi | 2h 23m |
| 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
— 195.2 mi, about 3h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mount Pleasant, IL and Waukegan, IL.
1
Start on Mt Pleasant Road
0.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Mt Pleasant Road
2
At end of road, turn right onto IL 146
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
750N
3
Continue on IL 146
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
740N
4
Continue on IL 146
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
745N
5
Continue on IL 146
0.3 mi
·
22 sec
·
750N
6
Continue on IL 146
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
765N
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
8
Merge onto I 57
66 mi
·
1 hr 10 min
·
Ken Gray Expressway
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 57
67 mi
·
1 hr 12 min
·
Ken Gray Expressway
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 57
195 mi
·
3 hr 34 min
·
I 57
Toward I 57 North: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 94
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
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.
13
Continue on I 90; I 94
8.2 mi
·
11 min
·
Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 94
14 mi
·
17 min
·
Edens Expressway
Toward I 94 West: Milwaukee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto US 41
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Skokie Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 41
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Skokie Valley Road
17
Continue on US 41
8.2 mi
·
10 min
·
South Skokie Highway
Use the left lane.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward IL 120 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto IL 120
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
Belvidere Road
20
Continue on IL 120
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Belvidere Street
21
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Jackson Street
23
Arrive at destination
North Jackson Street
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 192.3 miles from Mount Pleasant, IL, or about 3h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 195.2 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 85 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 192.3 miles or 3h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 57m
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 Mount Pleasant, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Mount Pleasant, IL
This is one driving day of about 384.6 miles and 7h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 85 miles from Mount Pleasant, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 57 for about 195.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 192.3 mi from Mount Pleasant, IL · 3h 32m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
192 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 85 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 192.3 miles from Mount Pleasant, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 195.2 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
$58.42 one way
$116.83 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
135 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $64.40 | $128.80 |
| premium | $4.80 | $72.60 | $145.21 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $85.44 | $170.89 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$58
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 134.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 115.4 | 1 | $40.38 | $18.46 |
| Efficient EV | 96.2 | 1 | $33.65 | $15.38 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 153.8 | 1 | $53.84 | $24.61 |
Gas CO2
135 kg
EV CO2
45 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Morning in Waukegan on Monday
Local time
11:48 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
15 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
7h 17m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Mount Pleasant, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 384.6 miles and takes about 7h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, Ken Gray Expressway, 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 192.3 miles from Mount Pleasant, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $58.42 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 384.6 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 0.6 miles (IL 146 / 750N): Navigation decision point; at 137.8 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 336.4 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 Mount Pleasant, IL to Waukegan, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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