Origin
Oblong, IL
Afternoon in Oblong on Thursday
Local time
4:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Oblong, IL to Waukegan, IL
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
5h 39m
Distance
275.7 mi
444 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 26m
★
6 AM
5h 39m
8 AM
6h 6m
10 AM
5h 48m
12 PM
5h 46m
3 PM
5h 50m
5 PM
6h 4m
8 PM
5h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Oblong, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 275.7-mile drive from Oblong, IL to Waukegan, IL will take approximately 5 hours and 39 minutes, making it a manageable day trip. With 87% of the journey on highways, you'll spend most of your time on I-57 and the Edens Expressway. The estimated fuel cost is around $43, and the drive is primarily within the Midwest region. This route is a straightforward highway-focused trip, ideal for getting from point A to point B efficiently. You'll encounter one recommended stop along the way, breaking up the 168.6-mile longest stretch on I-57.
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
137.8 miles from Oblong, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 53m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 39m. Total distance: 275.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 275.7-mile trip, with 87% of the route utilizing major roads like I-57 and the Edens Expressway. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 168.6 miles on I-57, so prepare for extended periods of consistent highway travel. While primarily interstate, the transition onto IL-130 and then the Edens Expressway will offer slight variations in the driving experience as you approach your destination. This profile suggests a focus on efficient travel rather than 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 22 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 168.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and IL 130. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 55.5 miles in near I 57.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 275.7 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 55.5 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 227.4 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257 miles (US 41 / Skokie Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
55.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 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
227.4 mi into trip
|
~4h 33m 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
257 mi into trip
|
~5h 13m 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
272.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 32m 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
5
274.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 36m in
|
Glen Rock Avenue
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 168.6 mi | 3h 5m |
| IL 130 | 34.1 mi | 50m |
| Edens Expressway | 13.5 mi | 17m |
| East 1050th Avenue | 12.1 mi | 18m |
| South Skokie Highway | 8.2 mi | 10m |
| Kennedy Expressway | 8.2 mi | 11m |
| Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) | 7.9 mi | 11m |
| Illinois Route 16 | 5.3 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 168.6 mi, about 3h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oblong, IL and Waukegan, IL.
1
Start on CH 1
56 ft
·
3 sec
·
North Range Street
2
Turn right onto IL 33
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
·
East Main Street
3
Continue on IL 33
12 mi
·
18 min
·
East 1050th Avenue
4
Turn right onto IL 130
34 mi
·
50 min
·
IL 130
Use the right lane.
5
Turn left onto IL 16
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Lincoln Avenue
6
Continue on IL 16
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Illinois Route 16
7
Continue on IL 16
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
·
Charleston Avenue East
8
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I-57 North: Champaign
9
Merge onto I 57
169 mi
·
3 hr 5 min
·
I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on I 94
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
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.
12
Continue on I 90; I 94
8.2 mi
·
11 min
·
Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 94
14 mi
·
17 min
·
Edens Expressway
Toward I 94 West: Milwaukee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 41
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Skokie Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on US 41
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Skokie Valley Road
16
Continue on US 41
8.2 mi
·
10 min
·
South Skokie Highway
Use the left lane.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward IL 120 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Turn straight onto IL 120
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
Belvidere Road
19
Continue on IL 120
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Belvidere Street
20
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Jackson Street
22
Arrive at destination
North Jackson Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour and 39-minute duration, starting your drive from Oblong, IL early in the morning is a good strategy to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic as you near Waukegan. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 168.6 miles on I-57, plan your breaks accordingly to stay comfortable. The estimated fuel cost of $43 is a helpful budgeting tool, and keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is wise, especially during the longer highway segments. Be aware of the Edens Expressway as you get closer to Waukegan, as it can experience significant traffic.
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 137.8 miles from Oblong, IL, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 168.6 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 61 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 137.8 miles or 2h 53m 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 31m
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 Oblong, 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 Oblong, IL
This is one driving day of about 275.7 miles and 5h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Oblong, 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 168.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 137.8 mi from Oblong, IL · 2h 53m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
138 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 61 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 137.8 miles from Oblong, 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 168.6 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
$43.10 one way
$86.21 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
97 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $47.32 | $94.65 |
| premium | $4.89 | $53.06 | $106.11 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $60.87 | $121.74 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 82.7 | 1 | $28.95 | $13.23 |
| Efficient EV | 68.9 | 0 | $24.12 | $11.03 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 110.3 | 1 | $38.60 | $17.64 |
Gas CO2
96 kg
EV CO2
32 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
Afternoon in Waukegan on Thursday
Local time
4:24 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
7 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
5h 39m 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 Oblong, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 275.7 miles and takes about 5h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, IL 130, 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 137.8 miles from Oblong, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.10 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.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 275.7 miles you will encounter 10 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 55.5 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 227.4 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257 miles (US 41 / Skokie Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Oblong, IL to Waukegan, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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