Origin
Plainfield, IL
Morning in Plainfield on Friday
Local time
9:14 AM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Plainfield, IL to Waukegan, IL
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 11m
Distance
256.9 mi
413 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$40
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 58m
★
6 AM
5h 12m
8 AM
5h 39m
10 AM
5h 21m
12 PM
5h 18m
3 PM
5h 22m
5 PM
5h 37m
8 PM
5h 4m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Plainfield, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 256.9-mile drive from Plainfield, Illinois, to Waukegan, Illinois, is a straightforward Midwest journey that can be completed in about 5 hours and 11 minutes. With 85% of the route on highways, it's a drive-focused trip that's easily manageable as a single-day excursion. The estimated fuel cost is around $40, making it an economical option for a quick getaway. You'll primarily navigate via I-57 and the Edens Expressway, with a portion on Route 130, offering a consistent and efficient travel experience. This route is perfect for those looking to cover ground without extensive detours.
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
128.5 miles from Plainfield, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 36m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 11m. Total distance: 256.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 256.9-mile trip, with 85% of the drive utilizing major expressways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 168.6 miles on I-57, which means you can settle in for some consistent mileage. While the profile is largely highway, you'll transition onto other main roads like the Edens Expressway and Route 130, offering some variation in the immediate driving environment. This route prioritizes efficient travel 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 30 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 Edens Expressway. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 36.7 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 256.9 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 36.7 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 208.7 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238.3 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
36.7 mi into trip
|
~55m in
|
I 57
Merge onto I 57
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
208.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 5m 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
238.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 46m 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
253.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 4m 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
255.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 9m 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 |
| Edens Expressway | 13.5 mi | 17m |
| Route 130 | 10 mi | 14m |
| 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 |
| North 1250th Street | 4.7 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 168.6 mi, about 3h 5m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Plainfield, IL and Waukegan, IL.
1
Start on North 1280th Street
61 ft
·
5 sec
·
North 1280th Street
2
Turn right onto North Street
0.4 mi
·
53 sec
·
North Street
3
Turn right onto IL 130
4.7 mi
·
7 min
·
North 1250th Street
4
Continue on IL 130
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
County Road 1700E
5
Continue on IL 130
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
South Haughton Highway
6
Continue on IL 130
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
1700E
7
Continue on IL 130
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
North Haughton Highway
8
Continue on IL 130
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road 1775 E
9
Continue on IL 130
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
County Road 1825 E
10
Continue on IL 130
10.0 mi
·
14 min
·
Route 130
11
Continue on IL 130
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Illinois Route 130
12
Continue on IL 130
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
18th Street
13
Turn left onto IL 16
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Lincoln Avenue
14
Continue on IL 16
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
Illinois Route 16
15
Continue on IL 16
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
·
Charleston Avenue East
16
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I-57 North: Champaign
17
Merge onto I 57
169 mi
·
3 hr 5 min
·
I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on I 94
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
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.
20
Continue on I 90; I 94
8.2 mi
·
11 min
·
Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 94
14 mi
·
17 min
·
Edens Expressway
Toward I 94 West: Milwaukee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto US 41
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Skokie Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on US 41
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Skokie Valley Road
24
Continue on US 41
8.2 mi
·
10 min
·
South Skokie Highway
Use the left lane.
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward IL 120 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn straight onto IL 120
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
Belvidere Road
27
Continue on IL 120
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Belvidere Street
28
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
29
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Jackson Street
30
Arrive at destination
North Jackson Street
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour, 11-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Plainfield to maximize your day and avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility; however, planning a break around the halfway point or before entering more congested areas is wise. The estimated fuel cost is $40, so ensure your tank is full before you set off. Given the long 168.6-mile stretch on I-57, be mindful of rest stops and fuel availability before embarking on that segment.
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 128.5 miles from Plainfield, IL, or about 2h 36m 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 57 miles or 1h 17m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 128.5 miles or 2h 36m 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 8m
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 Plainfield, 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 Plainfield, IL
This is one driving day of about 256.9 miles and 5h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Plainfield, 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 128.5 mi from Plainfield, IL · 2h 36m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
128 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 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 128.5 miles from Plainfield, 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
$40.16 one way
$80.33 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
90 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $44.10 | $88.20 |
| premium | $4.89 | $49.44 | $98.88 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $56.72 | $113.44 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 77.1 | 0 | $26.97 | $12.33 |
| Efficient EV | 64.2 | 0 | $22.48 | $10.28 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 102.8 | 1 | $35.97 | $16.44 |
Gas CO2
90 kg
EV CO2
30 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.
Destination
Waukegan, IL
Morning in Waukegan on Friday
Local time
9:14 AM
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
11 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 11m 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 Plainfield, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 256.9 miles and takes about 5h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, Edens Expressway, Route 130. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 128.5 miles from Plainfield, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $40.16 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 256.9 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 36.7 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 208.7 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238.3 miles (US 41 / Skokie Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Plainfield, IL to Waukegan, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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