Trip from Robinson, IL to Waukegan, IL

Data updated 4 hours ago

Drive Time

5h 54m

Distance

284.9 mi

459 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$45

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

23 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

5h 41m ★

6 AM

5h 54m

8 AM

6h 20m

10 AM

6h 3m

12 PM

6h 1m

3 PM

6h 5m

5 PM

6h 19m

8 PM

5h 46m

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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Robinson, IL

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Trip Overview

Embarking from Robinson, Illinois, to Waukegan, Illinois, this 284.9-mile journey is best suited for a single day of driving, taking approximately 5 hours and 54 minutes. The route is predominantly focused on highway travel, with 85% of the drive utilizing major roads like I-57 and IL-130. With an estimated fuel cost of $45, this trip offers a straightforward path through the heart of the Midwest. You'll experience a consistent pace for most of the drive, making it a manageable trip for those looking to cover ground efficiently.

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

142.5 miles from Robinson, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 3m into the drive .

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Drive Character

This drive is largely highway-focused, with 85% of the route comprising faster roads. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-57, which forms the longest uninterrupted stretch of 168.6 miles. While there are some segments on IL-130 and East 1050th Avenue, the overall character remains that of a steady highway cruise. Expect consistent speeds and minimal slowdowns for most of the 5-hour and 54-minute duration, offering a predictable driving experience.

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

There are about 25 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 64.7 miles in near I 57.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 284.9 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 64.7 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 236.7 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 266.2 miles (US 41 / Skokie Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 10 key points

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

64.7 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in | I 57

Merge onto I 57

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

236.7 mi into trip | ~4h 48m 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...

266.2 mi into trip | ~5h 28m 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.

281.7 mi into trip | ~5h 47m 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

283.9 mi into trip | ~5h 51m 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
East 1050th Avenue	19 mi	28m
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
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 Robinson, IL and Waukegan, IL.

Start on Douglas Street

190 ft · 15 sec · Douglas Street

Turn left onto IL 33

1.7 mi · 3 min · East Main Street

Continue on IL 33

6.9 mi · 10 min · East 1050th Avenue

Continue on IL 33

0.6 mi · 57 sec · W Main St

Continue on IL 33

0.5 mi · 44 sec · East Main Street

Continue on IL 33

12 mi · 18 min · East 1050th Avenue

Turn right onto IL 130

34 mi · 50 min · IL 130

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto IL 16

2.5 mi · 4 min · Lincoln Avenue

Continue on IL 16

5.3 mi · 7 min · Illinois Route 16

Continue on IL 16

0.4 mi · 38 sec · Charleston Avenue East

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward I-57 North: Champaign

Merge onto I 57

169 mi · 3 hr 5 min · I 57

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 94

3.3 mi · 4 min · Dan Ryan Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Continue on I 90; I 94

8.2 mi · 11 min · Kennedy Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 94

14 mi · 17 min · Edens Expressway

Toward I 94 West: Milwaukee Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 41

3.8 mi · 4 min · Skokie Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on US 41

3.4 mi · 3 min · Skokie Valley Road

Continue on US 41

8.2 mi · 10 min · South Skokie Highway

Use the left lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Toward IL 120 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto IL 120

0.3 mi · 33 sec · 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 5-hour and 54-minute duration, starting your trip from Robinson, IL, in the morning is advisable to arrive in Waukegan with ample daylight. Plan for one main stop to break up the 284.9 miles, perhaps around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 168.6-mile stretch on I-57 where services might be less frequent. The $45 fuel estimate should cover your needs, but it’s always wise to top off before heading out.

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 142.5 miles from Robinson, IL, or about 3h 3m 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 80 miles or 1h 54m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 142.5 miles or 3h 3m 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 44m

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 Robinson, 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 Robinson, IL

This is one driving day of about 284.9 miles and 5h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Robinson, 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 142.5 mi from Robinson, IL · 3h 3m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Joliet, IL

142 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

Champaign, IL

Fuel and coffee

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

Champaign, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 142.5 miles from Robinson, 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 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 235.8

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

$44.54 one way

$89.08 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$48.90	$97.81
premium	$4.89	$54.83	$109.65
diesel	$5.61	$62.90	$125.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$45

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$70–$95

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 99.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

23 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

County Market - Tesla Supercharger

Champaign, IL

Tesla

12 DCFC

Meijer - Tesla Supercharger

Bradley, IL

Tesla

12 DCFC

Gilman, IL Rechargery Relay - US-24

Gilman, IL

IONNA

10 DCFC

Meijer - Tesla Supercharger

Champaign, IL

Tesla

8 DCFC

K & H Travel Plaza - Tesla Supercharger

Gilman, IL

Tesla

8 DCFC

Meijer 146 (Champaign, IL)

Champaign, IL

Electrify America

6 DCFC

Meijer 301 (Bradley, IL)

Bradley, IL

Electrify America

6 DCFC

Jack Flash 630 Springfield

Arcola, IL

RED_E

4 DCFC

ChargePoint Network: 6 Tesla: 4 Blink Network: 2 RED_E: 2 Electrify America: 2 EV Connect: 1 Non-Networked: 1 UNIVERSAL: 1 FORD_CHARGE: 1 CIRCLE_K: 1 eVgo Network: 1 IONNA: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	85.5	1	$29.91	$13.68
Efficient EV	71.2	0	$24.93	$11.40
EV Truck/SUV	114	1	$39.89	$18.23

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

33 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.

Forecast data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Robinson, IL

Evening in Robinson on Tuesday

Local time

8:26 PM

CDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waukegan, IL

Evening in Waukegan on Tuesday

Local time

8:26 PM

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

16 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 54m 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 Robinson, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 284.9 miles and takes about 5h 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 57, IL 130, East 1050th Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 142.5 miles from Robinson, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.54 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.

The route from Robinson, IL to Waukegan, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Trip from Robinson, IL to Waukegan, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Waukegan, IL

National Parks Near This Route

Pullman National Historical Park

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Robinson, IL

Waukegan, IL

Same local time

16 degrees cooler at arrival

5h 54m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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