Origin
Savoy, IL
Late night in Savoy on Friday
Local time
12:40 AM
CDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Savoy, IL to Waukegan, IL
Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology
Drive Time
3h 39m
Distance
182.4 mi
293 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 27m
★
6 AM
3h 39m
8 AM
4h 4m
10 AM
3h 48m
12 PM
3h 45m
3 PM
3h 49m
5 PM
4h 3m
8 PM
3h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Savoy, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 182.4-mile drive from Savoy, IL to Waukegan, IL will take you about 3 hours and 39 minutes, making it a perfectly manageable single-day trip. The route is largely highway-focused, with 88% of the journey on major roads like I-57 and the Edens Expressway. You can expect a fuel cost of around $29 for this trip through the Midwest. With only one planned stop, this is a straightforward journey ideal for getting from point A to point B efficiently. It's a solid option if you're looking for a direct and uncomplicated drive within Illinois.
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
91.2 miles from Savoy, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 39m. Total distance: 182.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 88% of the drive utilizing major expressways. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-57, including the longest uninterrupted stretch of 126.7 miles. As you transition to the Edens Expressway and South Skokie Highway, the road character remains largely consistent with high-speed driving conditions. This isn't a route for leisurely sightseeing; it's designed for efficient travel, keeping you moving at a good pace for most of the 3 hours and 39 minutes.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 126.7 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 3.8 miles in.
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 182.4 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 3.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.1 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.1 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 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
3.8 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the ramp toward I 57 North: Kankakee
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 57 North: Kankakee
5
4.1 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
I 57
Merge onto I 57
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
134.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 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
163.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 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
179.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 57 | 126.7 mi | 2h 20m |
| 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 |
| Dan Ryan Expressway | 3.3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 57
— 126.7 mi, about 2h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Savoy, IL and Waukegan, IL.
1
Start on this road
112 ft
·
12 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto US 45
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Dunlap Avenue
3
Turn left onto West Curtis Road
2.8 mi
·
5 min
·
West Curtis Road
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 57 North: Kankakee
Use the right lane.
5
Merge onto I 57
127 mi
·
2 hr 20 min
·
I 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 94
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
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.
8
Continue on I 90; I 94
8.2 mi
·
11 min
·
Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 94
14 mi
·
17 min
·
Edens Expressway
Toward I 94 West: Milwaukee
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 41
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Skokie Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on US 41
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Skokie Valley Road
12
Continue on US 41
8.2 mi
·
10 min
·
South Skokie Highway
Use the left lane.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward IL 120 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Turn straight onto IL 120
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
Belvidere Road
15
Continue on IL 120
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Belvidere Street
16
Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
17
Turn left onto South Jackson Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Jackson Street
18
Arrive at destination
North Jackson Street
Trip Plan
For this 182.4-mile drive, it's best to get an early start to avoid any potential traffic, especially as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area on the Edens Expressway. The longest stretch without a designated stop is over 126 miles on I-57, so plan your fuel and restroom breaks accordingly. With an estimated fuel cost of $29 and a duration under 4 hours, this trip is easily completed in one day, so you have flexibility in your departure time. Keep an eye on traffic conditions as you get closer to Waukegan, as congestion can be a factor.
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 91.2 miles from Savoy, IL, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 126.7 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 40 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.2 miles or 1h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 55m
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 Savoy, 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 Savoy, IL
This is one driving day of about 182.4 miles and 3h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Savoy, 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 126.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 91.2 mi from Savoy, IL · 1h 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
91 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 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 91.2 miles from Savoy, 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 126.7 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
$28.52 one way
$57.03 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
64 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $31.31 | $62.62 |
| premium | $4.89 | $35.10 | $70.20 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $40.27 | $80.54 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 63.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 54.7 | 0 | $19.15 | $8.76 |
| Efficient EV | 45.6 | 0 | $15.96 | $7.30 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 73 | 0 | $25.54 | $11.67 |
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Waukegan, IL
Late night in Waukegan on Friday
Local time
12:40 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
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 39m 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 Savoy, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 182.4 miles and takes about 3h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, Edens Expressway, South Skokie Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 91.2 miles from Savoy, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.52 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 182.4 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 3.8 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 4.1 miles (I 57): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 134.1 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 Savoy, IL to Waukegan, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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