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Trip from Shields, IL to Waukegan, IL

Data updated 2 hours ago

Drive Time

6h 26m

Distance

305.8 mi

492 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
6h 14m ★
6 AM
6h 27m
8 AM
6h 52m
10 AM
6h 35m
12 PM
6h 33m
3 PM
6h 37m
5 PM
6h 50m
8 PM
6h 19m

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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Downtown Shields, IL, IL

Shields, IL

Fernando Cortés

Trip Overview

The drive from Shields, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 305.8 miles and takes about 6h 26m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 57, County Road 925 E, United States Route 45 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 196 miles on I 57. At current regular gas prices, budget about $47.81 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

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

152.9 miles from Shields, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 25m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

This is a 6h 26m highway drive covering 305.8 miles, with most of the trip on I 57 and County Road 925 E. The longest continuous stretch is about 196 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 38 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 196 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and County Road 925 E. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 2350 North.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 305.8 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: near the start (2350 North): Navigation decision point; at 59.1 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 257.6 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 15 key points

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

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | 2350 North

Turn right onto 2350 North

Navigation decision point

7
59.1 mi into trip | ~1h 42m 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
257.6 mi into trip | ~5h 20m 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
287.2 mi into trip | ~6h 1m 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
302.6 mi into trip | ~6h 19m 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

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Shields, IL to Waukegan, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Terre Haute along the way.

Terre Haute

57.8 mi in | ~1h 40m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 196 mi 3h 35m
County Road 925 E 16.2 mi 24m
United States Route 45 14.9 mi 22m
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
US 50 7.6 mi 8m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 196 mi, about 3h 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Shields, IL and Waukegan, IL.

1

Start on North Papertown Lane

47 ft · 4 sec · North Papertown Lane
2

Turn right onto 2350 North

0.1 mi · 25 sec · 2350 North
3

Continue on East Depeche Road

0.7 mi · 1 min · East Depeche Road
4

Continue on County Highway 15

0.5 mi · 1 min · County Highway 15
5

Continue on County Road 1450N

0.8 mi · 1 min · County Road 1450N
6

Continue on County Highway 15

0.3 mi · 49 sec · County Highway 15
7

Continue on County Road 1430N

0.2 mi · 30 sec · County Road 1430N
8

Continue on County Road 1420N

0.9 mi · 2 min · County Road 1420N
9

Turn left onto County Highway 13

3.2 mi · 7 min · County Highway 13
10

Continue on County Road 250E

4.8 mi · 11 min · County Road 250E
11

Continue on County Highway 13

2.5 mi · 6 min · County Highway 13
12

Continue on Fairfield Road

1.6 mi · 3 min · Fairfield Road
13

Continue on Fairfield Street

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Fairfield Street
14

Turn slight left onto South Main Street

0.2 mi · 31 sec · South Main Street
15

Turn right onto Front Street

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Front Street
16

Continue on Church Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · Church Street
17

Continue on Xenia Iola Road

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Xenia Iola Road
18

Turn right onto US 50

7.6 mi · 8 min · US 50
19

Turn left onto US 45

16 mi · 24 min · County Road 925 E
20

Continue on US 45

15 mi · 22 min · United States Route 45
21

Turn right onto US 40; US 45; IL 33

0.2 mi · 33 sec · West Fayette Avenue
22

Turn left onto US 45

1.7 mi · 2 min · South 3rd Street
23

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I-57 North, I-70 East: Champaign, Terre Haute
24

Merge onto I 57; I 70

0.8 mi · 55 sec · I 57; I 70
25

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.
26

Continue on I 94

3.3 mi · 4 min · Dan Ryan Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

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.
28

Continue on I 90; I 94

8.2 mi · 11 min · Kennedy Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29

Continue on I 94

14 mi · 17 min · Edens Expressway
Toward I 94 West: Milwaukee Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Keep slight left at fork onto US 41

3.8 mi · 4 min · Skokie Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31

Continue on US 41

3.4 mi · 3 min · Skokie Valley Road
32

Continue on US 41

8.2 mi · 10 min · South Skokie Highway
Use the left lane.
33

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward IL 120 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Turn straight onto IL 120

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Belvidere Road
35

Continue on IL 120

1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street
36

Turn left onto Glen Rock Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue
Use the left lane.
37

Turn left onto South Jackson Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Jackson Street
38

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 152.9 miles from Shields, IL, or about 3h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 196 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 2h 5m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 152.9 miles or 3h 25m 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 12m

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 Shields, 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 Shields, IL

This is one driving day of about 305.8 miles and 6h 26m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Shields, 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 196 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 152.9 mi from Shields, IL · 3h 25m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

153 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 152.9 miles from Shields, 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 196 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

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 253.1
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

$47.81 one way

$95.62 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 107 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $52.49 $104.98
premium $4.89 $58.85 $117.70
diesel $5.61 $67.52 $135.03

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$48

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 107 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 91.7 1 $32.11 $14.68
Efficient EV 76.5 0 $26.76 $12.23
EV Truck/SUV 122.3 1 $42.81 $19.57

Gas CO2

107 kg

EV CO2

36 kg (66% 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

Shields, IL

Evening in Shields on Tuesday

Local time

6:39 PM

CDT

Current temp

60°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Waukegan, IL

Evening in Waukegan on Tuesday

Local time

6:39 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

17 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

6h 26m 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 Shields, IL to Waukegan, IL covers 305.8 miles and takes about 6h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 57, County Road 925 E, United States Route 45. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 152.9 miles from Shields, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $47.81 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 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 is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 305.8 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: near the start (2350 North): Navigation decision point; at 59.1 miles (I 57): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 257.6 miles (I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Shields, IL to Waukegan, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Terre Haute along the way.

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