Trip from Waukegan, IL to Alton, IL

Drive Time

6h 7m

Distance

315.9 mi

508 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

5h 55m ★

6 AM

6h 7m

8 AM

6h 33m

10 AM

6h 16m

12 PM

6h 14m

3 PM

6h 18m

5 PM

6h 32m

8 PM

6h 0m

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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Alton, IL

Samuele Pellegrino

Trip Overview

Spanning 315.9 miles across Illinois, this trek from Waukegan to Alton is a straightforward journey through the Midwest that typically takes about 6 hours and 7 minutes. Because the route is highway-focused, you can comfortably complete the trip in a single day, though you should budget approximately $48 for fuel. You will primarily navigate via the Tri-State Tollway, the Adlai Stevenson Expressway, and I-55. Since the drive is manageable in one stint, it works well as a direct transit route rather than a multi-day excursion. Keep in mind that while the drive is efficient, the length of the trip makes it a significant commitment for a single day behind the wheel.

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

157.9 miles from Waukegan, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 5m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a high-speed, interstate-heavy experience, as 81% of your journey takes place on major highways. You will spend much of your time on I-55, which features a longest uninterrupted stretch of 127.4 miles. This creates a rhythmic, consistent driving pace that is ideal for making good time between the northern and southern parts of the state. While the route lacks the technical challenges of winding backroads, the sheer volume of highway time means you should be prepared for a focused, steady driving environment from start to finish.

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

There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 55 is the longest continuous segment at about 127.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and Adlai Stevenson Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 18.9 miles in near I 294 / Tri-State Tollway.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 315.9 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: at 18.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 41.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 46.4 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

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

18.9 mi into trip | ~25m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare

41.6 mi into trip | ~54m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

46.4 mi into trip | ~59m in | I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

48.3 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

168.1 mi into trip | ~3h 16m in | I 55

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield

Towns Along This Route

Between Waukegan, IL and Alton, IL, road signs point toward O'hare, St. Louis, Springfield and Greenville.

O'hare

18.9 mi in | ~25m | via I 294

St. Louis

47.6 mi in | ~1h 1m

Springfield

168.1 mi in | ~3h 16m | via I 55

Greenville

295.5 mi in | ~5h 34m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 55	127.4 mi	2h 17m
Adlai Stevenson Expressway	119.4 mi	2h 13m
Tri-State Tollway	42.6 mi	51m
State Route 140	9.6 mi	13m
College Avenue	3.9 mi	6m
Belvidere Road	2.2 mi	3m
East Bethalto Drive	1.8 mi	3m
Belvidere Street	1.6 mi	3m

Longest stretch: I 55 — 127.4 mi, about 2h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on North Jackson Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Jackson Street

Turn right onto Glen Rock Avenue

0.5 mi · 1 min · Glen Rock Avenue

Turn right onto Belvidere Street

1.6 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on IL 120

2.2 mi · 3 min · Belvidere Road

Use the none lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward I 94 East Toll: Chicago

Merge onto I 94

14 mi · 15 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294

23 mi · 28 min · Tri-State Tollway

Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 294

4.8 mi · 5 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 294

1.2 mi · 1 min · Tri-State Tollway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min

Exit 23 Toward I 55: Chicago, St. Louis

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec

Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 55

119 mi · 2 hr 13 min · Adlai Stevenson Expressway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

65 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 55

Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

63 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 55

Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Toward IL 140: Alton, Greenville

Turn right onto IL 140

0.7 mi · 1 min · East State Street

Continue on IL 140

9.6 mi · 13 min · State Route 140

Continue on IL 140

1.8 mi · 3 min · East Bethalto Drive

Continue on IL 111; IL 140

1.4 mi · 2 min · East MacArthur Drive

Continue on IL 111; IL 140

1.3 mi · 2 min · West Macarthur Drive

Continue on IL 111; IL 140

3.6 mi · 6 min · College Avenue

Use the none lane.

Enter roundabout onto College Avenue

397 ft · 7 sec · College Avenue

Continue on College Avenue

0.3 mi · 27 sec · College Avenue

Turn left onto US 67

0.9 mi · 1 min · Martin Luther King Drive

Continue on US 67

0.4 mi · 36 sec · Piasa Street

Turn left onto West 3rd Street

0.1 mi · 31 sec · West 3rd Street

Turn right onto Alby Street

118 ft · 5 sec · Alby Street

Arrive at destination

Alby Street

Trip Plan

To keep your drive smooth, plan for at least one well-timed stop to break up the six-hour duration. Because you are relying heavily on major expressways, try to avoid departing during peak rush hour traffic in the Chicago area to ensure you maintain a consistent pace. With $48 estimated for fuel, consider filling up before you hit the longest 127.4-mile stretch on I-55 to avoid premium prices at isolated stops. Since this is a one-day trip, your primary advantage is flexibility; if you find yourself getting fatigued, there are plenty of exit points along the interstate to pull over and stretch your legs safely.

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 157.9 miles from Waukegan, IL, or about 3h 5m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.4 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 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 157.9 miles or 3h 5m 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 55m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alton, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL

This is one driving day of about 315.9 miles and 6h 7m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Waukegan, 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 55 for about 127.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 157.9 mi from Waukegan, IL · 3h 5m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Akron, IL

158 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

Addison, IL

Fuel and coffee

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

Akron, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 157.9 miles from Waukegan, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 127.4 miles.

Arriving in Alton, IL

The final approach into Alton, 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 Alton, 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

$47.98 one way

$95.96 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 111 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$52.89	$105.79
premium	$4.80	$59.64	$119.27
diesel	$5.64	$70.18	$140.36

Estimated Tolls: $2.55

Tri-state Tollway (42.6 mi) $2.55

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$48

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$76–$101

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 110.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $33 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	94.8	1	$33.17	$15.16
Efficient EV	79	0	$27.64	$12.64
EV Truck/SUV	126.4	1	$44.23	$20.22

Gas CO2

111 kg

EV CO2

37 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 2 days ago

Origin

Waukegan, IL

Afternoon in Waukegan on Sunday

Local time

2:56 PM

CDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alton, IL

Afternoon in Alton on Sunday

Local time

2:56 PM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

78°F

Akron, IL

158 mi in

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

14 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

6h 7m 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 Waukegan, IL to Alton, IL covers 315.9 miles and takes about 6h 7m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 55, Adlai Stevenson Expressway, Tri-State Tollway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 157.9 miles from Waukegan, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $47.98 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.

Between Waukegan, IL and Alton, IL, road signs point toward O'hare, St. Louis, Springfield and Greenville.

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Return Trip

Alton, IL to Waukegan, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

316 mi 6h 7m

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Trip from Waukegan, IL to Alton, IL

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Alton, IL

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Waukegan, IL

Alton, IL

Same local time

14 degrees warmer at arrival

6h 7m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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