Trip from Waukegan, IL to Cambria, IL

Drive Time

6h 55m

Distance

362.3 mi

583 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$55

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min

4 AM

6h 44m ★

6 AM

6h 55m

8 AM

7h 18m

10 AM

7h 3m

12 PM

7h 1m

3 PM

7h 4m

5 PM

7h 17m

8 PM

6h 48m

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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Cambria, IL

Mike Tyurin

Trip Overview

Traveling from Waukegan to Cambria covers 362.3 miles across Illinois, bridging the northern and southern reaches of the state. You should plan for a total drive time of approximately 6 hours and 55 minutes, making it a long but manageable day trip if you get an early start. With a fuel budget of about $55, this journey is a straightforward trek through the heart of the Midwest. Because 92% of the route consists of highway driving, you will spend most of your time on major corridors like the Edens Expressway and I-57. Whether you prefer to power through in one day or break it up with an overnight stay, this trip is built for efficiency rather than leisure.

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

181.2 miles from Waukegan, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 31m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a classic interstate-focused experience as you navigate this route. You will spend the vast majority of your time on high-speed roads, with a significant 266.5-mile stretch occurring entirely on I-57. The drive transitions from the denser traffic patterns near the Edens Expressway in the north to the more open, consistent pace of the Ken Gray Expressway as you head south. Because the route is 92% highway-based, the character of the drive is utilitarian and fast-paced. You should be prepared for a steady, monotonous pace that prioritizes direct travel over winding local backroads.

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

There are about 23 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 266.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and Ken Gray Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near South Lewis Avenue.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 362.3 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 1.2 miles (South Lewis Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.1 miles (IL 137 / Buckley Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 42.2 miles (I 90; 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 12 key points

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

1.2 mi into trip | ~3m in | South Lewis Avenue

Turn left onto South Lewis Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

4.1 mi into trip | ~8m in | IL 137 / Buckley Road

Turn right onto IL 137 / Buckley Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

42.2 mi into trip | ~56m in | I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94 / Dan Ryan Expressway (Express) toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express

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

Use the none lane. Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express

51 mi into trip | ~1h 8m in | I 57

Keep slight right at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 South: Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 63 Toward I 57 South: Memphis

251.8 mi into trip | ~4h 49m in | I 57

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57 toward I 57 South: Memphis

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 57 South: Memphis

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 57	266.5 mi	4h 51m
Ken Gray Expressway	32.7 mi	35m
Edens Expressway	13.7 mi	17m
Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)	8.8 mi	11m
Kennedy Expressway	8.1 mi	11m
Herrin Road	6.6 mi	9m
North Skokie Highway	5.6 mi	6m
Skokie Highway	3.8 mi	4m

Longest stretch: I 57 — 266.5 mi, about 4h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Waukegan, IL and Cambria, 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

0.3 mi · 33 sec · Belvidere Street

Turn left onto South Lewis Avenue

2.9 mi · 5 min · South Lewis Avenue

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto IL 137

1.1 mi · 1 min · Buckley Road

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto US 41

5.6 mi · 6 min · North Skokie Highway

Use the left lane.

Continue on US 41

3.4 mi · 3 min · Skokie Valley Road

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 41

3.8 mi · 4 min · Skokie Highway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 94; US 41

14 mi · 17 min · Edens Expressway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 90; I 94

8.1 mi · 11 min · Kennedy Expressway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 90; I 94

2.4 mi · 2 min · Dan Ryan Expressway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 90; I 94

8.8 mi · 11 min · Dan Ryan Expressway (Express)

Toward I 90 Express, I 94 Express Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 57

201 mi · 3 hr 40 min · I 57

Exit 63 Toward I 57 South: Memphis Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 57

66 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 57

Toward I 57 South: Memphis

Keep slight right at fork onto I 57

33 mi · 35 min · Ken Gray Expressway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Toward Johnston City, Herrin

Turn right onto Herrin Road

3.1 mi · 4 min · Herrin Road

Continue on East Herrin Street

3.1 mi · 5 min · East Herrin Street

Continue on Herrin Road

3.5 mi · 5 min · Herrin Road

Enter roundabout onto Cambria Road

221 ft · 4 sec · Cambria Road

Continue on Cambria Road

0.5 mi · 48 sec · Cambria Road

Continue on North Maple Street

1.5 mi · 2 min · North Maple Street

Arrive at destination

South Maple Street

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour and 55-minute duration, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and potential traffic delays. You are limited to one recommended stop along the way, so choose your break point strategically to maximize your energy during that long 266.5-mile stretch on I-57. Budgeting $55 for fuel should keep you covered, but keep an eye on your tank levels before hitting the longer interstate segments where service stations may be spaced further apart. Since this is a highway-heavy route, maintaining a steady speed will help you manage your fuel efficiency effectively. Take advantage of the flexibility this single-day trip offers by keeping your stops brief and purposeful.

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 181.2 miles from Waukegan, IL, or about 3h 31m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 266.5 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 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 181.2 miles or 3h 31m 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 44m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cambria, 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 362.3 miles and 6h 55m.

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 57 for about 266.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 181.2 mi from Waukegan, IL · 3h 31m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Champaign, IL

181 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.

Popular next leg

Champaign, IL to Cambria, IL

191.6 mi · 3h 36m

Pacing Suggestions

Orland Park, 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 181.2 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 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 266.5 miles.

Arriving in Cambria, IL

The final approach into Cambria, 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 Cambria, 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

$55.03 one way

$110.06 round trip

$3.86/gal 25.4 MPG avg 127 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.25	$60.66	$121.33
premium	$4.80	$68.39	$136.79
diesel	$5.64	$80.49	$160.98

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$55

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$80–$105

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 126.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $38 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	108.7	1	$38.04	$17.39
Efficient EV	90.6	1	$31.70	$14.49
EV Truck/SUV	144.9	1	$50.72	$23.19

Gas CO2

127 kg

EV CO2

42 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 3 days ago

Origin

Waukegan, IL

Evening in Waukegan on Sunday

Local time

5:36 PM

CDT

Current temp

43°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cambria, IL

Evening in Cambria on Sunday

Local time

5:36 PM

CDT

Current temp

79°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

36 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 55m 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 Cambria, IL covers 362.3 miles and takes about 6h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 57, Ken Gray Expressway, Edens Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 181.2 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 $55.03 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.

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

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Return Trip

Cambria, IL to Waukegan, IL

Plan the drive back the other way.

363.1 mi 6h 56m

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Trip from Waukegan, IL to Cambria, 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 Cambria, IL

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Waukegan, IL

Cambria, IL

Same local time

36 degrees warmer at arrival

6h 55m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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