Sterling, Illinois to Waukegan: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Sterling, Illinois from Waukegan?

The distance from Sterling, Illinois to Waukegan is 102.9 miles (165.6 km) as the crow flies. Waukegan is located ENE of Sterling, Illinois. By car, the driving distance is approximately 128.6 miles, taking about 2h 35min. A direct flight would take roughly 42min. Both are located in United States.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Sterling, Illinois and Waukegan. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.