Waukegan travel guide

Waukegan Tourism | Waukegan Guide

You're Going to Love Waukegan

With a population of 89 078, Waukegan is a must-see destination in Illinois, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Waukegan has to offer.

Where to Eat in Waukegan

If you’re looking for affordable options, Asia-Azteca at American Place Casino (4011 Fountain Square Pl) and Ikigai Sushi (550 N Green Bay Rd) are great picks.

When to visit Waukegan

Waukegan in March
Estimated hotel price
$97
1 night at 3-star hotel
Waukegan in March
Estimated hotel price
$97
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Waukegan

Plane

Although Waukegan doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Chicago All airports (CHI), which is located 56 km from Waukegan. The shortest domestic flight to Waukegan departs from Boston and takes around 2h 52m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Waukegan. The train journey from Waukegan to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $20 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from South Bend, expect to pay about $32 for a 1h 54m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Waukegan is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 57 km from Waukegan. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Waukegan, including Amtrak, Tornado Bus and Greyhound. From Champaign, the bus ride to Waukegan takes 217 km and will cost you around $115. From Monona, the ticket costs about $86 for a journey of 338 km.

Plane

Although Waukegan doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Chicago All airports (CHI), which is located 56 km from Waukegan. The shortest domestic flight to Waukegan departs from Boston and takes around 2h 52m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Waukegan. The train journey from Waukegan to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $20 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from South Bend, expect to pay about $32 for a 1h 54m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Waukegan is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 57 km from Waukegan. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Waukegan, including Amtrak, Tornado Bus and Greyhound. From Champaign, the bus ride to Waukegan takes 217 km and will cost you around $115. From Monona, the ticket costs about $86 for a journey of 338 km.

Airports near Waukegan

Airlines serving Waukegan

Lufthansa
Good (4,676 reviews)
KLM
Good (842 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,646 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,574 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,597 reviews)
Air France
Good (983 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,108 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,423 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,990 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (6,009 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (838 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,754 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,574 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,547 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,359 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (740 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (774 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (486 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,321 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Waukegan

Most booked hotels in Waukegan

Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 525 reviews)
$117+
Wingate by Wyndham Gurnee
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 447 reviews)
$82+
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 298 reviews)
$144+
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 140 reviews)
$207+
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North-Waukegan-Gurnee
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 584 reviews)
$129+
Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago Waukegan
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 588 reviews)
$107+

Renting a car in Waukegan

Renting a car in Waukegan costs $60 per day, on average, or $179 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 13% cheaper than airport locations in Waukegan.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Waukegan (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Waukegan is Full-size (Ford Mustang Convertible or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard rental cars (Jeep Grand Cherokee or similar) are, on average, 66% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Waukegan costs $60 per day, on average, or $179 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 13% cheaper than airport locations in Waukegan.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Waukegan (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Waukegan is Full-size (Ford Mustang Convertible or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard rental cars (Jeep Grand Cherokee or similar) are, on average, 66% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.