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, Ikigai Sushi (550 N Green Bay Rd) and Asia-Azteca at American Place Casino (4011 Fountain Square Pl) 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 35 miles from Waukegan. The shortest domestic flight to Waukegan departs from Atlanta and takes around 2h 02m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Waukegan. The train journey from Waukegan to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $19 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New Buffalo, expect to pay about $11 for a 1h 38m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Waukegan is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 35 miles from Waukegan. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Kyte, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Waukegan, including Bus, Amtrak and Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Waukegan takes 80 miles and will cost you around $76. From Milwaukee, the ticket costs about $38 for a journey of 80 miles.

Plane

Although Waukegan doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Chicago All airports (CHI), which is located 35 miles from Waukegan. The shortest domestic flight to Waukegan departs from Atlanta and takes around 2h 02m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Waukegan. The train journey from Waukegan to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $19 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New Buffalo, expect to pay about $11 for a 1h 38m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Waukegan is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 35 miles from Waukegan. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Kyte, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Waukegan, including Bus, Amtrak and Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Waukegan takes 80 miles and will cost you around $76. From Milwaukee, the ticket costs about $38 for a journey of 80 miles.

Airports near Waukegan

Airlines serving Waukegan

Lufthansa
Good (4,623 reviews)
KLM
Good (850 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,466 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,607 reviews)
Air France
Good (973 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,547 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,930 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,484 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,746 reviews)
Finnair
Good (877 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,531 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,606 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,536 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (778 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,350 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (775 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (462 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (956 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, 569 reviews)
$108+
Wingate by Wyndham Gurnee
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 452 reviews)
$89+
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 295 reviews)
$160+
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 136 reviews)
$207+
Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago Waukegan
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 605 reviews)
$103+
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North-Waukegan-Gurnee
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 597 reviews)
$135+

Renting a car in Waukegan

Renting a car in Waukegan costs $48 per day, on average, or $144 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 29% cheaper than airport locations in Waukegan.

Expect to pay $3.94 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 $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Waukegan is Full-size (Chevrolet Suburban or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Nissan Sentra or similar) are, on average, 60% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Waukegan costs $48 per day, on average, or $144 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 29% cheaper than airport locations in Waukegan.

Expect to pay $3.94 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 $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Waukegan is Full-size (Chevrolet Suburban or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Nissan Sentra or similar) are, on average, 60% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.