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 35 miles from Waukegan. The shortest domestic flight to Waukegan departs from Charlotte and takes around 2h.

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 $38 for a 1h 54m 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 Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Waukegan, including Bus, Amtrak and Tornado Bus. 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 Charlotte and takes around 2h.

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 $38 for a 1h 54m 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 Kyte and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Waukegan, including Bus, Amtrak and Tornado Bus. 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 (4,694 reviews)
KLM
Good (844 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,584 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,598 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,599 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,116 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,962 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,437 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,933 reviews)
Finnair
Good (863 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,726 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,589 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,549 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,354 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (766 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (772 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (486 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,327 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, 536 reviews)
$117+
Wingate by Wyndham Gurnee
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 445 reviews)
$88+
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 298 reviews)
$140+
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 138 reviews)
$207+
Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago Waukegan
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 597 reviews)
$107+
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North-Waukegan-Gurnee
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 592 reviews)
$123+

Renting a car in Waukegan

Renting a car in Waukegan costs $56 per day, on average, or $169 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 16% 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 F-150 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, 67% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Waukegan costs $56 per day, on average, or $169 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 16% 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 F-150 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, 67% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.