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 Atlanta and takes around 1h 50m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Waukegan, followed by Lufthansa. 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 $26 for a 2h 05m 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 Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Waukegan takes 80 miles and will cost you around $76. From Monona, the ticket costs about $77 for a journey of 175 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 1h 50m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Waukegan, followed by Lufthansa. 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 $26 for a 2h 05m 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 Greyhound. From Milwaukee, the bus ride to Waukegan takes 80 miles and will cost you around $76. From Monona, the ticket costs about $77 for a journey of 175 miles.

Airports near Waukegan

Airlines serving Waukegan

Lufthansa
Good (4,683 reviews)
KLM
Good (843 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,615 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,586 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Air France
Good (978 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,112 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,436 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,978 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,988 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (836 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,754 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,583 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (4,545 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,358 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (755 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (773 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (487 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,323 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, 532 reviews)
$117+
Wingate by Wyndham Gurnee
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 444 reviews)
$83+
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 299 reviews)
$144+
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 138 reviews)
$207+
Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago Waukegan
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 594 reviews)
$106+
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North-Waukegan-Gurnee
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 585 reviews)
$124+

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. Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Waukegan, while also 48% cheaper than other types, on average.

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. Compact (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Waukegan, while also 48% cheaper than other types, on average.