Introduction
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

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. Consider staying at least one whole day in Waukegan to see all of its attractions.

When to visit Waukegan

Waukegan in May
Estimated hotel price
$162
1 night at 3-star hotel
Waukegan in May
Estimated hotel price
$162
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 flight to Waukegan from Australia departs from Sydney and takes around 20h 50m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Waukegan. The train journey from Waukegan to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $33 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from South Bend, expect to pay about $45 for a 1h 54m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Waukegan is to pick up a car hire from Chicago, which is about 57 km from Waukegan. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Hertz, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Waukegan, including Amtrak, Greyhound and FlixBus. From Champaign, the bus ride to Waukegan takes 306 km and will cost you around $47. From Indianapolis, the ticket costs about $56 for a journey of 330 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 flight to Waukegan from Australia departs from Sydney and takes around 20h 50m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Waukegan. The train journey from Waukegan to Milwaukee takes 1h 19m and costs around $33 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from South Bend, expect to pay about $45 for a 1h 54m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Waukegan is to pick up a car hire from Chicago, which is about 57 km from Waukegan. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Hertz, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Waukegan, including Amtrak, Greyhound and FlixBus. From Champaign, the bus ride to Waukegan takes 306 km and will cost you around $47. From Indianapolis, the ticket costs about $56 for a journey of 330 km.

Airports near Waukegan

MKEMilwaukee-Mitchell
MSNMadison Truax Field

Airlines serving Waukegan

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,836 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,935 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,243 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,967 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,922 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (1,076 reviews)
Spirit Airlines
Good (7,961 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,287 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,317 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (851 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,459 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Waukegan

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago Waukegan and Red Roof Inn Gurnee - Waukegan.

Where to stay in popular areas of Waukegan

Most booked hotels in Waukegan

See all
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee
3 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
$219+
View
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North-Waukegan-Gurnee
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
$205+
View
Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$253+
View
Hampton Inn Chicago/Gurnee
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
$166+
View
Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago Waukegan
2 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$176+
View
Baymont by Wyndham Gurnee
2 stars
Good (7.6, Good reviews)
$138+
View

Hiring a car in Waukegan

Expect to pay $1.41 per litre in Waukegan (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $16.87 and $22.49. The most frequently booked car type in Waukegan is Full-size (Ford Transit or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact car hire (Mazda Mazda2 or similar) is, on average, 59% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $1.41 per litre in Waukegan (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $16.87 and $22.49. The most frequently booked car type in Waukegan is Full-size (Ford Transit or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact car hire (Mazda Mazda2 or similar) is, on average, 59% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Waukegan Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Waukegan city guide for the best Waukegan travel tips. To help you organise your Waukegan trip ideas, this Waukegan visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.