$30 Cheap Flights to Waukegan, IL

Flights to Waukegan at a glance

Traveling to Waukegan is easy—simply select from a variety of airlines, including budget-friendly options. Compare travel times to find the best flights to Waukegan that fit your budget and schedule, and get ready to explore the city's renowned sights and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Waukegan: O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Flights per week: 8,150+ flights arriving at Waukegan airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Waukegan: around 75+ carriers

Popular airport near Waukegan

Waukegan is a vibrant city ideal for families and those seeking outdoor adventures or entertainment. Visitors are drawn to its scenic beauty, romantic spots, and urban charm. The city is conveniently served by Waukegan National Airport, making it accessible for travelers year-round.

• O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Situated in Cook County, Illinois, approximately 27 miles from Waukegan, this airport offers a wide array of domestic and international flights, linking to over 285 domestic cities and more than 315 international locations. Travelers have the option to enhance their journey with upgrades to first class, premium economy, or business class seating, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines operating at this airport include American Airlines, United, and Frontier Airlines.

Top routes to Waukegan

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Waukegan (ORD), with one-way fares starting at around $45
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Waukegan (ORD), with one-way flights starting at around $80
• Boston (BOS) to Waukegan (ORD), with one-way flights starting at around $60
• Orlando (MCO) to Waukegan (ORD), with one-way fares starting at around $50
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Waukegan (ORD), with one-way tickets available from around $60

Cheapest routes to Waukegan

• Burlington (BRL/BTV) to Waukegan (ORD), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $40
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Waukegan (ORD), with budget one-way fares from around $45
• Atlanta (ATL) to Waukegan (ORD), with budget one-way fares from around $45
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Waukegan (ORD), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $45
• Nashville (BNA) to Waukegan (ORD), with low one-way fares from around $45

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Waukegan

• American Airlines: Operating flights to O'Hare International Airport (ORD), this airline represents roughly 36% of arrivals to Waukegan. Average one-way fares hover around $390, with premium cabin options such as premium economy, business, and first class varying by route.
• United: Also servicing O'Hare International Airport (ORD), United comprises about 35% of arrivals to Waukegan. The typical one-way fare is around $380, and premium cabin choices may include premium economy, business, and first class, depending on the route.
• Delta: Providing service to O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Delta accounts for roughly 8% of arrivals to Waukegan. Average one-way fares are about $360, with premium cabin offerings like premium economy, business, and first class varying by route.
• Frontier Airlines: Flying to O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Frontier Airlines makes up around 3% of arrivals to Waukegan. One-way fares are generally quite affordable, averaging approximately $160.
• Southwest Airlines: Servicing O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Southwest Airlines contributes about 2% of arrivals to Waukegan. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of roughly $230.

Best time to fly to Waukegan

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Waukegan are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Waukegan can reach up to 44.2°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 65.1°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $205), roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October, November, and May offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $206 to $218, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Waukegan

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Waukegan is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Waukegan hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Waukegan flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Waukegan

Waukegan welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Waukegan efficiently:

• Public transportation: From O'Hare International Airport, O'Hare Station, a metro station, is located about 0.1 miles away by walking, while Rosemont Station, a train station, is situated around 2.2 miles from the airport and is accessible by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Waukegan, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Waukegan is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Waukegan on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Waukegan

• North Chicago: North Chicago is located 3 miles drive away from Waukegan and offers a vibrant city experience perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including shopping and exploring educational sites. Key highlights include Six Flags Great America, a thrilling theme park suitable for family outings, and the picturesque Waukegan Harbor, ideal for enjoying scenic views and beach relaxation. Don't miss the chance to check out Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, a modern institution that adds to the city's charm.
• Beach Park: Beach Park is located 5 miles away from Waukegan and is a delightful village known for its outdoor activities and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can explore its beautiful campground and enjoy the nearby scenic beach at Illinois Beach State Park. For a fun family outing, the Waukegan SportsPark offers various entertainment options. The area is perfect for those looking to unwind in nature while still having access to shopping facilities.
• Kenosha: Kenosha is located 15 miles drive away from Waukegan and is an enchanting city that blends outdoor beauty with romantic scenery. Travelers can explore the recreational areas and engage in educational pursuits at institutions like Carthage College and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. A visit to the Bristol Renaissance Faire provides a unique experience for families and outdoor lovers alike, making Kenosha a charming destination for those seeking both culture and nature.

Tips for short-haul flights to Waukegan

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Save space by opting for mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits in advance. This approach also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself occupied, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts beforehand, and consider bringing a book as well. Remember to fully charge your devices prior to boarding.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, taking into account traffic conditions and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Waukegan

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may permit seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights. This will give you enough time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at your gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to reflect your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Waukegan

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Waukegan on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

March is the cheapest month to fly to Waukegan. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Waukegan. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Waukegan, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Waukegan

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Waukegan in 2026 starts from $61, while one-way tickets start from from $30. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Waukegan. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Waukegan

Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Waukegan. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Waukegan and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Waukegan, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Waukegan. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Waukegan plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Waukegan

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Waukegan.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Waukegan are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Waukegan. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Waukegan for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Waukegan. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Waukegan flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Waukegan. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.