How far is Elgin, IL from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance from Elgin, IL to Joliet, IL is about 56.5 miles (90.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.8 miles (59.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 13m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 06m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Illinois, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elgin and Joliet.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elgin and Joliet.
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1
Start on East Chicago Street
10 m · 5 sec · East Chicago Street
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2
Turn right onto Villa Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · Villa Street
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3
Merge slight right onto Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
1583 ft · 29 sec · Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Highway
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4
Continue on West Lake Street
5.2 mi · 7 min · West Lake Street
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5
Continue on Lake Street
6.5 mi · 10 min · Lake Street
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6
Take the ramp right toward I 355 Toll South: Joliet
1589 ft · 39 sec
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7
Merge slight left
29.5 mi · 35 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Southwest Highway
2125 ft · 52 sec
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9
Turn right onto Maple Road
5.7 mi · 11 min · Maple Road
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10
Turn left onto North Ottawa Street
2196 ft · 1 min · North Ottawa Street
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11
Turn right
34 m · 8 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elgin and Joliet.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 355 Toll South
Merge slight left
29.5 mi · 00h 35m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Elgin and Sunny near Joliet.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elgin to Joliet?
The road trip is about 56.5 miles (90.9 km) and usually takes 01h 06m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Belmont is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.4 miles from Elgin and 31.1 miles from Joliet.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36.8 miles (59.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.7 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.50 one way or $15.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Elgin and Sunny near Joliet.
Stop Ideas Near Belmont
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Belmont.
Naperville
La Grange Road
Summit
Joliet Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elgin and Joliet. Straight-line distance: 36.82 mi (59.25 km).
#1 Elgin
The second most populous city in Kane County, Illinois.
| Population | 110,196 |
| Coordinates | 42.0372500, -88.2811900 |
| Altitude | 227 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Joliet
The second most populous city in Will County, Illinois.
| Population | 85,583 |
| Coordinates | 41.5251900, -88.0834000 |
| Altitude | 165 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-88.083409, 41.525419)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 91 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.50 | $15.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.46 | $16.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.26 | $18.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.55 | $21.11 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Illinois · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.