How far is Gillespie, IL from Joliet, IL?
Fastest route
The route from Gillespie, Illinois 62033 to Joliet, Illinois is approximately 215 miles and takes about 3 hours and 3 minutes via I-55 N.
Directions
- Start by heading northeast on IL-16 E/Elm St toward N Macoupin St in Gillespie, Illinois.
- Continue on IL-16 E and use the right lane to merge onto I-55 N via the ramp to Springfield.
- Follow I-55 N and keep right at the fork to stay on I-55 N, following signs for I-72 E/Chicago/Decatur.
- Continue on I-55 N and take exit 250A to merge onto I-80 E toward Indiana.
- Take exit 132B from I-80 E onto IL-53 N/US-52 W/S Chicago St in Joliet.
- Keep following S Chicago St until you reach your destination in Joliet, Illinois.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to start on IL-16 E/Elm St in Gillespie, Illinois.
- ⚠️ Pay attention to the signs and keep right at the forks to stay on the correct route.
- ⛽ It's a good idea to check your fuel level before embarking on the journey and refuel if necessary.
- 🚦 Keep an eye on traffic conditions, as they may affect the estimated travel time.
- 📍 Follow the directions and signs for I-55 N, I-72 E, and I-80 E to reach Joliet, Illinois.
- 🚧 Be prepared for any road construction or detours that may be in place along the route.
- 🗺️ Consider using a navigation app or GPS device for real-time directions and updates during your trip.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 17m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Township in McLean County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gillespie and Joliet.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gillespie and Joliet.
-
1
Start on Macoupin Street
5 m · 2 sec · Macoupin Street
-
2
Turn right onto East Elm Street
8.8 mi · 13 min · East Elm Street
-
3
Continue on County Road 1200 N
115 m · 24 sec · County Road 1200 N
-
4
Take the ramp slight right toward I 55 North: Springfield
2042 ft · 50 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
73.9 mi · 1 hr 20 min
-
6
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 North: Chicago
29.4 mi · 31 min
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
93.9 mi · 1 hr 41 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East: Indiana
1.2 km · 1 min
-
9
Merge slight left
5.1 mi · 6 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward Center Street
1.3 km · 2 min
-
11
Continue on South Center Street
1401 ft · 38 sec · South Center Street
-
12
Continue on Hickory Street
1164 ft · 36 sec · Hickory Street
-
13
Turn right onto West Jefferson Street
1572 ft · 52 sec · West Jefferson Street
-
14
Turn left onto Joliet Street
53 m · 7 sec · Joliet Street
-
15
Turn right
83 m · 20 sec
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gillespie and Joliet.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 55 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
93.9 mi · 01h 41m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Gillespie and Mostly Sunny near Joliet.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gillespie to Joliet?
The road trip is about 214.2 miles (344.7 km) and usually takes 03h 17m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Funks Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 106.9 miles from Gillespie and 107.2 miles from Joliet.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 189.1 miles (304.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:26 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.51 one way or $57.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 67.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Gillespie and Mostly Sunny near Joliet.
Stop Ideas Near Funks Grove
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Route 66 Original Alignment- Driveable!
City of Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington Finance Department
City Hall - Town of Normal
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Funks Grove.
Uptown Station
Lincoln
Peoria, Illinois
Pontiac station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gillespie and Joliet. Straight-line distance: 189.08 mi (304.3 km).
#1 Gillespie
City in Illinois, United States
| Population | 3,048 |
| Coordinates | 39.1297700, -89.8195400 |
| Altitude | 200 |
| 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: 345 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $28.51 | $57.02 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $32.15 | $64.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $35.18 | $70.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $40.10 | $80.20 |
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 · May 01, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.