How far is Joliet, IL from Amboy, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Amboy, IL is about 87 miles (140 km), with a travel time of about 01h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 65.6 miles (105.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 31m 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 45m.
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.
City in Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joliet and Amboy.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Amboy.
-
1
Start on the route
34 m · 10 sec
-
2
Turn right onto Ottawa Street
1397 ft · 44 sec · Ottawa Street
-
3
Continue on Ottawa Street
758 ft · 22 sec · Ottawa Street
-
4
Continue on Chicago Street
2079 ft · 1 min · Chicago Street
-
5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 80 West: Moline, Rock Island
1707 ft · 42 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
53.6 mi · 59 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 39 North, US 51 North: Rockford
1.1 km · 1 min
-
8
Merge slight left
12.3 mi · 13 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 34: Mendota, Earlville
1790 ft · 49 sec
-
10
Turn left onto North 43rd Road
2.4 mi · 4 min · North 43rd Road
-
11
Continue on East 12th Street
2607 ft · 52 sec · East 12th Street
-
12
Turn sharp right onto 4th Avenue
114 m · 16 sec · 4th Avenue
-
13
At the end of the road, turn left onto Lincoln Avenue
76 m · 7 sec · Lincoln Avenue
-
14
Continue on 12th Street
1016 ft · 28 sec · 12th Street
-
15
Continue on Meriden Street
2622 ft · 59 sec · Meriden Street
-
16
Turn right onto 13th Avenue
2324 ft · 41 sec · 13th Avenue
-
17
Turn left
14.9 mi · 22 min
-
18
Turn right onto East Main Street
58 m · 11 sec · East Main Street
-
19
Turn left
5 m · 1 sec
-
20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet and Amboy.
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 80 West
Merge slight left
53.6 mi · 00h 59m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Joliet and Mostly Sunny near Amboy.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Amboy?
The road trip is about 87 miles (140 km) and usually takes 01h 45m 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?
Ottawa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.4 miles from Joliet and 43.6 miles from Amboy.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 65.6 miles (105.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.4 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 2:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.58 one way or $23.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Joliet and Mostly Sunny near Amboy.
Stop Ideas Near Ottawa
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 Ottawa.
Mendota station
Plano
Dwight station
Princeton
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Amboy. Straight-line distance: 65.64 mi (105.63 km).
#1 Joliet
The second most populous city in Will County, Illinois.
| Population | 85,583 |
| Coordinates | 41.5251900, -88.0834000 |
| Altitude | 165 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Amboy
City in Lee County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 2,841 |
| Coordinates | 41.7142000, -89.3287100 |
| Altitude | 227 |
| Country | United States |
End: Amboy (-89.32871, 41.7142)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 140 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.58 | $23.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.06 | $26.11 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.29 | $28.58 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.28 | $32.57 |
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.