How far is Joliet, IL from Athens, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Athens, IL is about 158.1 miles (254.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 138.1 miles (222.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 57m 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 02h 58m.
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 McLean County, Illinois, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joliet and Athens.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Athens.
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1
Start on the route
34 m · 10 sec
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2
Turn right onto Ottawa Street
1397 ft · 44 sec · Ottawa Street
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3
Continue on Ottawa Street
758 ft · 22 sec · Ottawa Street
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4
Continue on Chicago Street
2079 ft · 1 min · Chicago Street
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 80 West: Moline, Rock Island
1707 ft · 42 sec
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6
Merge slight left
6.4 mi · 8 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
1900 ft · 54 sec
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8
Merge slight left
93 mi · 1 hr 40 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
47.8 mi · 51 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward IL 123: Williamsville
1678 ft · 41 sec
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11
Keep slight right
112 m · 11 sec
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12
Turn straight onto County Highway 2
644 ft · 12 sec · County Highway 2
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13
Continue on Dinius Road
2.9 mi · 4 min · Dinius Road
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14
Continue on County Road 11 North
3.6 mi · 6 min · County Road 11 North
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15
Turn right
1.5 mi · 2 min
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16
Turn left onto Springfield Road
1810 ft · 1 min · Springfield Road
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17
Continue on East Hargrave Street
2666 ft · 2 min · East Hargrave Street
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18
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Main Street
33 m · 4 sec · North Main Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet and Athens.
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 South
Merge slight left
93 mi · 01h 40m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Joliet and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Athens.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Athens?
The road trip is about 158.1 miles (254.4 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Lexington is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79 miles from Joliet and 79 miles from Athens.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 138.1 miles (222.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 20 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 12:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.04 one way or $42.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Joliet and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Athens.
Stop Ideas Near Lexington
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
City Hall - Town of Normal
Normal Town
El Paso City Water Works
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Lexington.
Uptown Station
Pontiac station
Dwight station
Rantoul
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Athens. Straight-line distance: 138.04 mi (222.16 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 Athens
City in Menard County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,893 |
| Coordinates | 39.9608800, -89.7239900 |
| Altitude | 183 |
| Country | United States |
End: Athens (-89.72399, 39.96088)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 254 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.04 | $42.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.73 | $47.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.97 | $51.94 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $29.60 | $59.19 |
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 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.