How far is Joliet, IL from Cary, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Cary, IL is about 57.8 miles (93.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.1 miles (77.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 56m 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 28m.
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.
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 Cary.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Cary.
-
1
Start on the route
34 m · 10 sec
-
2
Turn right onto Ottawa Street
53 m · 12 sec · Ottawa Street
-
3
Turn left onto East Jefferson Street
795 ft · 27 sec · East Jefferson Street
-
4
Keep slight right to continue on East Jefferson Street
1967 ft · 1 min · East Jefferson Street
-
5
Continue on Collins Street
2 mi · 5 min · Collins Street
-
6
Continue on South State Street
4.3 mi · 10 min · South State Street
-
7
Continue on South Archer Avenue
2.4 mi · 4 min · South Archer Avenue
-
8
Turn left onto I 355 North: West Suburbs
2672 ft · 1 min
-
9
Merge slight left onto Veterans Memorial Tollway
24.4 mi · 30 min · Veterans Memorial Tollway
-
10
Merge slight left
5.6 mi · 7 min
-
11
Keep slight left
2.2 mi · 3 min
-
12
Take the exit slight right toward Kirchoff Road
1873 ft · 50 sec
-
13
Turn left onto Kirchoff Road
1.3 km · 2 min · Kirchoff Road
-
14
Turn right onto South Plum Grove Road
1.9 mi · 4 min · South Plum Grove Road
-
15
Turn left onto West Colfax Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · West Colfax Street
-
16
Continue on Sterling Avenue
136 m · 20 sec · Sterling Avenue
-
17
Turn left onto West Northwest Highway
10.9 mi · 17 min · West Northwest Highway
-
18
Turn right onto North 1st Street
1164 ft · 52 sec · North 1st Street
-
19
Turn right
13 m · 3 sec
-
20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet and Cary.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Veterans Memorial Tollway
Merge slight left onto Veterans Memorial Tollway
24.4 mi · 00h 30m
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 Cary.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Cary?
The road trip is about 57.8 miles (93.1 km) and usually takes 01h 28m 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?
Lombard is a useful midpoint, sitting about 28.9 miles from Joliet and 28.9 miles from Cary.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.1 miles (77.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.7 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 3:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.69 one way or $15.39 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Joliet and Mostly Sunny near Cary.
Stop Ideas Near Lombard
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 Lombard.
La Grange Road
Naperville
Summit
Glenview station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Cary. Straight-line distance: 48.11 mi (77.43 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 Cary
Village in Illinois, United States
| Population | 17,929 |
| Coordinates | 42.2119700, -88.2381400 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cary (-88.23814, 42.21197)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 93 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.69 | $15.39 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.68 | $17.35 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.49 | $18.99 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.82 | $21.64 |
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.