How far is Joliet, IL from Dayton, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Dayton, IL is about 127.9 miles (205.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 115.8 miles (186.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 42m 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 21m.
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 of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joliet and Dayton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Dayton.
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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
-
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
122 mi · 2 hr 12 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Davenport
3.5 mi · 4 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Colona
1949 ft · 48 sec
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9
Turn left onto Cleveland Road
1.3 km · 1 min · Cleveland Road
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10
Turn right onto Dayton Corner B Street
35 m · 5 sec · Dayton Corner B Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Dayton Corner B Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet and Dayton.
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
122 mi · 02h 12m
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 Mostly Sunny near Dayton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Dayton?
The road trip is about 127.9 miles (205.9 km) and usually takes 02h 21m 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?
Ladd is a useful midpoint, sitting about 63.8 miles from Joliet and 64.1 miles from Dayton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 115.8 miles (186.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.01 one way or $34.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Joliet and Mostly Sunny near Dayton.
Stop Ideas Near Ladd
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 Ladd.
Mendota station
Princeton
Kewanee
Plano
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Dayton. Straight-line distance: 115.83 mi (186.41 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 Dayton
Census-designated place in Illinois, USA
| Population | 2,258 |
| Coordinates | 41.4892000, -90.3215100 |
| Altitude | 184 |
| Country | United States |
End: Dayton (-90.32151, 41.4892)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 206 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.01 | $34.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.18 | $38.36 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.99 | $41.98 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.92 | $47.84 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.