How far is Joliet, IL from Empire, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Empire, IL is about 112.1 miles (180.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.3 miles (145.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 32m 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 16m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Township in Livingston County, Illinois
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 Empire.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Empire.
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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
79 mi · 1 hr 25 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Towanda
1442 ft · 27 sec
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10
Turn straight onto North 1900 East Road
2035 ft · 44 sec · North 1900 East Road
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11
Continue on North Jefferson Street
2706 ft · 1 min · North Jefferson Street
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12
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Hely Street
1225 ft · 35 sec · West Hely Street
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13
Continue on Towanda-Barnes Road
3 mi · 5 min · Towanda-Barnes Road
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14
Continue on North Towanda Barnes Road
6.8 mi · 11 min · North Towanda Barnes Road
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15
Turn left
2 mi · 3 min
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16
Turn right onto North Seminary Street
3190 ft · 1 min · North Seminary Street
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17
Continue on East 700 North Road
1886 ft · 44 sec · East 700 North Road
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18
Turn left onto I 74 East: Champaign
1420 ft · 35 sec
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19
Merge slight left
9 mi · 10 min
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20
Take the exit slight right toward US 136: Rantoul, Heyworth
1508 ft · 31 sec
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21
Turn left onto East 200 North Road
2295 ft · 37 sec · East 200 North Road
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22
Turn right onto East 150 North Road
1.1 mi · 4 min · East 150 North Road
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 150 North Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet and Empire.
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
79 mi · 01h 25m
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 Empire.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Empire?
The road trip is about 112.1 miles (180.4 km) and usually takes 02h 16m 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?
Rooks Creek is a useful midpoint, sitting about 56 miles from Joliet and 56 miles from Empire.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.3 miles (145.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.8 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 1:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.90 one way or $29.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 35.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Joliet and Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Stop Ideas Near Rooks Creek
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 Rooks Creek.
Pontiac station
Dwight station
Uptown Station
Gilman
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Empire. Straight-line distance: 90.35 mi (145.4 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 Empire
Township in McLean County, Illinois
| Population | 4,024 |
| Coordinates | 40.3055900, -88.7075700 |
| Altitude | 231 |
| Country | United States |
End: Empire (-88.70757, 40.30559)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 180 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.90 | $29.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.80 | $33.60 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.38 | $36.77 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.95 | $41.90 |
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.