How far is Joliet, IL from Gardner, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Gardner, IL is about 32.1 miles (51.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.2 miles (42.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 18m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 39m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joliet and Gardner.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Gardner.
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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
23.1 mi · 25 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IL 53: Gardner
1721 ft · 35 sec
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10
Turn left
1591 ft · 29 sec
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11
Continue on West Main Street
2177 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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12
Turn right onto South Grundy Street
34 m · 5 sec · South Grundy Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Grundy Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet and Gardner.
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.
I 55 South
Merge slight left
23.1 mi · 00h 25m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Joliet and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Gardner.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Gardner?
The road trip is about 32.1 miles (51.6 km) and usually takes 00h 39m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Channahon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16 miles from Joliet and 16 miles from Gardner.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.2 miles (42.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.26 one way or $8.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Joliet and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Gardner.
Stop Ideas Near Channahon
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 Channahon.
Joliet Transportation Center
Plano
Naperville
Dwight station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Gardner. Straight-line distance: 26.24 mi (42.23 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 Gardner
Village in Illinois, United States
| Population | 1,377 |
| Coordinates | 41.1855900, -88.3097800 |
| Altitude | 179 |
| Country | United States |
End: Gardner (-88.30978, 41.18559)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 52 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $4.26 | $8.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $4.81 | $9.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $5.26 | $10.52 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $5.99 | $11.99 |
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.