How far is Joliet, IL from Lexington, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Lexington, IL is about 81.6 miles (131.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 71.1 miles (114.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 07m 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 33m.
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.
Village in Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joliet and Lexington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Lexington.
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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
71.7 mi · 1 hr 18 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Lexington
1835 ft · 47 sec
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10
Turn left onto P J Keller Highway
1.6 km · 2 min · P J Keller Highway
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11
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Spencer Street
550 ft · 16 sec · North Spencer Street
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12
Continue on West Main Street
2684 ft · 1 min · West Main Street
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13
Turn right onto South Cedar Street
13 m · 2 sec · South Cedar Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Cedar Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet and Lexington.
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
71.7 mi · 01h 18m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Joliet and Mostly Sunny near Lexington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Lexington?
The road trip is about 81.6 miles (131.3 km) and usually takes 01h 33m 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?
Dwight is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.8 miles from Joliet and 40.8 miles from Lexington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 71.1 miles (114.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.5 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 3:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.86 one way or $21.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Joliet and Mostly Sunny near Lexington.
Stop Ideas Near Dwight
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 Dwight.
Dwight station
Pontiac station
Kankakee
Gilman
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Lexington. Straight-line distance: 71.12 mi (114.45 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 Lexington
City in McLean County, Illinois, United States
| Population | 2,020 |
| Coordinates | 40.6414200, -88.7834000 |
| Altitude | 229 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lexington (-88.7834, 40.64142)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 131 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.86 | $21.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.25 | $24.50 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.40 | $26.81 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.28 | $30.55 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.