How far is Joliet, IL from Oak Forest, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Oak Forest, IL is about 23.9 miles (38.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 18.3 miles (29.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 08m 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 34m.
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 Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joliet and Oak Forest.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Oak Forest.
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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
3122 ft · 2 min · Chicago Street
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 80 East: Gary Indiana
1263 ft · 43 sec
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6
Merge slight left
16.1 mi · 20 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IL 43 North: Harlem Avenue
1886 ft · 46 sec
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8
Turn straight onto Harlem Avenue
3.6 mi · 6 min · Harlem Avenue
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9
Turn right onto West 159th Street
2.6 mi · 4 min · West 159th Street
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10
Turn right
19 m · 10 sec
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11
Turn left
36 m · 9 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet and Oak Forest.
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 80 East
Merge slight left
16.1 mi · 00h 20m
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 Likely leaving Joliet and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Oak Forest.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Oak Forest?
The road trip is about 23.9 miles (38.4 km) and usually takes 00h 34m 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?
Mokena is a useful midpoint, sitting about 11.9 miles from Joliet and 11.9 miles from Oak Forest.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 18.3 miles (29.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.6 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 7:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.17 one way or $6.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Joliet and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Oak Forest.
Stop Ideas Near Mokena
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 Mokena.
Joliet Transportation Center
Homewood
Summit
Dyer station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Oak Forest. Straight-line distance: 18.35 mi (29.53 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 Oak Forest
City in Cook County, Illinois
| Population | 26,884 |
| Coordinates | 41.6028100, -87.7439400 |
| Altitude | 205 |
| Country | United States |
End: Oak Forest (-87.74394, 41.60281)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 38 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.17 | $6.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.57 | $7.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $3.91 | $7.82 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $4.46 | $8.91 |
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 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.