How far is Joliet, IL from Pekin, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Pekin, IL is about 133.1 miles (214.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 104.7 miles (168.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 59m 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 29m.
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.
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 Pekin.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Pekin.
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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
86.6 mi · 1 hr 33 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 74 West: Peoria
2888 ft · 49 sec
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10
Continue straight
27.4 mi · 29 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 474 West: Moline, Rock Island
5.1 mi · 5 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward IL 29: Pekin, East Peoria
1906 ft · 52 sec
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13
Turn left onto South Main Street
766 ft · 13 sec · South Main Street
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14
Continue on Radio City Drive
2.1 mi · 3 min · Radio City Drive
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15
Keep slight right to continue on Radio City Drive
1.5 mi · 2 min · Radio City Drive
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16
Continue on North 8th Street
3002 ft · 51 sec · North 8th Street
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17
Continue on North 5th Street
2473 ft · 47 sec · North 5th Street
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18
Turn left onto Margaret Street
1057 ft · 18 sec · Margaret Street
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19
Continue on Court Street
143 m · 15 sec · Court Street
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20
Turn left onto South 8th Street
68 m · 4 sec · South 8th Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 8th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet and Pekin.
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
86.6 mi · 01h 33m
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 Pekin.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Pekin?
The road trip is about 133.1 miles (214.2 km) and usually takes 02h 29m 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?
Chenoa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66.5 miles from Joliet and 66.6 miles from Pekin.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 104.7 miles (168.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.4 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 1:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.72 one way or $35.45 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 41.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Joliet and Mostly Sunny near Pekin.
Stop Ideas Near Chenoa
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 Chenoa.
Pontiac station
Uptown Station
Dwight station
Gilman
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Pekin. Straight-line distance: 104.7 mi (168.5 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 Pekin
County seat of Tazewell County, Illinois
| Population | 31,808 |
| Coordinates | 40.5675400, -89.6406600 |
| Altitude | 153 |
| Country | United States |
End: Pekin (-89.64066, 40.56754)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 214 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.72 | $35.45 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.99 | $39.98 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.87 | $43.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.93 | $49.86 |
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.