How far is Joliet, IL from Rock Island, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Rock Island, IL is about 144 miles (231.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 129.1 miles (207.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 17m 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 38m.
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.
Village in Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joliet and Rock Island.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Rock Island.
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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
122 mi · 2 hr 12 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 74 West, I 280 West: Moline, Rock Island
9.6 mi · 10 min
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 280 West: Des Moines
6.7 mi · 7 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IL 92 East: Rock Island
2846 ft · 1 min
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10
Merge slight left onto Centennial Expressway
3.6 mi · 4 min · Centennial Expressway
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11
Continue on 1st Avenue
631 ft · 18 sec · 1st Avenue
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12
Turn right onto 16th Street
804 ft · 29 sec · 16th Street
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13
Turn right onto 3rd Avenue
121 m · 16 sec · 3rd Avenue
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14
Turn right onto 15th Street
20 m · 2 sec · 15th Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 15th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet and Rock Island.
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 80 West
Merge slight left
122 mi · 02h 12m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Joliet and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Rock Island.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Rock Island?
The road trip is about 144 miles (231.7 km) and usually takes 02h 38m 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?
Malden is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.8 miles from Joliet and 72.1 miles from Rock Island.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 129.1 miles (207.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.16 one way or $38.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Joliet and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Rock Island.
Stop Ideas Near Malden
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 Malden.
Princeton
Mendota station
Kewanee
Plano
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Rock Island. Straight-line distance: 129.1 mi (207.76 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 Rock Island
City in Illinois
| Population | 36,870 |
| Coordinates | 41.5094800, -90.5787500 |
| Altitude | 171 |
| Country | United States |
End: Rock Island (-90.57875, 41.50948)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 232 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $19.16 | $38.31 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $21.61 | $43.21 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $23.64 | $47.28 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $26.94 | $53.89 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.