How far is Joliet, IL from Utica, IL?
The driving distance from Joliet, IL to Utica, IL is about 54.7 miles (88 km), with a travel time of about 01h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49.6 miles (79.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 06m 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 03m.
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.
Township in Grundy County, Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Joliet and Utica.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet and Utica.
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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
-
3
Continue on Ottawa Street
758 ft · 22 sec · Ottawa Street
-
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
51.1 mi · 56 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward IL 178: Utica, La Salle
1915 ft · 47 sec
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8
Turn slight left
2941 ft · 1 min
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9
At the end of the road, turn right
10 m · 1 sec
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10
Turn left
31 m · 3 sec
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11
Turn straight
1.4 mi · 3 min
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12
Turn left onto West Canal Street
54 m · 8 sec · West Canal Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Canal Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Joliet and Utica.
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
51.1 mi · 00h 56m
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.
Sunny leaving Joliet and Sunny near Utica.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Joliet to Utica?
The road trip is about 54.7 miles (88 km) and usually takes 01h 03m 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?
Nettle Creek is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.3 miles from Joliet and 27.4 miles from Utica.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49.6 miles (79.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.1 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 4:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.28 one way or $14.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Joliet and Sunny near Utica.
Stop Ideas Near Nettle Creek
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 Nettle Creek.
Plano
Dwight station
Joliet Transportation Center
Mendota station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Joliet and Utica. Straight-line distance: 49.67 mi (79.93 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 Utica
Village also known as Utica, in LaSalle County, Illinois
| Population | 1,988 |
| Coordinates | 41.3405900, -89.0100800 |
| Altitude | 146 |
| Country | United States |
End: Utica (-89.01008, 41.34059)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 88 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.28 | $14.56 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.21 | $16.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.98 | $17.96 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.24 | $20.47 |
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 · Jun 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.