How far is Knox, IL from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance from Knox, IL to Joliet, IL is about 164.5 miles (264.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 33m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 120 miles (193.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 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 02h 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.
Township in Bureau 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 Knox and Joliet.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Knox and Joliet.
-
1
Start on Knox Station Road
45 m · 10 sec · Knox Station Road
-
2
Turn left onto Mine Road
2682 ft · 2 min · Mine Road
-
3
Turn right onto Knox Road 1020 E
1.4 mi · 5 min · Knox Road 1020 E
-
4
Take the ramp right toward I 74 West: Galesburg
1921 ft · 47 sec
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5
Merge slight left
38.9 mi · 42 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East: Chicago
3164 ft · 49 sec
-
7
Merge slight left
121.2 mi · 2 hr 11 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Center Street
1.3 km · 2 min
-
9
Continue on South Center Street
1401 ft · 38 sec · South Center Street
-
10
Continue on Hickory Street
1164 ft · 36 sec · Hickory Street
-
11
Turn right onto West Jefferson Street
1572 ft · 52 sec · West Jefferson Street
-
12
Turn left onto Joliet Street
53 m · 7 sec · Joliet Street
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13
Turn right
83 m · 20 sec
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Knox and Joliet.
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 East
Merge slight left
121 mi · 02h 11m
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 Knox and Sunny near Joliet.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Knox to Joliet?
The road trip is about 164.5 miles (264.8 km) and usually takes 02h 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?
Wyanet is a useful midpoint, sitting about 82.2 miles from Knox and 82.3 miles from Joliet.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 120 miles (193.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 44.5 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 1:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.91 one way or $43.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 51.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Knox and Sunny near Joliet.
Stop Ideas Near Wyanet
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 Wyanet.
Princeton
Kewanee
Mendota station
Moline, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Knox and Joliet. Straight-line distance: 119.99 mi (193.11 km).
#1 Knox
County seat of Knox County, Tennessee, United States; third-largest city in Tennessee
| Population | 2,692 |
| Coordinates | 40.9342000, -90.2548500 |
| Altitude | 201 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Joliet
The second most populous city in Will County, Illinois.
| Population | 85,583 |
| Coordinates | 41.5251900, -88.0834000 |
| Altitude | 165 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-88.083409, 41.525419)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 265 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 28m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $21.91 | $43.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $24.71 | $49.42 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.04 | $54.08 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $30.82 | $61.63 |
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.