How far is Pontiac, IL from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance from Pontiac, IL to Joliet, IL is about 257.9 miles (415.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 226.5 miles (364.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 39m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 49m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Pontiac and Joliet.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pontiac and Joliet.
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1
Start on the route
4 m · 3 sec
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2
Turn right onto North Illinois Street
4.7 mi · 7 min · North Illinois Street
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3
Continue on South Morrison Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · South Morrison Avenue
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4
Continue on Vandalia Street
2.8 mi · 5 min · Vandalia Street
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 55 North, I 70 East
2235 ft · 55 sec
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6
Merge slight left
3.8 mi · 4 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
107.9 mi · 1 hr 57 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 55 North: Chicago
29.4 mi · 31 min
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9
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 74 West: Chicago, Peoria
93.9 mi · 1 hr 41 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East: Indiana
1.2 km · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left
5.1 mi · 6 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Center Street
1.3 km · 2 min
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13
Continue on South Center Street
1401 ft · 38 sec · South Center Street
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14
Continue on Hickory Street
1164 ft · 36 sec · Hickory Street
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15
Turn right onto West Jefferson Street
1572 ft · 52 sec · West Jefferson Street
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16
Turn left onto Joliet Street
53 m · 7 sec · Joliet Street
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17
Turn right
83 m · 20 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Pontiac 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 55 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 55 North, I 270 West: Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City
108 mi · 01h 57m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Pontiac and Showers And Thunderstorms near Joliet.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Pontiac to Joliet?
The road trip is about 257.9 miles (415.1 km) and usually takes 03h 49m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Lincoln is a useful midpoint, sitting about 125.8 miles from Pontiac and 132.1 miles from Joliet.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 226.5 miles (364.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:20 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.32 one way or $68.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Pontiac and Showers And Thunderstorms near Joliet.
Stop Ideas Near Lincoln
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Route 66 Original Alignment- Driveable!
City of Lincoln
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Lincoln.
Lincoln
Springfield station
Uptown Station
Peoria, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Pontiac and Joliet. Straight-line distance: 226.51 mi (364.54 km).
#1 Pontiac
City in Illinois, USA
| Population | 11,176 |
| Coordinates | 38.5872700, -89.9848300 |
| Altitude | 176 |
| 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: 415 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 09m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $34.32 | $68.63 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $38.70 | $77.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $42.35 | $84.70 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $48.27 | $96.53 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.