How far is Rock Island, IL from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance from Rock Island, IL to Joliet, IL is about 143.9 miles (231.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 129.1 miles (207.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 25m 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 12m.
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.
Village in Illinois
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rock Island and Joliet.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rock Island and Joliet.
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1
Start on 15th Street
89 m · 10 sec · 15th Street
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2
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue
124 m · 19 sec · 2nd Avenue
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3
Turn left onto 16th Street
122 m · 19 sec · 16th Street
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4
At the end of the road, turn left onto 1st Avenue
908 ft · 28 sec · 1st Avenue
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5
Continue on Centennial Expressway
3.8 mi · 4 min · Centennial Expressway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 280 East: Chicago
1758 ft · 43 sec
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7
Merge slight left
15.8 mi · 17 min
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8
Keep slight left
2239 ft · 27 sec
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9
Merge slight left
121.6 mi · 2 hr 11 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Center Street
1.3 km · 2 min
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11
Continue on South Center Street
1401 ft · 38 sec · South Center Street
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12
Continue on Hickory Street
1164 ft · 36 sec · Hickory Street
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13
Turn right onto West Jefferson Street
1572 ft · 52 sec · West Jefferson Street
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14
Turn left onto Joliet Street
53 m · 7 sec · Joliet Street
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15
Turn right
83 m · 20 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rock Island 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 280 East
Merge slight left
122 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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Rock Island and Chance Rain Showers near Joliet.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rock Island to Joliet?
The road trip is about 143.9 miles (231.6 km) and usually takes 02h 12m 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 71.9 miles from Rock Island and 72 miles from Joliet.
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 14.8 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 2:04 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 Slight Chance Rain Showers around Rock Island and Chance Rain Showers near Joliet.
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 Rock Island and Joliet. Straight-line distance: 129.1 mi (207.76 km).
#1 Rock Island
City in Illinois
| Population | 36,870 |
| Coordinates | 41.5094800, -90.5787500 |
| Altitude | 171 |
| 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: 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.