How far is Utica, IL from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance from Utica, IL to Joliet, IL is about 54.2 miles (87.2 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 Utica and Joliet.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Utica and Joliet.
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1
Start on East Canal Street
54 m · 8 sec · East Canal Street
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2
Turn right onto Clark Street
677 ft · 13 sec · Clark Street
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3
Continue on North Division Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · North Division Street
-
4
Turn left
32 m · 2 sec
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5
Turn straight
1988 ft · 42 sec
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6
Take the ramp right toward I 80 East: Joliet
2021 ft · 49 sec
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7
Merge slight left
50.3 mi · 55 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
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10
Continue on Hickory Street
1164 ft · 36 sec · Hickory Street
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11
Turn right onto West Jefferson Street
1572 ft · 52 sec · West Jefferson Street
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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 Utica 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
50.3 mi · 00h 55m
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 Utica and Sunny near Joliet.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Utica to Joliet?
The road trip is about 54.2 miles (87.2 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 miles from Utica and 27.2 miles from Joliet.
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 4.6 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 $7.20 one way or $14.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Utica and Sunny near Joliet.
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 Utica and Joliet. Straight-line distance: 49.67 mi (79.93 km).
#1 Utica
Village also known as Utica, in LaSalle County, Illinois
| Population | 1,988 |
| Coordinates | 41.3405900, -89.0100800 |
| Altitude | 146 |
| 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: Joliet (-88.0834, 41.52519)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 87 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 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 | $7.20 | $14.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.12 | $16.25 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.89 | $17.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.13 | $20.26 |
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.