How far is Wheeling, IL from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance from Wheeling, IL to Joliet, IL is about 53.1 miles (85.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 43.2 miles (69.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 10m 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 05m.
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 Downers Grove, Lisle, and York Townships, DuPage County, Illinois, US
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wheeling and Joliet.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wheeling and Joliet.
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1
Start on Railroad Avenue
10 m · 6 sec · Railroad Avenue
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2
Turn right onto West Dundee Road
51 m · 32 sec · West Dundee Road
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3
Continue on West Dundee Road
2228 ft · 1 min · West Dundee Road
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4
Turn left onto South Elmhurst Road
1 mi · 2 min · South Elmhurst Road
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5
Continue on North Elmhurst Road
1.6 km · 2 min · North Elmhurst Road
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6
Turn right onto West Frontage Road
2627 ft · 1 min · West Frontage Road
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7
Turn left onto Schoenbeck Road
8 m · 3 sec · Schoenbeck Road
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8
Turn right onto Palatine Road
2.9 mi · 4 min · Palatine Road
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IL 53 South
1330 ft · 33 sec
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10
Merge slight left
3.2 mi · 4 min
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 290 East: Chicago, Biesterfield Road
7 mi · 9 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 355 South Tollway: Joliet
31.4 mi · 37 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Southwest Highway
2125 ft · 52 sec
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14
Turn right onto Maple Road
5.7 mi · 11 min · Maple Road
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15
Turn left onto North Ottawa Street
2196 ft · 1 min · North Ottawa Street
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16
Turn right
34 m · 8 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wheeling 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 355 South Tollway
Keep slight left to continue on I 355 South Tollway: Joliet
31.4 mi · 00h 37m
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Wheeling and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Joliet.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wheeling to Joliet?
The road trip is about 53.1 miles (85.4 km) and usually takes 01h 05m 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?
Downers Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.2 miles from Wheeling and 25.9 miles from Joliet.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 43.2 miles (69.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.9 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 4:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.05 one way or $14.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Wheeling and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Joliet.
Stop Ideas Near Downers Grove
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 Downers Grove.
La Grange Road
Naperville
Summit
Chicago Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wheeling and Joliet. Straight-line distance: 43.16 mi (69.46 km).
#1 Wheeling
City in West Virginia
| Population | 38,958 |
| Coordinates | 42.1391900, -87.9289600 |
| Altitude | 198 |
| 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: 85 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.05 | $14.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.95 | $15.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.70 | $17.41 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.92 | $19.84 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.