Origin
East Moline, IL
Morning in East Moline on Thursday
Local time
7:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from East Moline, IL to Joliet, IL
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 32m
Distance
133.6 mi
215 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$21
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 23m
★
6 AM
2h 33m
8 AM
2h 53m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 38m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 52m
8 PM
2h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
East Moline, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Joliet, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Connecting East Moline to Joliet, this 133.6-mile trek across the Illinois Midwest is a straightforward journey typically taking about 2 hours and 32 minutes. Because the distance is relatively short, you can easily complete this drive in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via I-80, the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, and Colona Road. With fuel costs estimated at around $20, it is a budget-friendly trip for anyone crossing the state. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a quick weekend getaway, the route offers a reliable path between these two Midwestern hubs. Planning for one scheduled stop is usually sufficient to keep you refreshed throughout the journey.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
66.8 miles from East Moline, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 32m. Total distance: 133.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
Expect a highly efficient, highway-focused drive as 94% of your travel takes place on major roads. The experience is defined by a significant, uninterrupted 122-mile stretch along I-80, which allows for consistent cruising speeds. While the path stays strictly within Illinois, the transition from the Quad Cities area toward the Joliet region feels like a focused interstate grind. You won't encounter many technical local roads, as the route prioritizes speed and directness over winding scenic detours. Prepare for a steady, predictable rhythm behind the wheel, making this a practical choice for those who prefer straightforward navigation.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 80 is the longest continuous segment at about 122 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
709 ft
541 ft
Total Climb
243 ft
Total Descent
310 ft
Highest Point
709 ft
~16.7 mi in
Elevation Range
168 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and Chicago-Kansas City Expressway. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 1.1 miles in near 11th Street.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 2h 32m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles (11th Street): Navigation decision point; at 10 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 132 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
1.1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
11th Street
Turn right onto 11th Street
Navigation decision point
7
10 mi into trip
|
~16m in
|
I 80
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 East: Chicago
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 80 East: Chicago
5
132 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m in
Take the exit toward Center Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Exit 131
Toward Center Street
4
133.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 31m in
|
US 30 / West Jefferson Street
Turn right onto US 30 / West Jefferson Street
Navigation decision point
4
133.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m in
|
Joliet Street
Turn left onto Joliet Street
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 122 mi | 2h 12m |
| Chicago-Kansas City Expressway | 3.3 mi | 3m |
| Colona Road | 2.6 mi | 4m |
| Avenue of the Cities | 2 mi | 3m |
| Cleveland Road | 1 mi | 1m |
| 7th Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| West Jefferson Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| South Center Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 122 mi, about 2h 12m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Moline, IL and Joliet, IL.
1
Start on 7th Street
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
7th Street
2
Turn left onto Avenue of the Cities
0.4 mi
·
43 sec
·
Avenue of the Cities
3
Turn right onto 11th Street
188 ft
·
16 sec
·
11th Street
4
Turn left onto Avenue of the Cities
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Avenue of the Cities
5
Continue on Avenue of the Cities
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Avenue of the Cities
6
Continue on Colona Road
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Colona Road
7
Turn left onto Cleveland Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Cleveland Road
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
9
Merge onto I 80; IL 110
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Chicago-Kansas City Expressway
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
122 mi
·
2 hr 12 min
·
I 80
Toward I 80 East: Chicago
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 131
Toward Center Street
12
Continue on South Center Street
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
South Center Street
13
Continue on Hickory Street
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Hickory Street
14
Turn right onto US 30
0.3 mi
·
51 sec
·
West Jefferson Street
15
Turn left onto Joliet Street
174 ft
·
6 sec
·
Joliet Street
16
Turn right
272 ft
·
19 sec
17
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To maximize your efficiency, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours near Joliet, which can add unexpected time to the final leg of your 2.5-hour drive. Since you only have one recommended stop, choose a location around the halfway point to stretch your legs and ensure your fuel levels are set for the remainder of the 133.6-mile trip. Keep in mind that since the vast majority of this route is interstate, your pace will be largely dictated by highway traffic flow. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, as the short duration means you can easily adjust your departure time to suit your personal schedule. Most importantly, stay alert during the long 122-mile interstate stretch to maintain consistent focus throughout the drive.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 66.8 miles from East Moline, IL, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 122 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 29 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66.8 miles or 1h 17m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Joliet, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving East Moline, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from East Moline, IL
This is one driving day of about 133.6 miles and 2h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from East Moline, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 122 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 66.8 mi from East Moline, IL · 1h 17m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
67 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 66.8 miles from East Moline, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 122 miles.
Arriving in Joliet, IL
The final approach into Joliet, IL usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Joliet, IL.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.89 one way
$41.77 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
47 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $22.93 | $45.87 |
| premium | $4.89 | $25.71 | $51.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $29.50 | $58.99 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 46.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 40.1 | 0 | $14.03 | $6.41 |
| Efficient EV | 33.4 | 0 | $11.69 | $5.34 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 53.4 | 0 | $18.70 | $8.55 |
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Joliet, IL
Morning in Joliet on Thursday
Local time
7:18 AM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 32m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from East Moline, IL to Joliet, IL covers 133.6 miles and takes about 2h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, Colona Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 66.8 miles from East Moline, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.89 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a straightforward 2h 32m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.1 miles (11th Street): Navigation decision point; at 10 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 132 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
The route from East Moline, IL to Joliet, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 541 ft to 709 ft elevation with about 243 ft of total climbing.
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