This 67.6-mile drive from Green Oaks, IL, to Joliet, IL, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 1 hour and 32 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Tri-State Tollway, Veterans Memorial Tollway, and Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion. With an estimated fuel cost of $11, it’s an economical option for exploring the Midwest. The journey offers a practical, no-frills experience, making it ideal for those prioritizing efficiency.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
33.8 miles from Green Oaks, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 46m into the drive
.
Joliet is a city in the Chicagoland region of Illinois, a state in the Midwest of the United States of America. It is the largest city and county seat of Will County.
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 32m. Total distance: 67.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive for this 67.6-mile journey, with a 0% highway share. While there are no long stretches of pure highway, the longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is 30.7 miles on the Tri-State Tollway. This route will feel more like navigating through a series of connected local roads and tollways rather than a high-speed interstate cruise. Be prepared for more frequent adjustments and a less predictable pace as you transition between different road segments.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Tri-State Tollway is the longest continuous segment at about 30.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.8 miles in near I 294 / Tri-State Tollway.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 67.6 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 11.8 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.8 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
11.8 mi into trip|~17m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'Hare
7
31.9 mi into trip|~43m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Take the exit onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
8
32.8 mi into trip|~45m in|I 294 / Tri-State Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294 / Tri-State Tollway toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
8
33.4 mi into trip|~46m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 88 West Toll: Aurora
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 31A
Toward I 88 West Toll: Aurora
8
34.7 mi into trip|~48m in|I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110 / Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 138
Toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Green Oaks, IL and Joliet, IL, road signs point toward O'hare, Indiana and 22Nd Street (Cermak Road).
O'hare
11.8 mi in|~17m|via I 294
Indiana
31.9 mi in|~43m|via I 294
22Nd Street (Cermak Road)
34.7 mi in|~48m|via I 88; IL 110
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Tri-State Tollway
30.7 mi
38m
Veterans Memorial Tollway
19.9 mi
22m
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
6.5 mi
7m
Maple Road
5.7 mi
11m
Atkinson Road
1.1 mi
4m
Saint Marys Road
0.7 mi
1m
North Ottawa Street
0.4 mi
1m
East Park Avenue
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Tri-State Tollway
— 30.7 mi, about 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Green Oaks, IL and Joliet, IL.
1
Start on Atkinson Road
1.1 mi·4 min·Atkinson Road
2
Turn left onto Saint Marys Road
0.7 mi·1 min·Saint Marys Road
3
Turn left onto IL 176
0.4 mi·42 sec·East Park Avenue
4
Continue on IL 176
0.1 mi·19 sec·Rockland Road
5
Turn left
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 94 Toll East: Indiana
6
Merge onto I 94
9.1 mi·10 min·Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
20 mi·25 min·Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 294 South Toll: Indiana, O'HareUse the slight right lane.
8
Take the exit onto I 294
1.0 mi·1 min·Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, IndianaUse the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
0.2 mi·30 sec·Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, IndianaUse the slight right lane.
10
Continue on I 294
0.4 mi·47 sec·Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15AToward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·49 sec
Exit 31AToward I 88 West Toll: AuroraUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 88; IL 110
0.8 mi·59 sec·Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110
5.8 mi·6 min·Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Exit 138Toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)Use the slight right lane.
14
Take the exit
0.7 mi·55 sec
Exit 131AToward I 355 South: JolietUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 355
20 mi·22 min·Veterans Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 1Toward US 6: Southwest HighwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn right onto US 6
5.7 mi·11 min·Maple Road
18
Turn left onto IL 53
0.4 mi·1 min·North Ottawa Street
19
Turn right
111 ft·8 sec
20
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 1 hour and 32-minute duration, this route offers great flexibility. You can depart at any time of day without needing to split the drive. Since there are no designated stops in the data, plan for a brief fuel or rest break at your discretion along the way. Keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is always a good idea, especially considering the $11 estimated cost. A practical tip: be aware of potential tollway congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours, which could slightly extend your travel time.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 33.8 miles from Green Oaks, IL, or about 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 30.7 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 15 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 33.8 miles or 46m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 14m
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 Green Oaks, IL so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Green Oaks, IL
This is one driving day of about 67.6 miles and 1h 32m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Green Oaks, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Tri-State Tollway for about 30.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 33.8 mi from Green Oaks, IL
· 46m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Pullman National Historical Park
National Historical Park
In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race, gender, or economic status. Their stories came tog...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$10.57 one way
$21.14 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg24 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$11.60
$23.21
premium
$4.89
$13.01
$26.02
diesel
$5.61
$14.93
$29.85
Estimated Tolls: $3.63
Tri-state Tollway
(30.7 mi)$1.84
Veterans Memorial Tollway
(19.9 mi)$1.39
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(6.5 mi)$0.40
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 23.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
20.3
0
$7.10
$3.24
Efficient EV
16.9
0
$5.91
$2.70
EV Truck/SUV
27
0
$9.46
$4.33
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Green Oaks, IL
Night
in Green Oaks on Friday
Local time
10:50 PM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Joliet, IL
Night
in Joliet on Friday
Local time
10:50 PM
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
5 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 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 Green Oaks, IL to Joliet, IL covers 67.6 miles and takes about 1h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Tri-State Tollway, Veterans Memorial Tollway, Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 33.8 miles from Green Oaks, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.57 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.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 67.6 miles you will encounter 16 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 11.8 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 31.9 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 32.8 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Green Oaks, IL and Joliet, IL, road signs point toward O'hare, Indiana and 22Nd Street (Cermak Road).
Yes. Nearby national parks include Pullman National Historical Park.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
