Origin
Joliet, IL
Evening in Joliet on Wednesday
Local time
7:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Joliet, IL to Markham, IL
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
32m
Distance
23.8 mi
38 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$4
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 29m
★
6 AM
0h 32m
8 AM
0h 38m
10 AM
0h 34m
12 PM
0h 34m
3 PM
0h 34m
5 PM
0h 37m
8 PM
0h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Joliet, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Markham, IL
Armando Ascorve
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick connection between Joliet and Markham, Illinois, this 23.8-mile drive is a straightforward, efficient journey. Expect to spend about 32 minutes behind the wheel, making this an ideal day trip that requires no overnight stops. You will primarily utilize I-80, supplemented by Chicago Street and Kedzie Avenue, to navigate through this portion of the Midwest. With a fuel budget of approximately $4, the trip is highly economical for those commuting or moving between these two points. Because the route is so short, it offers maximum flexibility for your schedule, allowing you to easily complete the transit in under an hour. Whether you are traveling for business or local errands, this path provides a direct link between the two Illinois locations.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
11.9 miles from Joliet, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 16m into the drive .
Drive Character
This is a highway-focused drive, with 90% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will find yourself settling into a steady rhythm on I-80, which accounts for the vast majority of your travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 21.5 miles, allowing you to maintain a consistent speed for most of the transit. As you transition from the highway onto local roads like Kedzie Avenue and Chicago Street, the character of the drive shifts from high-speed interstate travel to a more typical suburban pace. It is a functional, no-nonsense commute that prioritizes speed and efficiency over complex navigation.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 10 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 21.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and Kedzie Avenue. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 32m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 6 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street
Turn right onto US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street
Navigation decision point
3
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the ramp toward I 80 East: Gary Indiana
Navigation decision point
Toward I 80 East: Gary Indiana
5
1.3 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 80
Merge onto I 80
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
22.7 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Take the exit toward Kedzie Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 154
Toward Kedzie Avenue
3
23 mi into trip
|
~30m in
|
Kedzie Avenue
Turn left onto Kedzie Avenue
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 21.5 mi | 26m |
| Kedzie Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Chicago Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Ottawa Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| 163rd Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 21.5 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Joliet, IL and Markham, IL.
1
Start on this road
111 ft
·
10 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto US 6; IL 53
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
Ottawa Street
3
Continue on US 6; IL 53
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Ottawa Street
4
Continue on US 6; IL 53
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Chicago Street
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 80 East: Gary Indiana
6
Merge onto I 80
21 mi
·
26 min
·
I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 154
Toward Kedzie Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Turn left onto Kedzie Avenue
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Kedzie Avenue
9
Turn left onto 163rd Street
64 ft
·
2 sec
·
163rd Street
10
Arrive at destination
163rd Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a brief, 32-minute trek, you have the benefit of total scheduling flexibility. You do not need to worry about planning for stops, as the entire distance can be covered in one go without needing a break. To ensure a smooth experience, keep an eye on traffic patterns along I-80, as the high highway percentage means your travel time can fluctuate depending on peak hours. Budget about $4 for fuel to cover the 23.8-mile distance comfortably. As a specific tip for this route, aim to time your departure to avoid heavy congestion on the interstate, as the short duration means even minor delays can significantly impact your arrival 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 11.9 miles from Joliet, IL, or about 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 21.5 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 23.8 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 11.9 miles or 16m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Markham, IL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving Joliet, IL.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Joliet, IL
This is one driving day of about 23.8 miles and 32m.
At 23.8 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 21.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 11.9 mi from Joliet, IL · 16m into the drive
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 23.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 11.9 miles from Joliet, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Markham, IL
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Markham, IL if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$3.72 one way
$7.44 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
8 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $4.09 | $8.17 |
| premium | $4.89 | $4.58 | $9.16 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $5.25 | $10.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$29–$54
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 8.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $3 in charging · 0 stops · 63% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 7.1 | 0 | $2.50 | $1.14 |
| Efficient EV | 6 | 0 | $2.08 | $0.95 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 9.5 | 0 | $3.33 | $1.52 |
Gas CO2
8 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (63% 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
Markham, IL
Evening in Markham on Wednesday
Local time
7:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
17 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
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 Joliet, IL to Markham, IL covers 23.8 miles and takes about 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, Kedzie Avenue, Chicago Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 11.9 miles from Joliet, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.72 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 is a straightforward 32m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles: Navigation decision point; at 1.3 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Joliet, IL to Markham, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Markham, IL
More trips to Markham, IL
Explore more options from Joliet, IL or browse trips ending in Markham, IL.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IL road trips.
Explore maps for Joliet, IL or Markham, IL on MapSof.net.