Origin
Savanna, IL
Evening in Savanna on Wednesday
Local time
6:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Savanna, IL to Joliet, IL
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
3h 15m
Distance
138.7 mi
223 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 4m
★
6 AM
3h 16m
8 AM
3h 40m
10 AM
3h 24m
12 PM
3h 22m
3 PM
3h 25m
5 PM
3h 38m
8 PM
3h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Savanna, IL
Hugo Sykes
Joliet, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 138.7-mile journey from Savanna, IL to Joliet, IL is a straightforward, one-day drive, taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway alongside Chicago Avenue and US 52, the route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, eliminating the need for an overnight stay. With an estimated fuel cost of $22, this Midwest to Midwest trip offers a practical and budget-friendly option. The overall feel is that of a local drive with a significant portion on the tollway, making it a convenient connection between these two Illinois locations.
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
69.3 miles from Savanna, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a drive that's a bit of a mix, with about 13% of the mileage on highways and the rest on more local roads, indicated by its 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. While there's a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 62.2 miles on the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, the overall experience involves navigating through various road types. As you progress, you'll likely notice the transition from more rural settings to more developed areas as you approach Joliet. This route isn't a monotonous interstate cruise, but rather a varied drive that requires your attention.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway is the longest continuous segment at about 62.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 113.1 miles in near IL 56.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 138.7 miles you will encounter 14 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 113.1 miles (IL 56): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114 miles (Sullivan Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 114.4 miles (IL 25): Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
113.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 25m in
|
IL 56
Take the exit onto IL 56 toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 117
Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East
5
114 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m in
|
Sullivan Road
Turn left onto Sullivan Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
114.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m in
|
IL 25
Turn right onto IL 25
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
116.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 33m in
|
East New York Street
Turn left onto East New York Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
128.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
|
US 30; IL 59 / North Division Street
Turn right onto US 30; IL 59 / North Division Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway | 62.2 mi | 1h 6m |
| Chicago Avenue | 24.1 mi | 37m |
| US 52 | 14.9 mi | 23m |
| Chambers Road | 10.6 mi | 15m |
| Lincoln Highway | 7.4 mi | 11m |
| Plainfield Road | 5.2 mi | 11m |
| Hill Avenue | 2.5 mi | 4m |
| North Joliet Road | 2.5 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
— 62.2 mi, about 1h 6m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Savanna, IL and Joliet, IL.
1
Start on US 52; IL 64; IL 84
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
Main Street
2
Continue on US 52; IL 64; IL 84
24 mi
·
37 min
·
Chicago Avenue
3
Continue on US 52; IL 64
11 mi
·
15 min
·
Chambers Road
4
Continue on US 52; IL 26
5.6 mi
·
8 min
·
US 52; IL 26
5
Continue on South Il Route 26
352 ft
·
5 sec
·
South Il Route 26
6
Continue on US 52; IL 26
9.3 mi
·
15 min
·
US 52; IL 26
7
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
9
Merge onto I 88; IL 110
62 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
10
Take the exit onto IL 56
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
IL 56
Exit 117
Toward IL 31 East, IL 56 East
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn right onto IL 31
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
·
South Lincolnway Street
12
Turn left onto Sullivan Road
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
Sullivan Road
Use the left lane.
13
Turn right onto IL 25
2.3 mi
·
4 min
·
IL 25
Use the right lane.
14
Turn left onto East New York Street
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
East New York Street
Use the left lane.
15
Turn slight right
175 ft
·
8 sec
16
Turn slight right onto North Ohio Street
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
North Ohio Street
17
Turn left onto East Galena Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
East Galena Boulevard
18
Continue on Hill Avenue
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Hill Avenue
Use the left lane.
19
Turn straight onto US 30
7.4 mi
·
11 min
·
Lincoln Highway
Use the left lane.
20
Turn left onto US 30
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
143rd Street
Use the left lane.
21
Turn right onto US 30; IL 59
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North Division Street
Use the right lane.
22
Turn left onto US 30
2.5 mi
·
5 min
·
North Joliet Road
Use the left lane.
23
Continue on US 30
5.2 mi
·
11 min
·
Plainfield Road
24
Continue on US 30
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
North Center Street
25
Turn left onto US 30
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
West Jefferson Street
26
Turn left onto Joliet Street
174 ft
·
6 sec
·
Joliet Street
27
Turn right
272 ft
·
19 sec
28
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of about 3 hours and 15 minutes, you can easily complete this drive in one day. Aim to depart Savanna in the morning to have ample time upon arrival in Joliet. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to take a break. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 62.2 miles on the tollway, as services can be spaced out. The estimated fuel cost of $22 makes this a predictable part of your budget for this 138.7-mile trip.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 69.3 miles from Savanna, IL, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.2 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 31 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.3 miles or 1h 38m 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 27m
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 Savanna, 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 Savanna, IL
This is one driving day of about 138.7 miles and 3h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Savanna, 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 Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway for about 62.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 69.3 mi from Savanna, IL · 1h 38m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
69 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 69.3 miles from Savanna, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.2 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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.68 one way
$43.37 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
49 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $23.81 | $47.62 |
| premium | $4.89 | $26.69 | $53.38 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.62 | $61.25 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.73
Reagan Memorial Tollway
(62.2 mi)
$3.73
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
$22
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 41.6 | 0 | $14.56 | $6.66 |
| Efficient EV | 34.7 | 0 | $12.14 | $5.55 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 55.5 | 0 | $19.42 | $8.88 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Destination
Joliet, IL
Evening in Joliet on Wednesday
Local time
6:17 PM
CDT
Current temp
82°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 15 mph
27% chance
Live forecast
51°F
Aurora, IL
69 mi in
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
16 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
3h 15m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Savanna, IL to Joliet, IL covers 138.7 miles and takes about 3h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, Chicago Avenue, US 52. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 69.3 miles from Savanna, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.68 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 138.7 miles you will encounter 14 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 113.1 miles (IL 56): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 114 miles (Sullivan Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 114.4 miles (IL 25): Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Savanna, IL to Joliet, IL does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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