Origin
Winnetka, IL
Night in Winnetka on Tuesday
Local time
10:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Winnetka, IL to Joliet, IL
Data updated 1 hour ago
Drive Time
1h 25m
Distance
59.3 mi
95 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 18m
★
6 AM
1h 25m
8 AM
1h 38m
10 AM
1h 30m
12 PM
1h 28m
3 PM
1h 30m
5 PM
1h 38m
8 PM
1h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Winnetka, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Joliet, IL
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 59.3-mile drive from Winnetka, IL to Joliet, IL is a straightforward, one-day trip, taking about 1 hour and 25 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $9, it's an economical option for a short excursion within the Midwest. The journey primarily utilizes local roads like Willow Road, transitioning to Veterans Memorial Tollway and Tri-State Tollway. Since there are no specific overnight recommendations and the drive is relatively short, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. This route is best suited for those looking for a practical, no-frills journey 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
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
29.7 miles from Winnetka, IL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 44m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for much of this 59.3-mile route. While about 19.9 miles are on the Veterans Memorial Tollway, the majority of your travel will involve navigating local roads, including Willow Road, and segments of the Tri-State Tollway. The highway share is 0%, indicating a reliance on surface streets and potentially more frequent turns and traffic lights. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 19.9 miles on the Veterans Memorial Tollway, after which you'll likely encounter more localized driving conditions. This means you should be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that shifts between faster tollway segments and slower, more intricate local road navigation.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Veterans Memorial Tollway is the longest continuous segment at about 19.9 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 0.8 miles in near Willow Road.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 59.3 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (Willow Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 24.6 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 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.8 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Willow Road
At end of road, turn right onto Willow Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
7.4 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Turn left toward I 294 Toll South: Indiana
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward I 294 Toll South: Indiana
8
24.6 mi into trip
|
~37m 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
25.2 mi into trip
|
~39m 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
26.4 mi into trip
|
~40m 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 Winnetka, IL and Joliet, IL, road signs point toward Indiana and 22Nd Street (Cermak Road).
Indiana
23.6 mi in
|
~36m
|
via I 294
22Nd Street (Cermak Road)
26.4 mi in
|
~40m
|
via I 88; IL 110
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans Memorial Tollway | 19.9 mi | 22m |
| Tri-State Tollway | 17.2 mi | 23m |
| Willow Road | 6.6 mi | 12m |
| Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway | 6.5 mi | 7m |
| Maple Road | 5.7 mi | 11m |
| Locust Road | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| North Ottawa Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| Pine Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Veterans Memorial Tollway
— 19.9 mi, about 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winnetka, IL and Joliet, IL.
1
Start on Pine Street
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
Pine Street
2
Turn left onto Locust Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Locust Road
3
At end of road, turn right onto Willow Road
6.6 mi
·
12 min
·
Willow Road
Use the right lane.
4
Turn left
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 294 Toll South: Indiana
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 294
16 mi
·
20 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit onto I 294
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 294
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
Tri-State Tollway
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
Use the slight right lane.
8
Continue on I 294
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
Tri-State Tollway
Exit 15A
Toward I 88 West, I 294 South: Aurora, Indiana
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 31A
Toward I 88 West Toll: Aurora
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 88; IL 110
0.8 mi
·
59 sec
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 88; IL 110
5.8 mi
·
6 min
·
Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
Exit 138
Toward 22nd Street (Cermak Road)
Use the slight right lane.
12
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 131A
Toward I 355 South: Joliet
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 355
20 mi
·
22 min
·
Veterans Memorial Tollway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 1
Toward US 6: Southwest Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn right onto US 6
5.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Maple Road
16
Turn left onto IL 53
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
North Ottawa Street
17
Turn right
111 ft
·
8 sec
18
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this relatively short 1-hour and 25-minute drive, planning around peak traffic times is key, especially given the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. Consider leaving Winnetka outside of typical morning or evening rush hours to maximize your time on the road and minimize delays. With a total distance of 59.3 miles and an estimated fuel cost of $9, you won't need extensive planning for fuel stops. The longest stretch on the Veterans Memorial Tollway is 19.9 miles, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for brief breaks if needed. A practical tip for this route is to familiarize yourself with the Veterans Memorial Tollway and Tri-State Tollway segments beforehand, as these will likely be your fastest portions of the journey.
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 29.7 miles from Winnetka, IL, or about 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 19.9 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 59.3 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 29.7 miles or 44m 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 9m
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 Winnetka, 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 Winnetka, IL
This is one driving day of about 59.3 miles and 1h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Winnetka, IL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Veterans Memorial Tollway for about 19.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 29.7 mi from Winnetka, IL · 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
30 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 59.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 29.7 miles from Winnetka, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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
$9.27 one way
$18.54 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
21 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $10.18 | $20.36 |
| premium | $4.89 | $11.41 | $22.82 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $13.09 | $26.19 |
Estimated Tolls: $2.82
Veterans Memorial Tollway
(19.9 mi)
$1.39
Tri-state Tollway
(17.2 mi)
$1.03
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
$9
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 20.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 17.8 | 0 | $6.23 | $2.85 |
| Efficient EV | 14.8 | 0 | $5.19 | $2.37 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 23.7 | 0 | $8.30 | $3.80 |
Gas CO2
21 kg
EV CO2
7 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
Night in Joliet on Tuesday
Local time
10:32 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°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
3 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
1h 25m 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 Winnetka, IL to Joliet, IL covers 59.3 miles and takes about 1h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Veterans Memorial Tollway, Tri-State Tollway, Willow Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 29.7 miles from Winnetka, IL. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.27 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 demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 59.3 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (Willow Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.4 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 24.6 miles (I 294 / Tri-State Tollway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Winnetka, IL and Joliet, IL, road signs point toward Indiana and 22Nd Street (Cermak Road).
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