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Trip from Joliet, IL to Glen Carbon, IL

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 29m

Distance

243.6 mi

392 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 16m ★
6 AM
4h 29m
8 AM
4h 56m
10 AM
4h 38m
12 PM
4h 36m
3 PM
4h 40m
5 PM
4h 54m
8 PM
4h 21m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Illinois, United States

Joliet, IL

Wikimedia Commons

village in Illinois, United States

Glen Carbon, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embark on a 243.6-mile journey from Joliet, IL to Glen Carbon, IL, a trip that will take approximately 4 hours and 29 minutes. This straightforward drive is primarily on interstates, making it an excellent candidate for a single-day trip. With a projected fuel cost of around $38, it's an economical option for exploring the Midwest. The route is almost entirely highway, so expect a focused driving experience. You'll spend most of your time on I-55, I-80, and I-270, covering a significant portion of the distance on I-55. This trip offers a practical way to travel between two points within Illinois without much fuss.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

121.8 miles from Joliet, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 14m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 55 230.6 mi 4h 8m
I 80 6.4 mi 7m
I 270 2.2 mi 2m
Glen Crossing Road 1.1 mi 2m
South Main Street 0.5 mi 1m
Ottawa Street 0.4 mi 1m
Chicago Street 0.4 mi 1m
South State Route 159 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 55 — 230.6 mi, about 4h 8m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Joliet, IL and Glen Carbon, 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

0.4 mi · 1 min · Chicago Street
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 80 West: Moline, Rock Island
6

Merge onto I 80

6.4 mi · 7 min · I 80
Use the right lane.
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 54 sec
Exit 126A Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
8

Merge onto I 55

93 mi · 1 hr 40 min · I 55
Use the right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55

65 mi · 1 hr 10 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 55

73 mi · 1 hr 18 min · I 55
Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 32 sec
Exit 20B Toward I 270 West: Kansas City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Merge onto I 270

2.2 mi · 2 min · I 270
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 32 sec
Exit 12 Toward IL 159: Collinsville, Edwardsville
14

Keep slight left at fork

138 ft · 6 sec
15

Turn left onto IL 159

0.4 mi · 42 sec · South State Route 159
16

Turn right onto Glen Crossing Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · Glen Crossing Road
17

Turn left onto South Main Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
18

Arrive at destination

South Main Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 29-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable as a day trip from Joliet to Glen Carbon. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize your daylight and allow for flexibility with any unscheduled stops. While the drive is largely on interstates, be aware of potential traffic congestion around major metropolitan areas, especially if traveling during peak hours. With the longest stretch being over 230 miles, consider planning one fuel and rest stop roughly halfway through your journey. The $38 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to check your vehicle's fuel efficiency before you leave.

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 121.8 miles from Joliet, IL, or about 2h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 230.6 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 54 miles or 1h 1m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 121.8 miles or 2h 14m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 38m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Glen Carbon, IL than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Joliet, 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 Joliet, IL

This is one driving day of about 243.6 miles and 4h 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Joliet, 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 55 for about 230.6 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Danvers, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Danvers, IL

122 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

Normal, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Danvers, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 121.8 miles from Joliet, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 55 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 230.6 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 241.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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

5
1.1 mi into trip | ~2m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
8
100.9 mi into trip | ~1h 52m in | I 55

Keep slight right at fork onto I 55 toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 55 South: Saint Louis, Springfield
7
238.6 mi into trip | ~4h 20m in

Take the exit toward I 270 West: Kansas City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 20B Toward I 270 West: Kansas City
6
241.2 mi into trip | ~4h 23m in

Take the exit toward IL 159: Collinsville, Edwardsville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 12 Toward IL 159: Collinsville, Edwardsville

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$38.08 one way

$76.17 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $41.81 $83.63
premium $4.89 $46.88 $93.76
diesel $5.61 $53.78 $107.57

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$38

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 85.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 73.1 0 $25.58 $11.69
Efficient EV 60.9 0 $21.31 $9.74
EV Truck/SUV 97.4 1 $34.10 $15.59

Gas CO2

85 kg

EV CO2

29 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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 18, 2026

Origin

Joliet, IL

Late night in Joliet on Tuesday

Local time

3:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

44°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 15 to 25 mph 95% chance Live forecast

Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 7:10PM CDT until April 17 at 7:30PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL

Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 7:09PM CDT until April 17 at 7:45PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Destination

Glen Carbon, IL

Late night in Glen Carbon on Tuesday

Local time

3:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

68°F

Danvers, IL

122 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

25 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

4h 29m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

National Monument

In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and lynched two men. The event led to the founding of the National Assoc...

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Free near mile 159.6
View on nps.gov
Pullman National Historical Park

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...

27 mi from route ~68 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 98% of the journey utilizing interstate roads. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, with the longest uninterrupted segment spanning 230.6 miles on I-55. Expect a direct and efficient travel experience, as the main roads are designed for covering distance. While the profile is highway-centric, the transition between I-55, I-80, and I-270 is seamless, maintaining a predictable pace throughout the 4 hours and 29 minutes of travel time. It’s the kind of drive where you can settle in and make good time.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 230.6 mi on I 55.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 55 and I 80. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 243.6 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: near the start (US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.1 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 100.9 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Joliet, IL to Glen Carbon, IL, road signs begin pointing toward Springfield along the way.

Springfield

100.9 mi in | ~1h 52m | via I 55

About the Cities

Starting in Joliet, IL

Full guide →

Founded 1833

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.

Top landmarks

  • • Joliet Union Station — former train station in the United States
  • • Christ Episcopal Church — church building in Joliet, Illinois, United States of America
  • • Joliet Central High School — public school in Joliet, Illinois

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 29m. Total distance: 243.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 230.6 miles on I 55. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Glen Carbon, IL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 6; IL 53 / Ottawa Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.1 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 100.9 miles (I 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Glen Carbon, IL, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner 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.

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