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Trip from Lovington, IL to Joliet, IL

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 24m

Distance

162.7 mi

262 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 12m ★
6 AM
3h 24m
8 AM
3h 49m
10 AM
3h 33m
12 PM
3h 30m
3 PM
3h 34m
5 PM
3h 47m
8 PM
3h 17m

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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Downtown Lovington, IL, IL

Lovington, IL

Mike Tyurin

city in Illinois, United States

Joliet, IL

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 162.7-mile journey from Lovington, IL, to Joliet, IL, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-57 and US-45, with a brief segment on County Road 950 North, this route is focused on efficient highway driving. With a projected fuel cost of around $25, it's an economical option for a quick trip. Both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, so expect a familiar landscape throughout. This drive is straightforward, making it a manageable day trip without the need for an overnight stay.

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

81.3 miles from Lovington, IL

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 42m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 57 106.2 mi 1h 53m
US 45 10.1 mi 13m
County Road 950 North 10.1 mi 15m
West Columbia Street 6.1 mi 10m
Manhattan Road 5.3 mi 8m
North County Road 000 East 4.6 mi 6m
West Joliet Road 4.4 mi 6m
210 N 2.5 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 57 — 106.2 mi, about 1h 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lovington, IL and Joliet, IL.

1

Start on East State Street

473 ft · 26 sec · East State Street
2

Turn left onto IL 32

0.4 mi · 48 sec · South County Street
3

Turn left onto IL 133

2.5 mi · 4 min · 210 N
4

Continue on IL 133

6.1 mi · 10 min · West Columbia Street
5

Turn left onto South Vine Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · South Vine Street
6

Continue on North County Road 000 East

4.6 mi · 6 min · North County Road 000 East
7

At end of road, turn right onto US 36

0.6 mi · 51 sec · United States Route 36
8

Continue on US 36

9.3 mi · 13 min · County Road 950 North
9

Continue on US 36

0.5 mi · 1 min · East Southline Road
10

Continue on US 36

0.8 mi · 1 min · County Road 950 North
11

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I-57 North: Champaign
12

Merge onto I 57

106 mi · 1 hr 53 min · I 57
13

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 42 sec
Exit 318 Toward Bourbonnais Parkway
14

Turn left onto Bourbonnais Parkway

0.6 mi · 1 min · Bourbonnais Parkway
15

Turn right onto US 45; US 52

10 mi · 13 min · US 45; US 52
16

Turn left onto US 52

1.3 mi · 1 min · West Joliet Road
17

Continue on US 52

1.9 mi · 2 min · West Arsenal Road
18

Continue on US 52

3.1 mi · 4 min · West Joliet Road
19

Continue on US 52

1.2 mi · 1 min · US Route 52
20

Continue on US 52

1.9 mi · 3 min · South State Street
21

Continue on US 52

2.3 mi · 3 min · West North Street
22

Continue on US 52

3.1 mi · 4 min · Manhattan Road
23

Turn left onto US 52

2.2 mi · 4 min · Manhattan Road
24

Continue on US 52

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Gardner Street
25

Turn left onto US 52

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Doris Avenue
26

Turn right onto US 52; IL 53

1.2 mi · 2 min · South Chicago Street
27

Keep slight right at fork onto US 6; IL 53

272 ft · 12 sec · Chicago Street
28

Turn left onto West Washington Street

0.1 mi · 25 sec · West Washington Street
29

Turn right onto Joliet Street

520 ft · 18 sec · Joliet Street
30

Turn right

272 ft · 19 sec
31

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 24-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. With only one recommended stop and a manageable distance, you can easily complete this trip in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 106.2-mile stretch on I-57, as services can be more spread out on longer highway segments. The $25 fuel cost estimate is a good baseline, but always factor in potential price variations. A practical tip is to ensure your vehicle is checked before you leave, as this route is primarily highway driving and puts consistent miles on your car.

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 81.3 miles from Lovington, IL, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.2 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 36 miles or 53m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 81.3 miles or 1h 42m 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 38m

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 Lovington, 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 Lovington, IL

This is one driving day of about 162.7 miles and 3h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Lovington, 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 57 for about 106.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Onarga, IL, IL

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Onarga, IL

81 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

Champaign, IL

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Onarga, IL

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.3 miles from Lovington, IL, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 57 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106.2 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bradley, Illinois

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 127.8

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18159351501

Visit website

Taj Indian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bradley, Illinois

1.5 mi

Silver Spoon

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Joliet, Illinois

1.9 mi

Yolks & Berries

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 127.8

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18159351501

Visit website

Taj Indian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 127.8

Bradley, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–11 pm

+17797015344

Silver Spoon

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 162.7

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18157256202

Visit website

Subway

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour Inexpensiv mile 151

Manhattan, Illinois

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18154780312

Visit website

Sushi Ya

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30 mile 162.7

Joliet, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–3 pm

+18157303838

Visit website

State Street Restaurant & Italian Pizza

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 162.7

Lockport, Illinois

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+18158389116

Visit website

Agave Mexican Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 69.7

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12178932880

ET's Downtown Rantoul

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 69.7

Rantoul, Illinois

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+12178930222

Visit website

The Well

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 139.4

Manteno, Illinois

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+17795295090

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 46.5

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 46.5

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Hampton Inn Charging Station

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 46.5

Champaign, Illinois

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 46.5

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 46.5

Savoy, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 46.5

Champaign, Illinois

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 46.5

Champaign, Illinois

+18668167584

Tesla Destination Charger

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 46.5

Champaign, Illinois

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12175312800

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 162.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | IL 32 / South County Street

Turn left onto IL 32 / South County Street

Navigation decision point

4
0.5 mi into trip | ~1m in | IL 133 / 210 N

Turn left onto IL 133 / 210 N

Navigation decision point

4
14.7 mi into trip | ~25m in | US 36 / United States Route 36

At end of road, turn right onto US 36 / United States Route 36

Navigation decision point

5
132.6 mi into trip | ~2h 37m in

Take the exit toward Bourbonnais Parkway

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Exit 318 Toward Bourbonnais Parkway
5
162.5 mi into trip | ~3h 23m in | Joliet Street

Turn right onto Joliet Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.44 one way

$50.87 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $27.93 $55.86
premium $4.89 $31.31 $62.62
diesel $5.61 $35.92 $71.84

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 56.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 48.8 0 $17.08 $7.81
Efficient EV 40.7 0 $14.24 $6.51
EV Truck/SUV 65.1 0 $22.78 $10.41

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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

Lovington, IL

Late night in Lovington on Sunday

Local time

2:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Joliet, IL

Late night in Joliet on Sunday

Local time

2:59 AM

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

17 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 24m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

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...

26 mi from route ~66 min detour Free near mile 157
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for this trip, with 73% of the drive on major roadways. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 106.2 miles on I-57, offering a period of consistent speed and straightforward navigation. While primarily on interstates and US highways, the inclusion of County Road 950 North suggests a brief transition to more local roads before reaching your destination. This blend means you'll experience both the efficiency of high-speed travel and a taste of more rural Illinois.

73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.2 mi on I 57.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 57 and US 45. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near IL 32 / South County Street.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 24m drive. You will face about 16 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (IL 32 / South County Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (IL 133 / 210 N): Navigation decision point; at 14.7 miles (US 36 / United States Route 36): Navigation decision point.

About the Cities

Arriving 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 3h 24m. Total distance: 162.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (73%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 106.2 miles on I 57. 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (IL 32 / South County Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (IL 133 / 210 N): Navigation decision point; at 14.7 miles (US 36 / United States Route 36): Navigation decision point.

Yes — Pullman National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Joliet, 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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