The Burning Question: Just How Close is Joliet to Chicago? Spoiler Alert: Not Exactly Siberia
Hey there, intrepid explorers and curious geographers! Ever looked at a map of Illinois and thought, "Wait, how far is Joliet from Chicago? Like, spitting distance or road trip material?" Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the fascinating (well, maybe not that fascinating) world of Illinois city distances.
Is Joliet Basically Chicago's Next-Door Neighbor?
Nope, not quite. While Joliet is definitely in the Chicago metropolitan area, it's not exactly knocking on the Windy City's door. Think of it more like a cool cousin who lives a few suburbs over. You wouldn't call them next door, but they're close enough for a fun day trip or a shared slice of deep dish (because, let's be honest, that's the real reason we visit Chicago, right?).
Alright, Alright, Spill the Beans: How Many Miles are We Talking?
Here's the nitty-gritty: the distance between Chicago and Joliet depends on how you choose to travel.
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  By car: Zoom along the highway and you're looking at a cruise of around 40 to 45 miles (depending on traffic and your lead foot). That's a hop, skip, and a jump in the grand scheme of road trips. 
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  By train: Feeling fancy? Take the Metra and enjoy a scenic (or social media-worthy) ride for about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Just remember, those train delays can be a real mood killer, so factor that in. 
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  By foot (not recommended): Unless you're training for an ultramarathon, this is a hard pass. We're talking some serious blisters and a questionable use of your valuable time. 
So, there you have it! Joliet isn't exactly right next to Chicago, but it's close enough for a quick escape from the city bustle or a fun little adventure. Now, the real question is: are you packing for a car ride, a train adventure, or a very, very long walk?