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Trip Summary
There are 5 daily trains from Rockford to Joliet. Traveling by train from Rockford to Joliet usually takes around 5 hours and 14 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 73 mi (118 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 52m |
| Lowest price | $52.45 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Rockford to Joliet
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Rockford to Joliet?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Rockford to Joliet. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 5h 14m | $60.95 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 5 Amtrak trains from Rockford to Joliet every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $52.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Rockford and Joliet is approximately 73 miles, or 118 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 52 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Rockford to Joliet. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Rockford at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Joliet to Rockford.
City Information
Rockford
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.
Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.
Joliet
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionJoliet is the third-largest city in Illinois and a suburb about 35 miles outside of Chicago. Most striking in Joliet is its limestone architecture, which you can see in the 40-room Jacob Henry Mansion and Post Office, built in 1876 and 1903, respectively. The Rialto Square Theatre is another historic building where many musicals, concerts, and comedy shows perform each week. Aside from its history, Joliet has gorgeous natural spaces, including the Forest Preserve District, perfect for fishing and hiking, and the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, where 27 protected bison live.
Roll the dice at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel for an epic night out in Joliet. If you prefer to fill your stomach instead of emptying your wallet, choose from several on-site dining options in the hotel. Downtown Joliet is also known for its culinary opportunities, from fine dining at Juliet's Tavern to quick bites at Joliet Route 66 Diner.
Amtrak's Lincoln Service from St. Louis and the Texas Eagle from San Antonio stop in Joliet on their routes to Chicago. The quick trip to Chicago makes it easy to connect to many of Amtrak's other train lines, plus additional bus routes beyond the ones offered by Tornado Bus and El Expreso Bus directly to Joliet.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Rockford?
Main departure station: Van Galder Bus Office
The Van Galder Bus Office is located just off Interstate 51 in Rockford, Illinois. Although the bus stop doesn't have much in terms of amenities, it's in a resting area for road trips and buses. Grab coffee at the Starbucks, food at Burger King, or stay overnight in the Garden Inn just across the street. The terminal, which is operated by Van Galder Buses, services buses that run between Rockford and Madison, as well as Chicago O'Hare Airport and Union Station in downtown Chicago. Within the station building, there's a waiting room for you to enjoy your latte or burger, and a ticket kiosk if you have any questions about your trip.
All train stations in Rockford:
Van Galder Bus Office
Where is the train station in Joliet?
Main arrival station: Gateway Center
Joliet has one train station.
Train stations in Joliet:
Gateway Center
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Need a return trip from Joliet to Rockford?
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