How far is Algona, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Algona, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 220.6 miles (355.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 168.8 miles (271.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 09m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 34m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Grundy County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Algona and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Algona and Iowa City.
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1
Start on North Jones Street
1121 ft · 35 sec · North Jones Street
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2
Turn left onto East McGregor Street
1636 ft · 37 sec · East McGregor Street
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3
Turn right onto South Phillips Street
2617 ft · 1 min · South Phillips Street
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4
Continue on US Highway 169
4 mi · 6 min · US Highway 169
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5
Continue on South Phillips Street
5.9 mi · 8 min · South Phillips Street
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6
Continue on 120th Avenue
2588 ft · 55 sec · 120th Avenue
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7
Continue on Lincoln Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · Lincoln Avenue
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8
Continue on 13th Street North
1.3 mi · 2 min · 13th Street North
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9
Continue on Lincoln Avenue
115 m · 8 sec · Lincoln Avenue
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10
Continue on 13th Street South
1.3 mi · 2 min · 13th Street South
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11
Continue on Lincoln Avenue
18.5 mi · 26 min · Lincoln Avenue
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12
Turn left onto US 20 East
2190 ft · 1 min
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13
Merge slight left
103.2 mi · 1 hr 59 min
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14
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
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15
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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16
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
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17
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
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18
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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19
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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20
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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21
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Algona and Iowa City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
103 mi · 01h 59m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Cloudy leaving Algona and Chance Rain Showers near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Algona to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 220.6 miles (355.1 km) and usually takes 03h 34m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Wellsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 110.1 miles from Algona and 110.5 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 168.8 miles (271.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:50 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.38 one way or $58.75 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 69.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Algona and Chance Rain Showers near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Algona and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 168.85 mi (271.73 km).
#1 Algona
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,359 |
| Coordinates | 43.0699700, -94.2330200 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Iowa City
The most populous city in Johnson County, Iowa.
| Population | 75,130 |
| Coordinates | 41.6611300, -91.5301700 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Gilbert Street (-91.530165, 41.661126)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 355 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 21m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.38 | $58.75 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $33.13 | $66.26 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $36.25 | $72.51 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $41.32 | $82.64 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · May 06, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.