How far is Atlantic, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Atlantic, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 195.3 miles (314.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 181.1 miles (291.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 13m 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 06m.
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.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Atlantic and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Atlantic and Iowa City.
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1
Start on the route
69 m · 21 sec
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2
Turn left onto Chestnut Street
81 m · 9 sec · Chestnut Street
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3
Turn right onto East 7th Street
3.5 mi · 6 min · East 7th Street
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4
Turn left onto 650th Street
6.4 mi · 9 min · 650th Street
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5
Take the exit right
62 mi · 1 hr 7 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
14.4 mi · 17 min
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7
Keep slight left
106.9 mi · 1 hr 56 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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9
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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10
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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11
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Atlantic and Iowa City.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 35
Keep slight left
107 mi · 01h 56m
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.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Atlantic and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Atlantic to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 195.3 miles (314.3 km) and usually takes 03h 06m 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?
Mitchellville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.5 miles from Atlantic and 97.8 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 181.1 miles (291.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.2 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 10:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.98 one way or $51.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Atlantic and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Mitchellville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mitchellville.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Atlantic and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 181.05 mi (291.37 km).
#1 Atlantic
City in Iowa
| Population | 6,513 |
| Coordinates | 41.4036000, -95.0138800 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| 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: 314 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.98 | $51.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.30 | $58.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.07 | $64.13 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.54 | $73.09 |
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 · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.