How far is Belle Plaine, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Belle Plaine, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 55.1 miles (88.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 41.8 miles (67.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 58m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 00h 59m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Johnson County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Belle Plaine and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Belle Plaine and Iowa City.
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1
Start on 7th Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · 7th Avenue
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2
Continue on 11th Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · 11th Avenue
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3
Continue on State Highway 21
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 21
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4
Keep slight left
11.7 mi · 17 min
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5
Turn right onto Western Avenue
2692 ft · 51 sec · Western Avenue
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6
Turn left onto Grand Army of the Republic Highway
8.8 mi · 12 min · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
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7
Turn right onto U Avenue
5.6 mi · 8 min · U Avenue
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8
Take the ramp left
1437 ft · 35 sec
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9
Merge slight left
18.7 mi · 21 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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11
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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12
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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13
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Belle Plaine 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.
U Avenue
Merge slight left
18.7 mi · 00h 21m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Belle Plaine and Sunny near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Belle Plaine to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 55.1 miles (88.7 km) and usually takes 00h 59m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Oxford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.7 miles from Belle Plaine and 29.5 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 41.8 miles (67.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.35 one way or $14.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Belle Plaine and Sunny near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Oxford
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 Oxford.
Mount Pleasant
Ottumwa station
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Belle Plaine and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 41.84 mi (67.34 km).
#1 Belle Plaine
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,417 |
| Coordinates | 41.8969400, -92.2782400 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| 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: 89 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.35 | $14.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.29 | $16.59 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.08 | $18.15 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $10.34 | $20.69 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.