How far is Burlington, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Burlington, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 78.4 miles (126.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 62.8 miles (101.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 37m 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 01h 18m.
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.
Human settlement in Henry County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Scattered Rain Showers
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Burlington and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burlington and Iowa City.
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1
Start on South Central Avenue
2288 ft · 50 sec · South Central Avenue
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2
Continue on North Central Avenue
999 ft · 27 sec · North Central Avenue
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3
Take the ramp left toward US 34 West, IA 163 West
1573 ft · 27 sec
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4
Merge slight left
26.2 mi · 31 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward US 218, IA 27 North: Iowa City, Fairfield
1.3 km · 2 min
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
1.8 mi · 2 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
44.2 mi · 51 min · Avenue of the Saints
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Airport
1.1 km · 1 min
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9
Continue on Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
1.4 km · 1 min · Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
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10
Continue on Old Highway 218 South
1 km · 1 min · Old Highway 218 South
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11
Continue on South Riverside Drive
1.1 km · 1 min · South Riverside Drive
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12
Turn right onto Highway 6 East
2270 ft · 1 min · Highway 6 East
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13
Turn left onto South Gilbert Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · South 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 Burlington and Iowa City.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
44.2 mi · 00h 51m
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.
Scattered Rain Showers leaving Burlington and Partly Sunny near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Burlington to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 78.4 miles (126.1 km) and usually takes 01h 18m 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?
Olds is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.1 miles from Burlington and 39.2 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 62.8 miles (101.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.6 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 3:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.41 one way or $20.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Scattered Rain Showers around Burlington and Partly Sunny near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Olds
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 Olds.
Mount Pleasant
Burlington
Fort Madison station
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Burlington and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 62.83 mi (101.12 km).
#1 Burlington
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 24,516 |
| Coordinates | 40.8075400, -91.1129200 |
| Altitude | 185 |
| 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: 126 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.41 | $20.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.74 | $23.48 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.85 | $25.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.64 | $29.28 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.