How far is Cherokee, IA from Dubuque, IA?
The driving distance from Cherokee, IA to Dubuque, IA is about 274.9 miles (442.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 249 miles (400.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 51m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CST.
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 04h 25m.
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 Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cherokee and Dubuque.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cherokee and Dubuque.
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1
Start on the route
32 m ยท 13 sec
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2
Turn left onto South 2nd Street
48 m ยท 9 sec ยท South 2nd Street
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3
Turn right onto East Main Street
1.3 mi ยท 3 min ยท East Main Street
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4
Continue on State Highway 977
1852 ft ยท 37 sec ยท State Highway 977
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5
Continue on 530th Street
3.7 mi ยท 5 min ยท 530th Street
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6
Turn right onto V Avenue
2 mi ยท 3 min ยท V Avenue
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7
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi ยท 2 min ยท 1st Street
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8
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi ยท 3 min ยท State Highway 7
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9
Continue on Highway 7
1.1 mi ยท 2 min ยท Highway 7
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10
Turn right onto 20th Avenue
9.2 mi ยท 13 min ยท 20th Avenue
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11
Continue on Armstrong Avenue
6 mi ยท 8 min ยท Armstrong Avenue
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12
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
164.9 mi ยท 3 hr 10 min ยท 220th Street
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13
Keep slight left
81.4 mi ยท 1 hr 37 min
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14
Turn left onto South Locust Street
553 ft ยท 18 sec ยท South Locust Street
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15
Turn straight onto IA 946
708 ft ยท 21 sec
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16
At the end of the road, turn left
128 m ยท 13 sec
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17
Take the exit slight right toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
1432 ft ยท 32 sec
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18
Continue on White Street
638 ft ยท 27 sec ยท White Street
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19
Turn left onto East 7th Street
87 m ยท 20 sec ยท East 7th Street
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20
Turn left onto Central Avenue
10 m ยท 1 sec ยท Central Avenue
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m ยท 1 sec ยท Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cherokee and Dubuque.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
220th Street
At the end of the road, turn left onto 220th Street
165 mi ยท 03h 10m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Cherokee and Sunny near Dubuque.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cherokee to Dubuque?
The road trip is about 274.9 miles (442.4 km) and usually takes 04h 25m 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 136.8 miles from Cherokee and 138.1 miles from Dubuque.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 249 miles (400.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.9 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:08 AM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $38.20 one way or $76.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 86.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Cherokee and Sunny near Dubuque.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cherokee and Dubuque. Straight-line distance: 249.01 mi (400.75 km).
#1 Cherokee
Native American people indigenous to the Southeastern United States
| Population | 4,841 |
| Coordinates | 42.7494300, -95.5516700 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Dubuque
The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.
| Population | 57,781 |
| Coordinates | 42.5005600, -90.6645700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central Avenue (-90.664595, 42.500561)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 442 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.94 | $38.20 | $76.40 |
| Mid-grade | $4.28 | $41.49 | $82.97 |
| Premium | $4.84 | $46.92 | $93.84 |
| Diesel | $6.01 | $58.30 | $116.59 |
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 ยท Nov 06, 2026