How far is Clarinda, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Clarinda, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 241.9 miles (389.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 193.1 miles (310.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 41m 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 50m.
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 Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clarinda and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clarinda and Iowa City.
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1
Start on the route
11 m · 5 sec
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2
Turn right onto North 16th Street
59 m · 9 sec · North 16th Street
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3
Turn left onto East Washington Street
1.3 km · 1 min · East Washington Street
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4
Continue on 210 Street
1.5 km · 2 min · 210 Street
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5
Turn left
46.4 mi · 1 hr 3 min
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6
Turn right onto East 7th Street
2 mi · 3 min · East 7th Street
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7
Turn left onto 650th Street
6.4 mi · 9 min · 650th Street
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8
Take the exit right
62 mi · 1 hr 7 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
14.4 mi · 17 min
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10
Keep slight left
106.9 mi · 1 hr 56 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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12
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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13
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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14
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Clarinda 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.
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Clarinda 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 Clarinda to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 241.9 miles (389.3 km) and usually takes 03h 50m 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?
Clive is a useful midpoint, sitting about 120.8 miles from Clarinda and 121.2 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 193.1 miles (310.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.8 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 9:18 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.20 one way or $64.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 75.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Clarinda and Chance Rain Showers near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Clive
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 Clive.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clarinda and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 193.13 mi (310.82 km).
#1 Clarinda
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,366 |
| Coordinates | 40.7398100, -95.0380000 |
| Altitude | 318 |
| 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: 389 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 02m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.20 | $64.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $36.32 | $72.64 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $39.75 | $79.49 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $45.30 | $90.59 |
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 · Apr 29, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.