How far is Clarion, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Clarion, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 173.1 miles (278.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 134.8 miles (217 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 34m 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 02h 47m.
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 Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clarion and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clarion and Iowa City.
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1
Start on Central Avenue West
1.4 km · 1 min · Central Avenue West
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2
Continue on 220th Street
4 mi · 6 min · 220th Street
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3
Turn right
19.7 mi · 27 min
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4
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
1883 ft · 46 sec
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5
Merge slight left
75.4 mi · 1 hr 27 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
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9
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 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 Clarion 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.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
75.4 mi · 01h 27m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Clarion 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 Clarion to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 173.1 miles (278.5 km) and usually takes 02h 47m 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?
Hudson is a useful midpoint, sitting about 86.4 miles from Clarion and 86.7 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 134.8 miles (217 km), while the road route adds roughly 38.3 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 12:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.04 one way or $46.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Clarion and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clarion and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 134.84 mi (217.01 km).
#1 Clarion
City in Iowa
| Population | 2,678 |
| Coordinates | 42.7316400, -93.7329900 |
| Altitude | 357 |
| 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: 279 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 19m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.04 | $46.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.99 | $51.97 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.44 | $56.87 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.41 | $64.81 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.