How far is Clear Lake, IA from Sioux City, IA?
The driving distance from Clear Lake, IA to Sioux City, IA is about 198.8 miles (320 km), with a travel time of about 03h 06m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 159.3 miles (256.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 12m 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 06m.
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.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Clear Lake and Sioux City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clear Lake and Sioux City.
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1
Start on North 6th Street
24 m · 6 sec · North 6th Street
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2
Turn right onto 1st Avenue North
57 m · 10 sec · 1st Avenue North
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3
Turn right onto North 8th Street
1671 ft · 34 sec · North 8th Street
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4
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.1 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
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5
Take the ramp right toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des Moines
1796 ft · 44 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
50.1 mi · 54 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
3250 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
144.6 mi · 2 hr 51 min
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9
Turn right onto South Fairmount Street
3033 ft · 1 min · South Fairmount Street
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10
Continue on 6th Street
1.5 km · 2 min · 6th Street
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11
Turn right onto Court Street
1199 ft · 39 sec · Court Street
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12
Turn left onto 9th Street
990 ft · 46 sec · 9th Street
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13
Turn right
35 m · 9 sec
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Clear Lake and Sioux City.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 West
Merge slight left
145 mi · 02h 51m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Clear Lake and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Sioux City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Clear Lake to Sioux City?
The road trip is about 198.8 miles (320 km) and usually takes 03h 06m 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?
Knierim is a useful midpoint, sitting about 99.3 miles from Clear Lake and 99.5 miles from Sioux City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 159.3 miles (256.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.5 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 10:48 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.47 one way or $52.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Clear Lake and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Sioux City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Clear Lake and Sioux City. Straight-line distance: 159.31 mi (256.39 km).
#1 Clear Lake
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 7,517 |
| Coordinates | 43.1380200, -93.3793700 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sioux City
The second most populous city in Iowa.
| Population | 82,651 |
| Coordinates | 42.4999900, -96.4003100 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-96.400135, 42.499991)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 320 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.47 | $52.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.86 | $59.71 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.67 | $65.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.23 | $74.47 |
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 05, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.