How far is Cresco, IA from Sioux City, IA?
The driving distance from Cresco, IA to Sioux City, IA is about 274.8 miles (442.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 225.2 miles (362.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 59m 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 04h 29m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cresco and Sioux City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cresco and Sioux City.
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1
Start on 8th Avenue East
1678 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue East
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2
Turn left onto 3rd Street West
3257 ft · 1 min · 3rd Street West
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3
Continue on 3rd Street Southwest
774 ft · 20 sec · 3rd Street Southwest
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4
Turn right onto 2nd Avenue Southwest
1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue Southwest
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5
Continue on State Highway 9
20.6 mi · 28 min · State Highway 9
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6
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 km · 2 min · East Main Street
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7
Continue on Highway 9
1.2 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
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8
Continue on State Highway 9
12.3 mi · 17 min · State Highway 9
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9
Turn left
11.2 mi · 16 min
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10
Take the ramp left toward US 18 east, IA 27 north: Mason City
1560 ft · 43 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
30.8 mi · 36 min · Avenue of the Saints
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12
Take the exit slight left toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.4 km · 1 min
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13
Continue on I 35 South: Des Moines
2643 ft · 32 sec
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14
Merge slight left
47.4 mi · 51 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
3250 ft · 1 min
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16
Merge slight left
144.6 mi · 2 hr 51 min
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17
Turn right onto South Fairmount Street
3033 ft · 1 min · South Fairmount Street
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18
Continue on 6th Street
1.5 km · 2 min · 6th Street
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19
Turn right onto Court Street
1199 ft · 39 sec · Court Street
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20
Turn left onto 9th Street
990 ft · 46 sec · 9th Street
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21
Turn right
35 m · 9 sec
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cresco 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.
Sunny leaving Cresco and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Sioux City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cresco to Sioux City?
The road trip is about 274.8 miles (442.2 km) and usually takes 04h 29m 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?
Webster City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 137.3 miles from Cresco and 137.4 miles from Sioux City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 225.2 miles (362.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 49.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:00 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.58 one way or $73.16 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 86.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Cresco and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Sioux City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cresco and Sioux City. Straight-line distance: 225.16 mi (362.36 km).
#1 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| 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: 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 | $3.77 | $36.58 | $73.16 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.25 | $82.51 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $45.14 | $90.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $51.45 | $102.90 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.