How far is Creston, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Creston, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 184.8 miles (297.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 152.6 miles (245.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 03m 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 01m.
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Creston and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Creston and Iowa City.
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1
Start on East Montgomery Street
690 ft · 36 sec · East Montgomery Street
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2
Turn left onto North Elm Street
1 km · 2 min · North Elm Street
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3
Turn left onto West Taylor Street
30.5 mi · 42 min · West Taylor Street
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4
Take the ramp right toward I-35 north: Des Moines
1219 ft · 30 sec
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5
Merge slight left
53.1 mi · 58 min
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6
Keep slight left
106.9 mi · 1 hr 56 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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8
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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9
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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10
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Creston and Iowa 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.
I-35 north
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Creston 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 Creston to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 184.8 miles (297.4 km) and usually takes 03h 01m 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?
Mitchellville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 96.7 miles from Creston and 88.1 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 152.6 miles (245.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.2 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 10:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.59 one way or $49.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Creston and Chance Rain Showers near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Mitchellville
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 Mitchellville.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Creston and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 152.6 mi (245.59 km).
#1 Creston
City in Iowa
| Population | 7,660 |
| Coordinates | 41.0586000, -94.3613500 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| 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: 297 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.59 | $49.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.73 | $55.46 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.34 | $60.69 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.58 | $69.16 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.