How far is Denison, IA from Dubuque, IA?
The driving distance from Denison, IA to Dubuque, IA is about 276.6 miles (445.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 242.1 miles (389.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 53m 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 26m.
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 Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Denison and Dubuque.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Denison and Dubuque.
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1
Start on North Main Street
10 m · 7 sec · North Main Street
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2
Turn left onto 1st Avenue North
75 m · 11 sec · 1st Avenue North
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3
Turn right onto Avenue C
1.1 km · 2 min · Avenue C
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4
Turn right onto State Highway 39
16.9 mi · 23 min · State Highway 39
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5
Continue on 400th Street
1.2 km · 1 min · 400th Street
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6
Continue on Fox Avenue
5.9 mi · 8 min · Fox Avenue
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7
Continue on South Des Moines Street
2648 ft · 1 min · South Des Moines Street
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8
Continue on Fox Avenue
11.3 mi · 16 min · Fox Avenue
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9
Turn right onto 220th Street
158.6 mi · 3 hr 3 min · 220th Street
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10
Keep slight left
81.4 mi · 1 hr 37 min
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11
Turn left onto South Locust Street
553 ft · 18 sec · South Locust Street
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12
Turn straight onto IA 946
708 ft · 21 sec
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13
At the end of the road, turn left
128 m · 13 sec
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14
Take the exit slight right toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
1432 ft · 32 sec
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15
Continue on White Street
638 ft · 27 sec · White Street
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16
Turn left onto East 7th Street
87 m · 20 sec · East 7th Street
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17
Turn left onto Central Avenue
10 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Denison and Dubuque.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
220th Street
Turn right onto 220th Street
159 mi · 03h 03m
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 Denison and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Dubuque.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Denison to Dubuque?
The road trip is about 276.6 miles (445.2 km) and usually takes 04h 26m 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 138.1 miles from Denison and 138.5 miles from Dubuque.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 242.1 miles (389.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.5 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 8:06 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.80 one way or $73.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 86.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Denison and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Dubuque.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Denison and Dubuque. Straight-line distance: 242.14 mi (389.69 km).
#1 Denison
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 8,249 |
| Coordinates | 42.0177700, -95.3552800 |
| Altitude | 391 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Dubuque
The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.
| Population | 57,781 |
| Coordinates | 42.5005600, -90.6645700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central Avenue (-90.664595, 42.500561)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 445 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $36.80 | $73.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.51 | $83.02 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $45.42 | $90.85 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $51.77 | $103.53 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.