How far is Dubuque, IA from Atlantic, IA?
The estimated driving distance from Dubuque, IA to Atlantic, IA is about 278.4 miles (448.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 52m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 235.9 miles (379.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 45m 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 52m.
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, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Atlantic.
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.
Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers leaving Dubuque and Showers And Thunderstorms near Atlantic.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dubuque to Atlantic?
The road trip is about 278.4 miles (448.1 km) and usually takes 04h 52m 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?
Ferguson is a useful midpoint, sitting about 118 miles from Dubuque and 160.4 miles from Atlantic.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 235.9 miles (379.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 42.5 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 7:14 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.03 one way or $74.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 87.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers around Dubuque and Showers And Thunderstorms near Atlantic.
Stop Ideas Near Ferguson
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 Ferguson.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dubuque and Atlantic. Straight-line distance: 235.96 mi (379.74 km).
#1 Dubuque
The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.
| Population | 57,781 |
| Coordinates | 42.5005600, -90.6645700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Atlantic
City in Iowa
| Population | 6,513 |
| Coordinates | 41.4036000, -95.0138800 |
| Altitude | 369 |
| Country | United States |
End: Atlantic (-95.01388, 41.4036)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 448 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $37.03 | $74.06 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.76 | $83.53 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $45.70 | $91.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $52.09 | $104.17 |
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 11, 2026