How far is Dubuque, IA from Clear Lake, IA?
The driving distance from Dubuque, IA to Clear Lake, IA is about 182 miles (292.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 144.5 miles (232.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 14m 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 37m.
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.
The most populous city in Black Hawk County, Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dubuque and Clear Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Clear Lake.
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1
Start on Central Avenue
929 ft · 34 sec · Central Avenue
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2
Take the ramp straight toward US 61 South, US 151 South
1248 ft · 32 sec
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3
Turn right onto Locust Street Conn
1166 ft · 36 sec · Locust Street Conn
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4
Turn right onto Dodge Street
87 mi · 1 hr 43 min · Dodge Street
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
5.6 mi · 8 min
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6
Continue on West Washington Expressway
1293 ft · 18 sec · West Washington Expressway
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7
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.1 km · 52 sec · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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8
Continue on West Washington Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Washington Street
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9
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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10
Take the exit slight right
1309 ft · 32 sec
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11
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
2382 ft · 58 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
82.5 mi · 1 hr 35 min · Avenue of the Saints
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business, CR B35: Clear Lake, Mason City
1386 ft · 40 sec
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14
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.2 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
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15
Turn right onto South 8th Street
1671 ft · 34 sec · South 8th Street
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16
Turn left onto 1st Avenue North
57 m · 14 sec · 1st Avenue North
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17
Turn left onto North 6th Street
24 m · 4 sec · North 6th Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dubuque and Clear Lake.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Dodge Street
Turn right onto Dodge Street
87 mi · 01h 43m
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 Dubuque and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Clear Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dubuque to Clear Lake?
The road trip is about 182 miles (292.9 km) and usually takes 03h 37m 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?
Waterloo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.8 miles from Dubuque and 91.2 miles from Clear Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 144.5 miles (232.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 37.5 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 9:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.21 one way or $48.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Dubuque and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Clear Lake.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dubuque and Clear Lake. Straight-line distance: 144.46 mi (232.48 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 Clear Lake
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 7,517 |
| Coordinates | 43.1380200, -93.3793700 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clear Lake (-93.37937, 43.13802)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 293 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.21 | $48.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.30 | $54.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.88 | $59.76 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.05 | $68.10 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.