How far is Dubuque, IA from Clive, IA?
The driving distance from Dubuque, IA to Clive, IA is about 195.3 miles (314.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 168.8 miles (271.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 49m 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 54m.
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 Benton County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dubuque and Clive.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Clive.
-
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
1021 ft · 28 sec
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3
Continue straight
5.6 mi · 8 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right
57 mi · 1 hr 6 min
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5
Turn left
1.1 mi · 2 min
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6
Turn right
15.2 mi · 19 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West, US 218 North: Tama, Marshalltown
1.2 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto 16th Avenue Southwest
2.4 mi · 3 min · 16th Avenue Southwest
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9
Continue on 73rd Street
24.4 mi · 28 min · 73rd Street
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10
Continue on Lincoln Highway
37.3 mi · 43 min · Lincoln Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 330: Melbourne, Des Moines
1818 ft · 46 sec
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12
Turn left onto Marshalltown Boulevard
33.7 mi · 40 min · Marshalltown Boulevard
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13
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1.1 km · 58 sec · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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14
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 west, US 65 south: Des Moines
4.5 mi · 6 min
-
15
Take the exit slight left toward I 235 West: Des Moines
1 km · 1 min
-
16
Continue on John MacVicar Freeway
10.2 mi · 13 min · John MacVicar Freeway
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17
Take the exit slight right toward 73rd Street, 8th Street, Windsor Heights, West Des Moines
1301 ft · 39 sec
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18
Turn left onto 73rd Street
2230 ft · 54 sec · 73rd Street
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19
Turn left onto University Avenue
1767 ft · 38 sec · University Avenue
-
20
Turn right onto Northwest 78th Street
860 ft · 38 sec · Northwest 78th Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Northwest 78th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dubuque and Clive.
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 61 South
Take the exit slight right
57 mi · 01h 06m
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.
Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny leaving Dubuque and Partly Sunny near Clive.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dubuque to Clive?
The road trip is about 195.3 miles (314.3 km) and usually takes 03h 54m 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?
Van Horne is a useful midpoint, sitting about 97.5 miles from Dubuque and 97.8 miles from Clive.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 168.8 miles (271.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.5 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 9:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.98 one way or $51.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Frost then Mostly Sunny around Dubuque and Partly Sunny near Clive.
Stop Ideas Near Van Horne
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 Van Horne.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dubuque and Clive. Straight-line distance: 168.76 mi (271.59 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 Clive
Human settlement in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 17,444 |
| Coordinates | 41.6030400, -93.7241100 |
| Altitude | 254 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clive (-93.72411, 41.60304)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 314 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.98 | $51.96 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.30 | $58.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.07 | $64.13 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $36.54 | $73.09 |
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 07, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.