How far is Dubuque, IA from Cresco, IA?
The driving distance from Dubuque, IA to Cresco, IA is about 115.3 miles (185.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 95.3 miles (153.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 46m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 53m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Township in Clayton County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dubuque and Cresco.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Cresco.
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1
Start on Central Avenue
88 m · 15 sec · Central Avenue
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2
Turn left onto East 6th Street
87 m · 18 sec · East 6th Street
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3
Turn left onto White Street
1.4 km · 3 min · White Street
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4
Turn left onto East 21st Street
72 m · 8 sec · East 21st Street
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5
At the end of the road, turn right onto Central Avenue
2.3 mi · 6 min · Central Avenue
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6
Continue straight
17.9 mi · 25 min
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
35 m · 2 sec
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8
Exit the roundabout
4.4 mi · 6 min
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9
Turn slight right onto 1st Street East
1363 ft · 28 sec · 1st Street East
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10
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Andres Street
12 mi · 16 min · North Andres Street
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11
Continue on South 5th Street
117 m · 13 sec · South 5th Street
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12
Turn left onto Garber Road
4.7 mi · 7 min · Garber Road
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13
Turn right onto Kale Avenue
2.4 mi · 3 min · Kale Avenue
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14
At the end of the road, turn left
14.5 mi · 20 min
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15
Turn left
15.2 mi · 21 min
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16
Turn right onto South Lawler Street
2351 ft · 40 sec · South Lawler Street
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17
Continue on State Highway 51
4 mi · 6 min · State Highway 51
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18
Turn left onto Frankville Road
9.3 mi · 16 min · Frankville Road
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19
Turn left onto State Highway 9
17.2 mi · 26 min · State Highway 9
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20
Continue on North Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North Street
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21
Continue on State Highway 9
6.5 mi · 10 min · State Highway 9
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22
Continue on State Highway 9
1 mi · 1 min · State Highway 9
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23
Continue on 2nd Avenue Southeast
1341 ft · 28 sec · 2nd Avenue Southeast
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24
Turn right onto 8th Street East
1.1 km · 2 min · 8th Street East
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25
At the end of the road, turn left onto 8th Avenue East
2367 ft · 2 min · 8th Avenue East
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26
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Avenue East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dubuque and Cresco.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Central Avenue
Continue straight
17.9 mi · 00h 25m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Dubuque and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cresco.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dubuque to Cresco?
The road trip is about 115.3 miles (185.6 km) and usually takes 02h 53m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Farmersburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57.6 miles from Dubuque and 57.7 miles from Cresco.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 95.3 miles (153.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 20 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.35 one way or $30.70 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Dubuque and Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Cresco.
Stop Ideas Near Farmersburg
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 Farmersburg.
La Crosse
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dubuque and Cresco. Straight-line distance: 95.28 mi (153.34 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 Cresco
City in Iowa
| Population | 3,744 |
| Coordinates | 43.3813600, -92.1140500 |
| Altitude | 394 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cresco (-92.11405, 43.38136)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 186 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.35 | $30.70 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.31 | $34.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.94 | $37.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $21.59 | $43.17 |
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 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.