How far is Dubuque, IA from Fairfield, IA?
The driving distance from Dubuque, IA to Fairfield, IA is about 168 miles (270.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 122.9 miles (197.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 38m 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 19m.
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.
City in Johnson County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dubuque and Fairfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Fairfield.
-
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
-
3
Continue straight
5.6 mi · 8 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right
57 mi · 1 hr 6 min
-
5
Turn left
7.5 mi · 9 min
-
6
Keep slight right to continue on US 30 West, US 151 South: Cedar Rapids
2229 ft · 38 sec
-
7
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Freeway
6.4 mi · 7 min · Lincoln Freeway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City, Airport
1764 ft · 50 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
66.9 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
10
Keep slight right
2853 ft · 38 sec
-
11
Take the exit right
2249 ft · 55 sec
-
12
Merge slight left
19.4 mi · 22 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward US 34 Business West
3006 ft · 1 min
-
14
Turn right onto East Burlington Avenue
2.4 mi · 4 min · East Burlington Avenue
-
15
Turn right onto North B Street
719 ft · 25 sec · North B Street
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16
Turn left onto East Briggs Avenue
126 m · 20 sec · East Briggs Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Briggs Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dubuque and Fairfield.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
66.9 mi · 01h 16m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Dubuque and Sunny near Fairfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dubuque to Fairfield?
The road trip is about 168 miles (270.4 km) and usually takes 03h 19m 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?
Shueyville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.9 miles from Dubuque and 84 miles from Fairfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 122.9 miles (197.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 45.1 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 10:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.36 one way or $44.72 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Dubuque and Sunny near Fairfield.
Stop Ideas Near Shueyville
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 Shueyville.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dubuque and Fairfield. Straight-line distance: 122.89 mi (197.77 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 Fairfield
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 10,500 |
| Coordinates | 41.0086300, -91.9626700 |
| Altitude | 236 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairfield (-91.96267, 41.00863)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 270 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.36 | $44.72 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.22 | $50.44 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.60 | $55.20 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.45 | $62.91 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.