How far is Dubuque, IA from Grinnell, IA?
The driving distance from Dubuque, IA to Grinnell, IA is about 153.5 miles (247 km), with a travel time of about 02h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 117.7 miles (189.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 56m 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 58m.
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.
City in Johnson County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Dubuque and Grinnell.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Grinnell.
-
1
Start on Central Avenue
929 ft · 34 sec · Central Avenue
-
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
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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
15.8 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
-
11
Keep slight right to continue on I 80 West: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
-
12
Merge slight left
55.5 mi · 1 hr
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward IA 146: Grinnell, New Sharon
1574 ft · 43 sec
-
14
Turn right onto West Street South
3.2 mi · 6 min · West Street South
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15
Turn right onto 4th Avenue
1329 ft · 32 sec · 4th Avenue
-
16
Turn right onto Park Street
21 m · 3 sec · Park Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Park Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dubuque and Grinnell.
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 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.
Sunny leaving Dubuque and Sunny near Grinnell.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dubuque to Grinnell?
The road trip is about 153.5 miles (247 km) and usually takes 02h 58m 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?
Shueyville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 76.6 miles from Dubuque and 76.9 miles from Grinnell.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 117.7 miles (189.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.8 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 12:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.44 one way or $40.88 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 48.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Dubuque and Sunny near Grinnell.
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 Grinnell. Straight-line distance: 117.73 mi (189.47 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 Grinnell
City in Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 9,096 |
| Coordinates | 41.7430500, -92.7224100 |
| Altitude | 309 |
| Country | United States |
End: Grinnell (-92.72241, 41.74305)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 247 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $20.44 | $40.88 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $23.05 | $46.10 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $25.22 | $50.45 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $28.75 | $57.50 |
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.