How far is Dubuque, IA from Iowa City, IA?
Fastest route
The journey from Dubuque, Iowa to Iowa City, Iowa is approximately 88.9 miles (142.9 kilometers) and takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes via US-151 S. To reach your destination, follow these directions:
Directions
- Start on Central Ave and head south toward E 13th St.
- Use the right lane to take the ramp onto US-151 S/US-61 S.
- Continue on US-151 S until you reach Linn County.
- Merge onto US-151 S/US-61 S.
- Follow Springville Rd and IA-1 S until you reach S Clinton St in Iowa City.
- Turn left onto Springville Rd.
- Then, turn right onto 1st Ave S.
- At the traffic circle, continue straight onto IA-1 S.
- Turn right onto Hwy 1/E Burlington St.
- Finally, turn left onto S Clinton St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Plan your trip ahead of time to ensure a smooth journey.
- ⛽ Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel before embarking on the trip.
- 🌆 Enjoy the scenic route and appreciate the beautiful landscapes along the way.
- 🚧 Stay updated on road conditions and potential closures by checking for real-time traffic updates.
- 🗺️ Consider using a GPS navigation device or a map application on your smartphone to help you navigate accurately.
- 📱 Keep your mobile phone charged and easily accessible in case of any emergencies or unexpected situations.
- ☕ Take breaks during the journey to stretch your legs and grab a refreshment if needed.
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 01h 32m.
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 Jones 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 Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Iowa City.
-
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
45 mi · 52 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right
2322 ft · 1 min
-
6
Turn left onto State Highway 1
10.2 mi · 14 min · State Highway 1
-
7
Continue on 1st Avenue North
1.5 mi · 2 min · 1st Avenue North
-
8
Continue on State Highway 1
690 ft · 20 sec · State Highway 1
-
9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward State Highway 1
37 m · 6 sec · State Highway 1
-
10
Exit the roundabout onto State Highway 1
5.3 mi · 7 min · State Highway 1
-
11
Continue on Highway 1 Northeast
3.2 mi · 4 min · Highway 1 Northeast
-
12
Continue on North Market Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · North Market Street
-
13
Continue on Highway 1 Northeast
7.5 mi · 10 min · Highway 1 Northeast
-
14
Continue on North Dodge Street
2.6 mi · 5 min · North Dodge Street
-
15
Turn right onto Church Street
1200 ft · 38 sec · Church Street
-
16
Turn left onto North Gilbert Street
2492 ft · 2 min · North Gilbert Street
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dubuque and Iowa City.
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
45 mi · 00h 52m
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 Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dubuque to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 83.9 miles (135.1 km) and usually takes 01h 32m 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?
Anamosa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41.9 miles from Dubuque and 42 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 73 miles (117.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.9 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 3:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.16 one way or $22.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Dubuque and Sunny near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Anamosa
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 Anamosa.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dubuque and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 73.04 mi (117.54 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 Iowa City
The most populous city in Johnson County, Iowa.
| Population | 75,130 |
| Coordinates | 41.6611300, -91.5301700 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Gilbert Street (-91.530165, 41.661126)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 135 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.16 | $22.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.59 | $25.18 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.78 | $27.55 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.70 | $31.40 |
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.