How far is Dubuque, IA from Iowa Falls, IA?

The driving distance from Dubuque, IA to Iowa Falls, IA is about 144 miles (231.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 53m by car.

  • The straight-line flight distance is about 131.7 miles (212 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 47m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
  • A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
144.01 mi
02h 53m
Flight
131.75 mi
212.03 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Dubuque.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
131.75 mi
Kilometers
212.03 km
Flight Time
00h 15m

Driving Distance

Road route
144.01 mi
Kilometers
231.76 km
Drive Time
02h 53m

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.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Iowa Falls
Thu, Apr 23, 7:07 AM CDT
Return by in Dubuque
Thu, Apr 23, 10:01 AM CDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Dubuque
2026-04-23T04:13
Arrive Iowa Falls
Thu, Apr 23, 7:07 AM CDT
Route Timing
02h 53m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
10:54 AM to 12:54 PM CDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
12:42 PM CDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Dubuque
9:30 PM CDT
Morning start is best

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.

Mid-route stop
Jesup
IA

City in the United States

From Dubuque
71.8 mi
01h 26m
To Iowa Falls
72.1 mi
01h 26m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
80°F
Thursday

Mostly Sunny

Starts
Thu, Apr 23 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
10 to 15 mph S
Destination
74°F
Thursday

Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

Starts
Thu, Apr 23 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
18 to 26 mph S

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Dubuque and Iowa Falls.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque and Iowa Falls.

  1. 1

    Start on Central Avenue

    929 ft · 34 sec · Central Avenue

  2. 2

    Take the ramp straight toward US 61 South, US 151 South

    1248 ft · 32 sec

  3. 3

    Turn right onto Locust Street Conn

    1166 ft · 36 sec · Locust Street Conn

  4. 4

    Turn right onto Dodge Street

    87 mi · 1 hr 43 min · Dodge Street

  5. 5

    Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints

    50.3 mi · 58 min · Avenue of the Saints

  6. 6

    Take the exit slight right toward US 65: Iowa Falls, Hubbard

    2136 ft · 56 sec

  7. 7

    Turn right

    5 mi · 8 min

  8. 8

    Turn right onto Rocksylvania Avenue

    2967 ft · 1 min · Rocksylvania Avenue

  9. 9

    Turn left onto Commercial Street

    101 m · 9 sec · Commercial Street

  10. 10

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec · Commercial Street

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Dubuque and Iowa Falls.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Straightforward drive

The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.

Directions
10 steps
5 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
2
0 merges, 2 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
6.9 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
Dodge Street
87 mi · 60%
Avenue of the Saints
50.3 mi · 35%
Rocksylvania Avenue
0.56 mi
US 65
0.4 mi
US 61 South
0.24 mi
Locust Street Conn
0.22 mi
Longest Stretch

Dodge Street

Turn right onto Dodge Street

87 mi · 01h 43m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
02h 53m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
05h 48m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+12.3 mi
131.7 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Jesup
01h 26m from Dubuque
Leave By
12:42 PM CDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Mostly Sunny leaving Dubuque and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Iowa Falls.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Dubuque to Iowa Falls?

The road trip is about 144 miles (231.8 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?

Jesup is a useful midpoint, sitting about 71.8 miles from Dubuque and 72.1 miles from Iowa Falls.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 131.7 miles (212 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.3 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 12:42 PM CDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.16 one way or $38.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.1 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Dubuque and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Iowa Falls.

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Dubuque and Iowa Falls. Straight-line distance: 131.75 mi (212.03 km).

Dubuque

#1 Dubuque

The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.

Population57,781
Coordinates42.5005600, -90.6645700
Altitude189
CountryUnited States
Iowa Falls

#2 Iowa Falls

City in Iowa, United States

Population4,940
Coordinates42.5224800, -93.2513100
Altitude337
CountryUnited States
Start: Dubuque (-90.66457, 42.50056)
End: Iowa Falls (-93.25131, 42.52248)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 232 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)04h 47m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)03h 36m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)02h 52m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)02h 24m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)02h 03m
80 mph (129 km/h)01h 47m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
5.08 gal
19.24 L · about $19.16
Round trip
$38.31
10.16 gal · 38.48 L
Estimated CO2
45.1 kg one way
Round trip: 90.3 kg / 199 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $3.77 $19.16 $38.31
Mid-grade $4.25 $21.61 $43.21
Premium $4.65 $23.64 $47.28
Diesel $5.30 $26.94 $53.89

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

There is no time difference between Dubuque and Iowa Falls. The current time is 04:13:44.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.