How far is Elkader, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Elkader, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 97.7 miles (157.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 53m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 82.6 miles (133 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 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.
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 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.
Human settlement in Linn County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Elkader and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elkader and Iowa City.
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1
Start on South 1st Street
1177 ft · 20 sec · South 1st Street
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2
Continue on Strawberry Point Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Strawberry Point Road
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3
Turn right onto State Highway 13
8.6 mi · 12 min · State Highway 13
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4
Turn left onto Crystal Road
8.3 mi · 13 min · Crystal Road
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5
Turn left onto 398th Street
1683 ft · 1 min · 398th Street
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6
Turn sharp right onto State Highway 3
2924 ft · 52 sec · State Highway 3
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7
Turn left onto State Highway 13
9.8 mi · 13 min · State Highway 13
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8
Continue on North Franklin Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Franklin Street
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9
Turn right onto West Main Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
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10
Turn left onto State Highway 13
14.8 mi · 20 min · State Highway 13
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11
Continue on Marion Road
25.8 mi · 32 min · Marion Road
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12
Keep slight left to continue on US 30 East: Mount Vernon
1.3 km · 2 min
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13
Merge slight left onto Lincoln Freeway
2.8 mi · 3 min · Lincoln Freeway
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14
Turn right onto Cedar River Road
2.8 mi · 7 min · Cedar River Road
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15
Turn right onto State Highway 1
2.3 mi · 3 min · State Highway 1
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16
Continue on Highway 1 Northeast
3.2 mi · 4 min · Highway 1 Northeast
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17
Continue on North Market Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · North Market Street
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18
Continue on Highway 1 Northeast
7.5 mi · 10 min · Highway 1 Northeast
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19
Continue on North Dodge Street
2.6 mi · 5 min · North Dodge Street
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20
Turn right onto Church Street
1200 ft · 38 sec · Church Street
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21
Turn left onto North Gilbert Street
2492 ft · 2 min · North Gilbert Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elkader and Iowa City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Marion Road
Continue on Marion Road
25.8 mi · 00h 32m
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 Elkader 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 Elkader to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 97.7 miles (157.3 km) and usually takes 01h 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?
Coggon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.8 miles from Elkader and 49.9 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 82.6 miles (133 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.1 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.01 one way or $26.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Elkader and Sunny near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Coggon
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 Coggon.
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elkader and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 82.65 mi (133.02 km).
#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: 157 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 15m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.01 | $26.02 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.67 | $29.35 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.06 | $32.11 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.30 | $36.60 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.