How far is Ely, IA from Sioux City, IA?
The driving distance from Ely, IA to Sioux City, IA is about 274.5 miles (441.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 250.2 miles (402.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 40m 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 04h 20m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ely and Sioux City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ely and Sioux City.
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1
Start on Dows Street
642 ft · 22 sec · Dows Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto State Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · State Street
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3
Continue on Ely Road
3.5 mi · 6 min · Ely Road
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4
Turn right onto C Street Southwest
1948 ft · 47 sec · C Street Southwest
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5
Take the ramp left toward US 30 west, US 151 south
2057 ft · 50 sec
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6
Merge slight left
1.3 km · 57 sec
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 380 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids
1.1 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
54.5 mi · 1 hr 1 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
160.2 mi · 3 hr 5 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Continue on 160th Street
6.4 mi · 7 min · 160th Street
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11
Continue on United States Highway 20
1.9 mi · 3 min · United States Highway 20
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12
Continue on Highway 20
42.9 mi · 53 min · Highway 20
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13
Turn right onto South Fairmount Street
3033 ft · 1 min · South Fairmount Street
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14
Continue on 6th Street
1.5 km · 2 min · 6th Street
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15
Turn right onto Court Street
1199 ft · 39 sec · Court Street
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16
Turn left onto 9th Street
990 ft · 46 sec · 9th Street
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17
Turn right
35 m · 9 sec
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ely and Sioux City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
160 mi · 03h 05m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy leaving Ely and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Sioux City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ely to Sioux City?
The road trip is about 274.5 miles (441.7 km) and usually takes 04h 20m 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?
Webster City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 137.1 miles from Ely and 137.4 miles from Sioux City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 250.2 miles (402.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 24.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:20 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.50 one way or $73.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 86 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy around Ely and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Sioux City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ely and Sioux City. Straight-line distance: 250.24 mi (402.73 km).
#1 Ely
City in Linn County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,382 |
| Coordinates | 41.8736200, -91.5851800 |
| Altitude | 225 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sioux City
The second most populous city in Iowa.
| Population | 82,651 |
| Coordinates | 42.4999900, -96.4003100 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-96.400135, 42.499991)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 442 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 29m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $36.50 | $73.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.17 | $82.34 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $45.05 | $90.10 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $51.34 | $102.69 |
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 · May 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.