How far is Emmetsburg, IA from Dubuque, IA?
The driving distance from Emmetsburg, IA to Dubuque, IA is about 256.8 miles (413.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 208 miles (334.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 25m 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 12m.
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.
Human settlement in Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Emmetsburg and Dubuque.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Emmetsburg and Dubuque.
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1
Start on 8th Street
27 m · 8 sec · 8th Street
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2
Turn right onto Lawler Street
101 m · 14 sec · Lawler Street
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3
Turn left onto Main Street
1026 ft · 39 sec · Main Street
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4
Turn right onto Broadway Street
1.6 km · 2 min · Broadway Street
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5
Continue on 460th Avenue
13 mi · 18 min · 460th Avenue
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6
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.1 mi · 15 min · 220th Avenue
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7
Continue on Northwest 7th Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 7th Street
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8
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · 220th Avenue
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9
Continue on Marengo Avenue
2317 ft · 39 sec · Marengo Avenue
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10
Continue on North East Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North East Street
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11
Continue on Marengo Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Marengo Avenue
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Marshall Avenue
2.3 mi · 3 min · Marshall Avenue
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13
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
1749 ft · 48 sec
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14
Merge slight left
128.2 mi · 2 hr 28 min
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15
Keep slight left
81.4 mi · 1 hr 37 min
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16
Turn left onto South Locust Street
553 ft · 18 sec · South Locust Street
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17
Turn straight onto IA 946
708 ft · 21 sec
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18
At the end of the road, turn left
128 m · 13 sec
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19
Take the exit slight right toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
1432 ft · 32 sec
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20
Continue on White Street
638 ft · 27 sec · White Street
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21
Turn left onto East 7th Street
87 m · 20 sec · East 7th Street
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22
Turn left onto Central Avenue
10 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Emmetsburg and Dubuque.
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 20 East
Merge slight left
128 mi · 02h 28m
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 Rain And Snow Showers leaving Emmetsburg and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Dubuque.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Emmetsburg to Dubuque?
The road trip is about 256.8 miles (413.3 km) and usually takes 04h 12m 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?
Steamboat Rock is a useful midpoint, sitting about 128.3 miles from Emmetsburg and 128.6 miles from Dubuque.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 208 miles (334.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:34 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.17 one way or $68.33 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Emmetsburg and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Dubuque.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Emmetsburg and Dubuque. Straight-line distance: 208.02 mi (334.78 km).
#1 Emmetsburg
City in Palo Alto County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,667 |
| Coordinates | 43.1127400, -94.6830400 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Dubuque
The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.
| Population | 57,781 |
| Coordinates | 42.5005600, -90.6645700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central Avenue (-90.664595, 42.500561)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 413 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $34.17 | $68.33 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $38.53 | $77.06 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $42.17 | $84.33 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $48.05 | $96.11 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.