How far is Emmetsburg, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Emmetsburg, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 247.6 miles (398.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 189.6 miles (305.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 01m 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 00m.
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Emmetsburg and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Emmetsburg and Iowa City.
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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 right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
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16
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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17
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
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18
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
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19
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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20
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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21
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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22
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Emmetsburg and Iowa City.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Emmetsburg and Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Emmetsburg to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 247.6 miles (398.4 km) and usually takes 04h 00m 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?
Owasa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 123.5 miles from Emmetsburg and 124 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 189.6 miles (305.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 58 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 8:58 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.96 one way or $65.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Emmetsburg and Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Emmetsburg and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 189.58 mi (305.1 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 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: 398 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 07m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.96 | $65.92 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $37.17 | $74.34 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $40.68 | $81.35 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $46.36 | $92.71 |
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.