How far is Fort Dodge, IA from Dubuque, IA?
The driving distance from Fort Dodge, IA to Dubuque, IA is about 188.5 miles (303.4 km), with a travel time of about 03h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 178.5 miles (287.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 00m 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 03h 00m.
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.
City in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Dodge and Dubuque.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Dodge and Dubuque.
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1
Start on 8th Avenue South
1.6 km · 2 min · 8th Avenue South
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto South 32nd Street
2798 ft · 1 min · South 32nd Street
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3
Continue on Paragon Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Paragon Avenue
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4
Continue on Mill Road
1.6 km · 2 min · Mill Road
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5
Continue on 220th Street
2515 ft · 50 sec · 220th Street
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6
Turn right onto Quail Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Quail Avenue
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7
Continue on Nelson Avenue
1.4 km · 2 min · Nelson Avenue
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8
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
100.6 mi · 1 hr 57 min
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9
Keep slight left
81.4 mi · 1 hr 37 min
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10
Turn left onto South Locust Street
553 ft · 18 sec · South Locust Street
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11
Turn straight onto IA 946
708 ft · 21 sec
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12
At the end of the road, turn left
128 m · 13 sec
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13
Take the exit slight right toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
1432 ft · 32 sec
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14
Continue on White Street
638 ft · 27 sec · White Street
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15
Turn left onto East 7th Street
87 m · 20 sec · East 7th Street
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16
Turn left onto Central Avenue
10 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Dodge 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
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
101 mi · 01h 57m
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 Fort Dodge and Sunny near Dubuque.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Dodge to Dubuque?
The road trip is about 188.5 miles (303.4 km) and usually takes 03h 00m 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?
Hudson is a useful midpoint, sitting about 93.8 miles from Fort Dodge and 94.7 miles from Dubuque.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 178.5 miles (287.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 10 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 12:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.08 one way or $50.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 59.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Fort Dodge and Sunny near Dubuque.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Dodge and Dubuque. Straight-line distance: 178.46 mi (287.2 km).
#1 Fort Dodge
City in Iowa
| Population | 23,906 |
| Coordinates | 42.4974700, -94.1680200 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| 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: 303 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $25.08 | $50.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $28.28 | $56.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.95 | $61.90 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $35.27 | $70.54 |
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.