How far is Fort Dodge, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Fort Dodge, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 179.3 miles (288.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 147.1 miles (236.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 41m 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 02h 50m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Dodge and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Dodge and Iowa City.
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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 · 52 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 right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
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12
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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14
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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15
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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16
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Dodge and Iowa City.
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 179.3 miles (288.5 km) and usually takes 02h 50m 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 89.1 miles from Fort Dodge and 90.1 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 147.1 miles (236.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.2 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 12:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.87 one way or $47.74 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Fort Dodge and Sunny near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Dodge and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 147.09 mi (236.72 km).
#1 Fort Dodge
City in Iowa
| Population | 23,906 |
| Coordinates | 42.4974700, -94.1680200 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| 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: 289 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.87 | $47.74 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.92 | $53.84 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.46 | $58.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.57 | $67.15 |
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 · Jun 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.