How far is Fort Dodge, IA from Tara, IA?
The driving distance from Fort Dodge, IA to Tara, IA is about 8.8 miles (14.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 20m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 6.5 miles (10.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 41m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 20m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Slight Chance Drizzle
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Fort Dodge and Tara.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fort Dodge and Tara.
-
1
Start on 8th Avenue South
8 m · 7 sec · 8th Avenue South
-
2
Turn left onto South 22nd Street
904 ft · 31 sec · South 22nd Street
-
3
Turn slight left onto 6th Avenue South
94 m · 6 sec · 6th Avenue South
-
4
Continue on South 21st Street
112 m · 20 sec · South 21st Street
-
5
Turn left onto 5th Avenue South
1.1 km · 2 min · 5th Avenue South
-
6
Continue on East Kenyon Road
952 ft · 27 sec · East Kenyon Road
-
7
Turn right onto South 8th Street
1719 ft · 40 sec · South 8th Street
-
8
Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
664 ft · 26 sec · 1st Avenue South
-
9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward 2nd Avenue South
52 m · 3 sec · 2nd Avenue South
-
10
Exit the roundabout onto 2nd Avenue South
1.1 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue South
-
11
Turn slight right
31 m · 4 sec
-
12
Turn straight
1.2 mi · 2 min
-
13
Turn left onto 190th Street
2.2 mi · 3 min · 190th Street
-
14
Turn left onto Johnson Avenue
1.6 km · 2 min · Johnson Avenue
-
15
Turn right onto 200th Street
1.5 mi · 6 min · 200th Street
-
16
Continue on Hayes Avenue
112 m · 16 sec · Hayes Avenue
-
17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Hayes Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Fort Dodge and Tara.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
190th Street
Turn left onto 190th Street
2.18 mi · 00h 03m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Fort Dodge and Slight Chance Drizzle near Tara.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Fort Dodge to Tara?
The road trip is about 8.8 miles (14.1 km) and usually takes 00h 20m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Moorland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 4.3 miles from Fort Dodge and 4.4 miles from Tara.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 6.5 miles (10.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.3 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:48 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.23 one way or $2.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 2.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Fort Dodge and Slight Chance Drizzle near Tara.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Fort Dodge and Tara. Straight-line distance: 6.51 mi (10.48 km).
#1 Fort Dodge
City in Iowa
| Population | 23,906 |
| Coordinates | 42.4974700, -94.1680200 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Tara
Tara is a place in Iowa, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 42.5002500, -94.2958000 |
| Altitude | 348 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tara (-94.2958, 42.50025)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 14 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.97 | $1.23 | $2.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.29 | $1.33 | $2.66 |
| Premium | $4.86 | $1.51 | $3.01 |
| Diesel | $6.03 | $1.87 | $3.74 |
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 · Nov 05, 2026