How far is Independence, IA from Marion, IA?

The driving distance from Independence, IA to Marion, IA is about 38.8 miles (62.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 49m by car.

  • The straight-line flight distance is about 33.5 miles (53.9 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 38m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
  • A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
38.82 mi
00h 49m
Flight
33.52 mi
53.94 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Independence.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
33.52 mi
Kilometers
53.94 km
Flight Time
00h 04m

Driving Distance

Road route
38.82 mi
Kilometers
62.47 km
Drive Time
00h 49m

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 49m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Marion
Thu, Apr 16, 9:33 PM CDT
Return by in Independence
Thu, Apr 16, 10:22 PM CDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Independence
2026-04-16T20:43
Arrive Marion
Thu, Apr 16, 9:33 PM CDT
Route Timing
00h 49m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
8:49 AM to 10:49 AM CDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
4:52 PM CDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Independence
9:30 PM CDT
Morning start is best

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.

Mid-route stop
Urbana
IA

City in Benton County, Iowa, United States

From Independence
19.8 mi
00h 24m
To Marion
19.1 mi
00h 24m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
73°F
Thursday

Slight Chance Rain Showers

Starts
Thu, Apr 16 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
5 to 10 mph W
Destination
74°F
Thursday

Slight Chance Rain Showers

Starts
Thu, Apr 16 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
5 to 10 mph W

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Independence and Marion.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Independence and Marion.

  1. 1

    Start on 5th Avenue Southeast

    13 m · 9 sec · 5th Avenue Southeast

  2. 2

    Turn left onto 1st Street East

    647 ft · 18 sec · 1st Street East

  3. 3

    Turn left onto 3rd Avenue Southeast

    1.4 mi · 2 min · 3rd Avenue Southeast

  4. 4

    Continue on Jamestown Avenue

    10.4 mi · 14 min · Jamestown Avenue

  5. 5

    Continue on 31st Avenue

    3.8 mi · 5 min · 31st Avenue

  6. 6

    Take the ramp left

    1474 ft · 36 sec

  7. 7

    Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints

    18.6 mi · 20 min · Avenue of the Saints

  8. 8

    Take the exit slight right toward IA 100

    1286 ft · 31 sec

  9. 9

    Keep slight left

    802 ft · 20 sec

  10. 10

    Keep slight right to continue on IA 100

    1460 ft · 28 sec

  11. 11

    Keep slight left to continue on I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City

    564 ft · 17 sec

  12. 12

    Turn left onto I-380 north, IA 27 north, IA 100 east: Waterloo, Marion

    3094 ft · 1 min

  13. 13

    Merge slight left onto Collins Road Northeast

    1663 ft · 30 sec · Collins Road Northeast

  14. 14

    Keep slight right to continue on Collins Road Northeast

    1.8 mi · 2 min · Collins Road Northeast

  15. 15

    Turn left onto 1st Avenue East

    717 ft · 22 sec · 1st Avenue East

  16. 16

    Continue on Marion Boulevard

    1 km · 1 min · Marion Boulevard

  17. 17

    Continue on 7th Avenue

    1664 ft · 46 sec · 7th Avenue

  18. 18

    Turn left onto 6th Street

    96 m · 18 sec · 6th Street

  19. 19

    Turn right onto 8th Avenue

    1702 ft · 1 min · 8th Avenue

  20. 20

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec · 8th Avenue

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Independence and Marion.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

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.

Directions
20 steps
6 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
4
2 merges, 2 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
51.5 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
Avenue of the Saints
18.6 mi · 48%
Jamestown Avenue
10.4 mi · 27%
31st Avenue
4.04 mi · 10%
Collins Road Northeast
2.14 mi · 6%
3rd Avenue Southeast
1.39 mi · 4%
IA 100
0.67 mi · 2%
Longest Stretch

Avenue of the Saints

Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints

18.6 mi · 00h 20m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
00h 49m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
01h 38m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+5.3 mi
33.5 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Urbana
00h 24m from Independence
Leave By
4:52 PM CDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Independence and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Marion.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Independence to Marion?

The road trip is about 38.8 miles (62.5 km) and usually takes 00h 49m 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?

Urbana is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19.8 miles from Independence and 19.1 miles from Marion.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 33.5 miles (53.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:52 PM CDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.17 one way or $10.33 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.2 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Independence and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Marion.

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Independence and Marion. Straight-line distance: 33.52 mi (53.94 km).

Independence

#1 Independence

City in Iowa

Population6,203
Coordinates42.4686000, -91.8893400
Altitude285
CountryUnited States
Marion

#2 Marion

The county seat of Linn County, Iowa.

Population40,780
Coordinates42.0341700, -91.5976800
Altitude259
CountryUnited States
Start: 5th Avenue Southeast (-91.88936, 42.4686)
End: 8th Avenue (-91.59768, 42.03419)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 62 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)01h 17m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)00h 58m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)00h 46m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)00h 38m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)00h 33m
80 mph (129 km/h)00h 29m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
1.37 gal
5.19 L · about $5.17
Round trip
$10.33
2.74 gal · 10.38 L
Estimated CO2
12.2 kg one way
Round trip: 24.4 kg / 54 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $3.77 $5.17 $10.33
Mid-grade $4.25 $5.83 $11.65
Premium $4.65 $6.38 $12.75
Diesel $5.30 $7.27 $14.53

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 17, 2026

There is no time difference between Independence and Marion. The current time is 20:43:55.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.