How far is Indianola, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Indianola, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 129.1 miles (207.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 106.9 miles (172.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 01m 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 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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Indianola and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Indianola and Iowa City.
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1
Start on the route
24 m · 11 sec
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2
Turn left onto East 2nd Avenue
89 m · 9 sec · East 2nd Avenue
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3
Turn right onto South Jefferson Way
10 mi · 16 min · South Jefferson Way
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4
Take the ramp slight right
1.1 mi · 2 min
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5
Continue on Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
18.3 mi · 21 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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6
Continue straight
97.3 mi · 1 hr 45 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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8
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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9
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Indianola 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.
Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
Continue straight
97.3 mi · 01h 45m
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 Indianola 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 Indianola to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 129.1 miles (207.7 km) and usually takes 02h 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?
Grinnell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 64.4 miles from Indianola and 64.6 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 106.9 miles (172.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.2 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 2:28 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.16 one way or $34.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 40.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Indianola and Sunny near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Grinnell
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Grinnell.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Indianola and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 106.96 mi (172.13 km).
#1 Indianola
City in Mississippi
| Population | 16,072 |
| Coordinates | 41.3580500, -93.5574400 |
| Altitude | 295 |
| 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: 208 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.16 | $34.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $19.35 | $38.70 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $21.18 | $42.35 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $24.13 | $48.27 |
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.