How far is Iowa City, IA from Algona, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Algona, IA is about 218.2 miles (351.2 km), with a travel time of about 04h 27m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 168.8 miles (271.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 55m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 27m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Algona.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Algona.
-
1
Start on South Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · South Gilbert Street
-
2
Turn slight left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 22 sec · Kimball Road
-
3
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
-
4
Turn left
2315 ft · 59 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
4.1 mi · 5 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
1850 ft · 45 sec
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
3219 ft · 1 min
-
8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
70.8 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
9
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
5.6 mi · 8 min
-
10
Continue on West Washington Expressway
1293 ft · 18 sec · West Washington Expressway
-
11
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.1 km · 52 sec · Leo P Rooff Expressway
-
12
Continue on West Washington Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Washington Street
-
13
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
-
14
Take the exit slight right
1309 ft · 32 sec
-
15
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
2382 ft · 58 sec
-
16
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
82.5 mi · 1 hr 35 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
17
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business, CR B35: Clear Lake, Mason City
1386 ft · 40 sec
-
18
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.2 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
-
19
Turn right onto South 8th Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South 8th Street
-
20
Turn left
38.6 mi · 53 min
-
21
Turn left onto 210th Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · 210th Avenue
-
22
Turn right onto 210th Street
4 mi · 5 min · 210th Street
-
23
Continue on East McGregor Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · East McGregor Street
-
24
Turn right onto South Jones Street
1121 ft · 30 sec · South Jones Street
-
25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Jones Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Algona.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
82.5 mi · 01h 35m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Iowa City and Chance Rain Showers near Algona.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Algona?
The road trip is about 218.2 miles (351.2 km) and usually takes 04h 27m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Plainfield is a useful midpoint, sitting about 109 miles from Iowa City and 109.2 miles from Algona.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 168.8 miles (271.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 49.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:04 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $28.09 one way or $56.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 66.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Iowa City and Chance Rain Showers near Algona.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Algona. Straight-line distance: 168.85 mi (271.73 km).
#1 Iowa City
The most populous city in Johnson County, Iowa.
| Population | 75,130 |
| Coordinates | 41.6611300, -91.5301700 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Algona
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,359 |
| Coordinates | 43.0699700, -94.2330200 |
| Altitude | 364 |
| Country | United States |
End: Algona (-94.23302, 43.06997)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 351 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 43m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $28.09 | $56.19 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $31.68 | $63.37 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $34.67 | $69.34 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $39.51 | $79.03 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.