How far is Iowa City, IA from Baxter, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Baxter, IA is about 96.9 miles (155.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 84.4 miles (135.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 55m 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 01h 57m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Baxter.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Baxter.
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1
Start on South Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · South Gilbert Street
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2
Turn slight left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 22 sec · Kimball Road
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3
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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4
Turn left
2315 ft · 59 sec
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5
Merge slight left
79.2 mi · 1 hr 25 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 6, IA 14: Newton, Monroe
1532 ft · 40 sec
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7
Turn right
9.6 mi · 15 min
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8
Turn left onto County F17
1 mi · 2 min · County F17
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9
Continue on Highway F 17 West
2 mi · 3 min · Highway F 17 West
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10
Continue on County Highway F17 West
1.5 mi · 3 min · County Highway F17 West
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11
Continue on East Buchannan Street
1809 ft · 38 sec · East Buchannan Street
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12
Turn right onto South Main Street
2218 ft · 2 min · South Main Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Baxter.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
North Dubuque Street
Merge slight left
79.2 mi · 01h 25m
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 then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Iowa City and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Baxter.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Baxter?
The road trip is about 96.9 miles (155.9 km) and usually takes 01h 57m 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?
Brooklyn is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.3 miles from Iowa City and 48.5 miles from Baxter.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 84.4 miles (135.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.5 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 2:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.90 one way or $25.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Iowa City and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Baxter.
Stop Ideas Near Brooklyn
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 Brooklyn.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Baxter. Straight-line distance: 84.36 mi (135.77 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 Baxter
Human settlement in Jasper County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,132 |
| Coordinates | 41.8261000, -93.1515900 |
| Altitude | 306 |
| Country | United States |
End: Baxter (-93.15159, 41.8261)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 156 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 13m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.90 | $25.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.55 | $29.09 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.92 | $31.83 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.14 | $36.28 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.