How far is Iowa City, IA from Buffalo, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Buffalo, IA is about 59.6 miles (95.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 44.1 miles (70.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 25m 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 12m.
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 Muscatine County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Buffalo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Buffalo.
-
1
Start on South Gilbert Street
2492 ft · 2 min · South Gilbert Street
-
2
Turn right onto Church Street
2009 ft · 1 min · Church Street
-
3
Turn left onto North Governor Street
2274 ft · 1 min · North Governor Street
-
4
Turn right onto North Dodge Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Dodge Street
-
5
Take the ramp right
1929 ft · 47 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
42.7 mi · 46 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 280 East, US 6 East, US 61 South: Rock Island, Moline
8.3 mi · 10 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward IA 22: Rockingham Road, Buffalo
2082 ft · 54 sec
-
9
Turn right onto Rockingham Road
2.1 mi · 3 min · Rockingham Road
-
10
Continue on East Front Street
2.9 mi · 4 min · East Front Street
-
11
Turn right onto Jefferson Street
114 m · 17 sec · Jefferson Street
-
12
Turn left onto 2nd Street
11 m · 2 sec · 2nd Street
-
13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Buffalo.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
North Dodge Street
Merge slight left
42.7 mi · 00h 46m
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 then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Iowa City and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Buffalo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Buffalo?
The road trip is about 59.6 miles (95.9 km) and usually takes 01h 12m 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?
Wilton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.8 miles from Iowa City and 29.9 miles from Buffalo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 44.1 miles (70.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.5 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 4:04 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.92 one way or $15.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Iowa City and Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Buffalo.
Stop Ideas Near Wilton
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 Wilton.
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Moline, Illinois
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Buffalo. Straight-line distance: 44.04 mi (70.88 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 Buffalo
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,257 |
| Coordinates | 41.4564200, -90.7234700 |
| Altitude | 171 |
| Country | United States |
End: Buffalo (-90.72347, 41.45642)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 96 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $7.92 | $15.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $8.93 | $17.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $9.77 | $19.55 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $11.14 | $22.28 |
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 · May 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.