How far is Iowa City, IA from Burlington, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Burlington, IA is about 78.6 miles (126.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 62.8 miles (101.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 14m 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 37m.
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.
Human settlement in Henry County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Scattered Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Burlington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Burlington.
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1
Start on South Gilbert Street
1.1 km · 2 min · South Gilbert Street
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2
Turn right onto East Benton Street
2365 ft · 1 min · East Benton Street
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3
Turn left onto South Riverside Drive
1.4 km · 2 min · South Riverside Drive
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4
Continue on Old Highway 218 South
1 km · 1 min · Old Highway 218 South
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5
Continue on Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
1.4 km · 1 min · Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
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6
Take the ramp straight
938 ft · 23 sec
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7
Keep slight left
1.1 km · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
42.8 mi · 49 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
3.6 mi · 4 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 34 East, 163 East: Mount Pleasant, Burlington
1341 ft · 33 sec
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11
Keep slight right to continue on US 34 East, IA 163 East: Burlington
26.8 mi · 32 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Central Ave
1413 ft · 38 sec
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13
Turn right onto North Central Avenue
2899 ft · 1 min · North Central Avenue
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Burlington.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
42.8 mi · 00h 49m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Iowa City and Scattered Rain Showers near Burlington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Burlington?
The road trip is about 78.6 miles (126.5 km) and usually takes 01h 37m 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?
Olds is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.3 miles from Iowa City and 39.3 miles from Burlington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 62.8 miles (101.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.8 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 3:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.45 one way or $20.89 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 24.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Iowa City and Scattered Rain Showers near Burlington.
Stop Ideas Near Olds
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 Olds.
Mount Pleasant
Burlington
Fort Madison station
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Burlington. Straight-line distance: 62.83 mi (101.12 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 Burlington
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 24,516 |
| Coordinates | 40.8075400, -91.1129200 |
| Altitude | 185 |
| Country | United States |
End: Burlington (-91.11292, 40.80754)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 127 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.45 | $20.89 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $11.78 | $23.56 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $12.89 | $25.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $14.69 | $29.38 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.