How far is Iowa City, IA from Carlisle, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Carlisle, IA is about 118.7 miles (191 km), with a travel time of about 02h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 102 miles (164.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 33m 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 16m.
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 Iowa City and Carlisle.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Carlisle.
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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
101.2 mi · 1 hr 49 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant
2412 ft · 1 min
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7
Continue on Northeast Hubbell Avenue
1761 ft · 35 sec · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
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8
Continue on Hubbell Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · Hubbell Avenue
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9
Turn left
2686 ft · 1 min
-
10
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
9.6 mi · 11 min · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 5 South: Carlisle
3203 ft · 1 min
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12
Continue straight
1.9 mi · 2 min
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13
Turn left onto South 5th Street
1723 ft · 1 min · South 5th Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 5th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Carlisle.
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
101 mi · 01h 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.
Sunny leaving Iowa City and Sunny near Carlisle.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Carlisle?
The road trip is about 118.7 miles (191 km) and usually takes 02h 16m 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?
Malcom is a useful midpoint, sitting about 59.2 miles from Iowa City and 59.5 miles from Carlisle.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 102 miles (164.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.7 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 1:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.80 one way or $31.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Iowa City and Sunny near Carlisle.
Stop Ideas Near Malcom
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 Malcom.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Carlisle. Straight-line distance: 101.95 mi (164.07 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 Carlisle
City in Warren and Polk counties in the U.
| Population | 4,323 |
| Coordinates | 41.5008200, -93.4910500 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
End: Carlisle (-93.49105, 41.50082)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 191 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $15.80 | $31.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $17.82 | $35.64 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $19.50 | $39.00 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $22.22 | $44.45 |
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.