How far is Iowa City, IA from Colfax, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Colfax, IA is about 92.2 miles (148.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 88.5 miles (142.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 28m 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 44m.
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.
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Colfax.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Colfax.
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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
-
5
Merge slight left
88.3 mi · 1 hr 35 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 117: Colfax, Mingo
1618 ft · 45 sec
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7
Turn left onto North State Highway 117
1.5 km · 1 min · North State Highway 117
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8
Continue on North Walnut Street
730 ft · 18 sec · North Walnut Street
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9
Turn left onto East Howard Street
17 m · 2 sec · East Howard Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Howard Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Colfax.
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
88.3 mi · 01h 35m
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 Partly Sunny near Colfax.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Colfax?
The road trip is about 92.2 miles (148.4 km) and usually takes 01h 44m 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 46 miles from Iowa City and 46.2 miles from Colfax.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 88.5 miles (142.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.7 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 3:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.26 one way or $24.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 28.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Iowa City and Partly Sunny near Colfax.
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 Colfax. Straight-line distance: 88.52 mi (142.46 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 Colfax
City in Jasper County, Iowa
| Population | 2,050 |
| Coordinates | 41.6777700, -93.2452000 |
| Altitude | 244 |
| Country | United States |
End: Colfax (-93.2452, 41.67777)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 148 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.26 | $24.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.82 | $27.64 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.13 | $30.25 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.24 | $34.48 |
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 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.