How far is Iowa City, IA from Elkader, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Elkader, IA is about 95.6 miles (153.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 82.6 miles (133 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 38m 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 19m.
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 Linn County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Elkader.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Elkader.
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1
Start on South Gilbert Street
2492 ft · 2 min · South Gilbert Street
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2
Turn right onto Church Street
2009 ft · 1 min · Church Street
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3
Turn left onto North Governor Street
2274 ft · 1 min · North Governor Street
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4
Turn right onto North Dodge Street
2.1 mi · 4 min · North Dodge Street
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5
Continue on Highway 1 Northeast
7.5 mi · 10 min · Highway 1 Northeast
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6
Continue on South Market Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · South Market Street
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7
Continue on Highway 1 Northeast
3.2 mi · 4 min · Highway 1 Northeast
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8
Continue on State Highway 1
2.3 mi · 3 min · State Highway 1
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9
Turn left onto Cedar River Road
2.8 mi · 7 min · Cedar River Road
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10
Turn left onto Lincoln Freeway
3 mi · 4 min · Lincoln Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 151 North, IA 13 North: Marion
2315 ft · 44 sec
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12
Continue straight
40.6 mi · 52 min
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13
Turn right onto West Main Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
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14
Turn left onto North Franklin Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Franklin Street
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15
Continue on State Highway 13
9.8 mi · 14 min · State Highway 13
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16
Turn right onto State Highway 3
2924 ft · 53 sec · State Highway 3
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17
Turn sharp left onto 398th Street
1683 ft · 1 min · 398th Street
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18
Turn right onto Crystal Road
8.3 mi · 13 min · Crystal Road
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19
Turn right onto State Highway 13
8.6 mi · 12 min · State Highway 13
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20
Turn left onto Strawberry Point Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Strawberry Point Road
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21
Continue on South 1st Street
1177 ft · 20 sec · South 1st Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 1st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Elkader.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 151 North
Continue straight
40.6 mi · 00h 52m
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 Elkader.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Elkader?
The road trip is about 95.6 miles (153.9 km) and usually takes 02h 19m 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?
Coggon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 47.8 miles from Iowa City and 47.8 miles from Elkader.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 82.6 miles (133 km), while the road route adds roughly 13 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 1:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.71 one way or $25.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 29.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Iowa City and Sunny near Elkader.
Stop Ideas Near Coggon
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 Coggon.
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Elkader. Straight-line distance: 82.65 mi (133.02 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 |
End: Elkader (-91.40542, 42.85387)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 154 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.71 | $25.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.33 | $28.67 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $15.68 | $31.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $17.87 | $35.75 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.