How far is Iowa City, IA from Fairbank, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Fairbank, IA is about 83.3 miles (134 km), with a travel time of about 01h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 72.6 miles (116.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 29m 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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Fairbank.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Fairbank.
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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
4.1 mi · 5 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
1850 ft · 45 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
3219 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
54.6 mi · 1 hr 1 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward CR V65: Jesup, La Porte City
2146 ft · 54 sec
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10
Turn right onto South Black Hawk Buchanan Avenue
1.5 km · 1 min · South Black Hawk Buchanan Avenue
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11
Continue on Benson Shady Grove Avenue
7.1 mi · 10 min · Benson Shady Grove Avenue
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12
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Street
1395 ft · 30 sec · South Street
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13
Turn right onto Main Street
1.6 km · 2 min · Main Street
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14
Continue on Baxter Avenue
9 mi · 12 min · Baxter Avenue
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Baxter Avenue
39 m · 3 sec · Baxter Avenue
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16
Exit the roundabout onto Baxter Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Baxter Avenue
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17
Continue on Walnut Street South
1687 ft · 54 sec · Walnut Street South
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18
Turn right onto Main Street West
2641 ft · 47 sec · Main Street West
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19
Turn right onto 4th Street South
21 m · 1 sec · 4th Street South
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Fairbank.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
54.6 mi · 01h 01m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Iowa City and Mostly Cloudy near Fairbank.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Fairbank?
The road trip is about 83.3 miles (134 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?
Center Point is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41.6 miles from Iowa City and 41.6 miles from Fairbank.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 72.6 miles (116.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.7 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 3:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.09 one way or $22.17 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Iowa City and Mostly Cloudy near Fairbank.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Fairbank. Straight-line distance: 72.58 mi (116.8 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 Fairbank
City in Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,132 |
| Coordinates | 42.6391500, -92.0471200 |
| Altitude | 301 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairbank (-92.04712, 42.63915)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 134 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.09 | $22.17 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.50 | $25.01 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.68 | $27.37 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.59 | $31.19 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.