How far is Iowa City, IA from Fort Dodge, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Fort Dodge, IA is about 178.3 miles (287 km), with a travel time of about 03h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 147.1 miles (236.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 03m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 31m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Fort Dodge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Fort Dodge.
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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
70.8 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
94.5 mi · 1 hr 49 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Take the exit slight right
1724 ft · 49 sec
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11
Turn right onto Nelson Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Nelson Avenue
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12
Continue on Quail Avenue
1.3 km · 1 min · Quail Avenue
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13
Turn left onto 220th Street
2515 ft · 48 sec · 220th Street
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14
Continue on Mill Road
1.6 km · 2 min · Mill Road
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15
Continue on Paragon Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · Paragon Avenue
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16
Continue on South 32nd Street
2798 ft · 1 min · South 32nd Street
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17
Turn left onto 8th Avenue South
1.6 km · 2 min · 8th Avenue South
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 8th Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Fort Dodge.
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
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
94.5 mi · 01h 49m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Iowa City and Mostly Sunny near Fort Dodge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Fort Dodge?
The road trip is about 178.3 miles (287 km) and usually takes 03h 31m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Hudson is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89 miles from Iowa City and 89.3 miles from Fort Dodge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 147.1 miles (236.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.2 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:56 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.72 one way or $47.44 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 55.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Iowa City and Mostly Sunny near Fort Dodge.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Fort Dodge. Straight-line distance: 147.09 mi (236.72 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 Fort Dodge
City in Iowa
| Population | 23,906 |
| Coordinates | 42.4974700, -94.1680200 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fort Dodge (-94.16802, 42.49747)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 287 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.72 | $47.44 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.75 | $53.50 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.27 | $58.55 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.36 | $66.72 |
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 · Jun 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.