How far is Iowa City, IA from Fort Madison, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Fort Madison, IA is about 86.9 miles (139.8 km), with a travel time of about 01h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 72.1 miles (116.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 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 01h 49m.
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 Henry County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Fort Madison.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Fort Madison.
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1
Start on South Gilbert Street
1.1 km · 2 min · South Gilbert Street
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2
Turn right onto East Benton Street
2365 ft · 1 min · East Benton Street
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3
Turn left onto South Riverside Drive
1.4 km · 2 min · South Riverside Drive
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4
Continue on Old Highway 218 South
1 km · 1 min · Old Highway 218 South
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5
Continue on Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
1.4 km · 1 min · Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
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6
Take the ramp straight
938 ft · 23 sec
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7
Keep slight left
1.1 km · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
42.8 mi · 49 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
25.8 mi · 30 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Take the exit slight right toward IA 2: Donnellson, Fort Madison
2195 ft · 59 sec
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11
Turn left onto State Highway 2
8.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 2
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12
Continue on Avenue O
1.7 mi · 3 min · Avenue O
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13
Continue on Old Highway 61
1602 ft · 27 sec · Old Highway 61
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14
Continue on Avenue L
1.5 mi · 3 min · Avenue L
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15
Turn left onto 18th Street
1019 ft · 21 sec · 18th Street
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16
Turn right onto Avenue H
1.3 km · 1 min · Avenue H
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17
Turn right onto Avenue I
42 m · 12 sec · Avenue I
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18
Turn left
19 m · 4 sec
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Fort Madison.
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
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
42.8 mi · 00h 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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Iowa City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Fort Madison.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Fort Madison?
The road trip is about 86.9 miles (139.8 km) and usually takes 01h 49m 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?
Olds is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.4 miles from Iowa City and 43.4 miles from Fort Madison.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 72.1 miles (116.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.8 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 2:52 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.54 one way or $23.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Iowa City and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Fort Madison.
Stop Ideas Near Olds
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 Olds.
Mount Pleasant
Burlington
Fort Madison station
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Fort Madison. Straight-line distance: 72.13 mi (116.09 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 Madison
City and county seat in Lee County, Iowa
| Population | 10,263 |
| Coordinates | 40.6297600, -91.3151500 |
| Altitude | 161 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fort Madison (-91.31515, 40.62976)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 140 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.54 | $23.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.01 | $26.03 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.24 | $28.48 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.23 | $32.46 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.