How far is Iowa City, IA from Independence, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Independence, IA is about 66.2 miles (106.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 58.8 miles (94.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 48m 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 24m.
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Independence.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Independence.
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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
42.8 mi · 48 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 150: Independence, Vinton
2017 ft · 50 sec
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10
Turn right onto 31st Avenue
3.6 mi · 5 min · 31st Avenue
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11
Continue on Jamestown Avenue
10.4 mi · 14 min · Jamestown Avenue
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12
Continue on 3rd Avenue Southeast
1.4 mi · 2 min · 3rd Avenue Southeast
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13
Turn right onto 1st Street East
647 ft · 15 sec · 1st Street East
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14
Turn right onto 5th Avenue Southeast
13 m · 2 sec · 5th Avenue Southeast
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 5th Avenue Southeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Independence.
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 48m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Iowa City and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Independence.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Independence?
The road trip is about 66.2 miles (106.6 km) and usually takes 01h 24m 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?
Hiawatha is a useful midpoint, sitting about 33.1 miles from Iowa City and 33.1 miles from Independence.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 58.8 miles (94.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.4 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 3:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.82 one way or $17.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 20.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Iowa City and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Independence.
Stop Ideas Near Hiawatha
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 Hiawatha.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Independence. Straight-line distance: 58.76 mi (94.56 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 Independence
City in Iowa
| Population | 6,203 |
| Coordinates | 42.4686000, -91.8893400 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
End: Independence (-91.88934, 42.4686)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 107 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.82 | $17.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.95 | $19.90 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.89 | $21.78 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.41 | $24.82 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.