How far is Iowa City, IA from Lake Mills, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Lake Mills, IA is about 200.1 miles (322.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 01m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 158.6 miles (255.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 02m 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 04h 01m.
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 Bremer County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Lake Mills.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Lake Mills.
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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 right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
5.6 mi · 8 min
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10
Continue on West Washington Expressway
1293 ft · 18 sec · West Washington Expressway
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11
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.1 km · 52 sec · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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12
Continue on West Washington Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Washington Street
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13
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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14
Take the exit slight right
1309 ft · 32 sec
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15
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
2382 ft · 58 sec
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16
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
98 mi · 1 hr 52 min · Avenue of the Saints
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17
Take the exit slight right
1688 ft · 48 sec
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18
Turn left onto 410th Street
5.6 mi · 10 min · 410th Street
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19
Turn right onto South Western Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · South Western Street
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20
Continue on Bluebill Avenue
3.6 mi · 5 min · Bluebill Avenue
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21
Turn left onto County Road 105
1.5 mi · 3 min · County Road 105
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22
Continue on County Highway 105
1 mi · 2 min · County Highway 105
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23
Continue on East Main Street
1.3 km · 1 min · East Main Street
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Lake Mills.
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
98 mi · 01h 52m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Iowa City and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Lake Mills.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Lake Mills?
The road trip is about 200.1 miles (322.1 km) and usually takes 04h 01m 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?
Waverly is a useful midpoint, sitting about 100 miles from Iowa City and 100.2 miles from Lake Mills.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 158.6 miles (255.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 41.5 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 8:58 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.62 one way or $53.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Iowa City and Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Lake Mills.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Lake Mills. Straight-line distance: 158.6 mi (255.24 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 Lake Mills
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,987 |
| Coordinates | 43.4194000, -93.5332700 |
| Altitude | 393 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake Mills (-93.53327, 43.4194)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 322 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 51m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.62 | $53.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.03 | $60.05 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.86 | $65.71 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.45 | $74.89 |
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.