How far is Iowa City, IA from Leon, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Leon, IA is about 184.6 miles (297.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 131.7 miles (211.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 58m 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 29m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Jasper County, Iowa
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 Leon.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Leon.
-
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
-
3
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
-
4
Turn left
2315 ft · 59 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
119.9 mi · 2 hr 11 min
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6
Keep slight left
50.5 mi · 55 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward Webb
1651 ft · 46 sec
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8
Turn left onto 120th Street
1038 ft · 21 sec · 120th Street
-
9
Continue on Line Street
1.2 km · 1 min · Line Street
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10
Continue on 120th Street
1.6 km · 2 min · 120th Street
-
11
Turn right
9.4 mi · 13 min
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Northwest Church Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Leon.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
North Dubuque Street
Merge slight left
120 mi · 02h 11m
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 Leon.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Leon?
The road trip is about 184.6 miles (297.1 km) and usually takes 03h 29m 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?
Colfax is a useful midpoint, sitting about 92.1 miles from Iowa City and 92.4 miles from Leon.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 131.7 miles (211.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 52.9 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 10:02 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.55 one way or $49.10 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Iowa City and Mostly Sunny near Leon.
Stop Ideas Near Colfax
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 Colfax.
Osceola
Ottumwa station
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Leon. Straight-line distance: 131.69 mi (211.93 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 Leon
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,808 |
| Coordinates | 40.7397200, -93.7477200 |
| Altitude | 343 |
| Country | United States |
End: Leon (-93.74772, 40.73972)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 297 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.55 | $49.10 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.69 | $55.37 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.30 | $60.60 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.53 | $69.06 |
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 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.