How far is Iowa City, IA from Marcus, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Marcus, IA is about 280.4 miles (451.2 km), with a travel time of about 05h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 233.1 miles (375.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 13m 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 05h 36m.
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 Hamilton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Marcus.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Marcus.
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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
159.2 mi · 3 hr 4 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Turn right onto Armstrong Avenue
6 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
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11
Continue on 20th Avenue
9.2 mi · 13 min · 20th Avenue
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12
Turn left onto Highway 7
1.1 mi · 2 min · Highway 7
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13
Continue on State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 7
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14
Continue on 1st Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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15
Continue on V Avenue
1.9 mi · 3 min · V Avenue
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16
Turn left onto State Highway 3
1153 ft · 23 sec · State Highway 3
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17
Turn straight onto 530th Street
3.1 mi · 4 min · 530th Street
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18
Turn right onto State Highway 3
4.5 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
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19
Continue on 500th Street
2.5 mi · 3 min · 500th Street
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20
Continue on State Highway 3
4.2 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
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21
Continue on 490th Street
5 mi · 7 min · 490th Street
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22
Turn right onto Ames Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · Ames Avenue
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23
Turn left onto East Cedar Street
2229 ft · 2 min · East Cedar Street
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24
Turn right onto North Main Street
21 m · 3 sec · North Main Street
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25
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Marcus.
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
159 mi · 03h 04m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Iowa City and Chance Rain Showers near Marcus.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Marcus?
The road trip is about 280.4 miles (451.2 km) and usually takes 05h 36m 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?
Williams is a useful midpoint, sitting about 139.9 miles from Iowa City and 140.4 miles from Marcus.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 233.1 miles (375.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.3 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 5:46 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.30 one way or $74.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 87.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Iowa City and Chance Rain Showers near Marcus.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Marcus. Straight-line distance: 233.08 mi (375.11 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 Marcus
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,055 |
| Coordinates | 42.8258200, -95.8075100 |
| Altitude | 445 |
| Country | United States |
End: Marcus (-95.80751, 42.82582)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 451 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 29m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $37.30 | $74.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $42.06 | $84.12 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $46.03 | $92.06 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $52.46 | $104.91 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.