How far is Iowa City, IA from Mediapolis, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Mediapolis, IA is about 64.2 miles (103.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 49 miles (78.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 52m 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 26m.
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 Louisa County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Mediapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Mediapolis.
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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
22.1 mi · 25 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right
1847 ft · 53 sec
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10
Turn right onto State Highway 92
8.8 mi · 13 min · State Highway 92
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11
Continue on Oak Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Oak Street
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12
Continue on State Highway 92
8.1 mi · 12 min · State Highway 92
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13
Take the ramp right toward US 61 south: Burlington
1456 ft · 36 sec
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14
Merge slight left
18.4 mi · 21 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward County Road H38: Mediapolis
2016 ft · 1 min
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16
Turn left onto Mediapolis Road
1649 ft · 33 sec · Mediapolis Road
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17
Turn straight onto Main Street
1946 ft · 44 sec · Main Street
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18
Turn left onto North Orchard Street
22 m · 3 sec · North Orchard Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Orchard Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Mediapolis.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
22.1 mi · 00h 25m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Iowa City and Mostly Sunny near Mediapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Mediapolis?
The road trip is about 64.2 miles (103.4 km) and usually takes 01h 26m 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?
Cotter is a useful midpoint, sitting about 32.1 miles from Iowa City and 32.1 miles from Mediapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 49 miles (78.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.2 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 3:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.56 one way or $17.12 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 20.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Iowa City and Mostly Sunny near Mediapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Cotter
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 Cotter.
Mount Pleasant
Burlington
Fort Madison station
Davenport, Iowa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Mediapolis. Straight-line distance: 48.96 mi (78.79 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 Mediapolis
City in Des Moines County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,514 |
| Coordinates | 41.0080900, -91.1640400 |
| Altitude | 235 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mediapolis (-91.16404, 41.00809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 103 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $8.56 | $17.12 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $9.65 | $19.31 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $10.56 | $21.13 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $12.04 | $24.08 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.