How far is Iowa City, IA from Mount Ayr, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Mount Ayr, IA is about 204.1 miles (328.5 km), with a travel time of about 03h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 155.1 miles (249.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 49m 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 54m.
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 Polk County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Mount Ayr.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Mount Ayr.
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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
119.9 mi · 2 hr 11 min
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6
Keep slight left
60 mi · 1 hr 5 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward IA 2: Leon, Mount Ayr
2038 ft · 51 sec
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8
Turn right onto State Highway 2
20.4 mi · 29 min · State Highway 2
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9
Continue on South Street
1.1 km · 1 min · South Street
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10
Turn right onto South Polk Street
1381 ft · 1 min · South Polk Street
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11
Turn right onto East Madison Street
88 m · 13 sec · East Madison Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Madison Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Mount Ayr.
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.
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Iowa City and Partly Cloudy near Mount Ayr.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Mount Ayr?
The road trip is about 204.1 miles (328.5 km) and usually takes 03h 54m 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?
Altoona is a useful midpoint, sitting about 101.9 miles from Iowa City and 102.2 miles from Mount Ayr.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 155.1 miles (249.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 49 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 9:10 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.15 one way or $54.30 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 64 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Iowa City and Partly Cloudy near Mount Ayr.
Stop Ideas Near Altoona
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 Altoona.
Osceola
Creston
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Mount Ayr. Straight-line distance: 155.1 mi (249.61 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 Mount Ayr
City in Ringgold County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,601 |
| Coordinates | 40.7147100, -94.2352300 |
| Altitude | 372 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mount Ayr (-94.23523, 40.71471)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 329 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 04m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.15 | $54.30 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.62 | $61.24 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.51 | $67.02 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.19 | $76.38 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.