How far is Iowa City, IA from Oelwein, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Oelwein, IA is about 81 miles (130.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 72.6 miles (116.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 33m 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 46m.
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.
City in Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Oelwein.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Oelwein.
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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
42.8 mi · 48 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward IA 150: Independence, Vinton
2017 ft · 50 sec
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10
Turn right onto 31st Avenue
3.6 mi · 5 min · 31st Avenue
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11
Continue on Jamestown Avenue
10.4 mi · 14 min · Jamestown Avenue
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12
Continue on 3rd Avenue Southeast
1.4 mi · 2 min · 3rd Avenue Southeast
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13
Turn right onto 1st Street East
647 ft · 18 sec · 1st Street East
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14
Turn left onto 5th Avenue Northeast
1.5 km · 1 min · 5th Avenue Northeast
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15
Continue on Jamestown Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Jamestown Avenue
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16
Continue on Jackson Avenue
5 mi · 7 min · Jackson Avenue
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17
Continue on Main Street South
1.2 km · 1 min · Main Street South
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18
Continue on Jackson Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Jackson Avenue
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19
Continue on Palace Road
1.6 km · 1 min · Palace Road
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20
Continue on Rock Island Road
2699 ft · 50 sec · Rock Island Road
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21
Turn left onto 10th Street Southeast
820 ft · 25 sec · 10th Street Southeast
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22
Turn right onto South Frederick Avenue
1 km · 1 min · South Frederick Avenue
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Frederick Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Oelwein.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
42.8 mi · 00h 48m
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.
Partly Cloudy leaving Iowa City and Partly Cloudy near Oelwein.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Oelwein?
The road trip is about 81 miles (130.4 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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?
Center Point is a useful midpoint, sitting about 40.5 miles from Iowa City and 40.5 miles from Oelwein.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 72.6 miles (116.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.4 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 2:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.79 one way or $21.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Cloudy around Iowa City and Partly Cloudy near Oelwein.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Oelwein. Straight-line distance: 72.64 mi (116.9 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 Oelwein
City in Fayette County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 5,789 |
| Coordinates | 42.6733200, -91.9135000 |
| Altitude | 319 |
| Country | United States |
End: Oelwein (-91.9135, 42.67332)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 130 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 21m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 00m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $10.79 | $21.57 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.16 | $24.33 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $13.31 | $26.62 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $15.17 | $30.34 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.