How far is Iowa City, IA from Ottumwa, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Ottumwa, IA is about 97.5 miles (156.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 63.6 miles (102.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 58m 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 59m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Henry County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Ottumwa.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Ottumwa.
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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
42.8 mi · 49 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Keep slight right
2853 ft · 38 sec
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10
Take the exit right
2249 ft · 55 sec
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11
Merge slight left
46.2 mi · 53 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 34
2435 ft · 59 sec
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13
Turn left
1.5 km · 1 min
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14
Turn right onto Roemer Avenue
1185 ft · 24 sec · Roemer Avenue
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15
Continue on East Main Street
1.6 km · 2 min · East Main Street
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16
Turn right onto South Jefferson Street
826 ft · 22 sec · South Jefferson Street
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17
Turn left onto East Fourth Street
1605 ft · 32 sec · East Fourth Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Fourth Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Ottumwa.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left
46.2 mi · 00h 53m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy leaving Iowa City and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ottumwa.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Ottumwa?
The road trip is about 97.5 miles (156.9 km) and usually takes 01h 59m 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?
Mount Pleasant is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.7 miles from Iowa City and 48.8 miles from Ottumwa.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 63.6 miles (102.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $12.97 one way or $25.94 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy around Iowa City and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Ottumwa.
Stop Ideas Near Mount Pleasant
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 Mount Pleasant.
Mount Pleasant
Fort Madison station
Burlington
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Ottumwa. Straight-line distance: 63.65 mi (102.44 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 Ottumwa
City in Iowa
| Population | 24,375 |
| Coordinates | 41.0200100, -92.4113000 |
| Altitude | 205 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ottumwa (-92.4113, 41.02001)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 157 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 14m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 12m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $12.97 | $25.94 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $14.63 | $29.26 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.01 | $32.02 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.25 | $36.49 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.