How far is Iowa City, IA from Polk City, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Polk City, IA is about 123 miles (197.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 23m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 112.8 miles (181.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 46m 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 02h 23m.
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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Polk City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Polk City.
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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
107.9 mi · 1 hr 57 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 415: 2nd Avenue, Polk City
2358 ft · 1 min
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7
Turn right onto Northwest 2nd Street
2.6 mi · 4 min · Northwest 2nd Street
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8
Continue on Southwest State Street
1 mi · 1 min · Southwest State Street
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9
Turn left onto Southwest Oralabor Road
1.5 mi · 2 min · Southwest Oralabor Road
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10
Continue on Northwest 78th Avenue
2597 ft · 45 sec · Northwest 78th Avenue
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11
Continue on Northwest 35th Street
1.6 mi · 2 min · Northwest 35th Street
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12
Continue on Northwest Polk City Drive
4.3 mi · 6 min · Northwest Polk City Drive
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13
Continue on South 3rd Street
3016 ft · 1 min · South 3rd Street
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14
Turn right onto West Broadway Street
85 m · 17 sec · West Broadway Street
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15
Turn left onto North 2nd Street
5 m · 1 sec · North 2nd Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Polk City.
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
108 mi · 01h 57m
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 Sunny leaving Iowa City and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Polk City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Polk City?
The road trip is about 123 miles (197.9 km) and usually takes 02h 23m 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?
Grinnell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.3 miles from Iowa City and 61.6 miles from Polk City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 112.8 miles (181.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.2 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 1:44 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.37 one way or $32.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Iowa City and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Polk City.
Stop Ideas Near Grinnell
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 Grinnell.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Polk City. Straight-line distance: 112.83 mi (181.59 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 Polk City
American city in Iowa
| Population | 4,961 |
| Coordinates | 41.7713800, -93.7130000 |
| Altitude | 269 |
| Country | United States |
End: Polk City (-93.713, 41.77138)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 198 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.37 | $32.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.46 | $36.92 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.20 | $40.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.02 | $46.04 |
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.