How far is Iowa City, IA from Shell Rock, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Shell Rock, IA is about 106.4 miles (171.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.3 miles (145.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 19m 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 09m.
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 Benton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Shell Rock.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Shell Rock.
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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
70.8 mi · 1 hr 19 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
5.6 mi · 8 min
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10
Continue on West Washington Expressway
1293 ft · 18 sec · West Washington Expressway
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11
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.1 km · 52 sec · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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12
Continue on West Washington Street
1.3 mi · 2 min · West Washington Street
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13
Continue on Leo P Rooff Expressway
1.4 mi · 2 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
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14
Take the exit slight right
1309 ft · 32 sec
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15
Keep slight right to continue on US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
2382 ft · 58 sec
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16
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
15 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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17
Take the exit slight right
2013 ft · 56 sec
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18
Turn left onto 230th Street
1.8 mi · 3 min · 230th Street
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19
Continue on State Highway 3
1485 ft · 31 sec · State Highway 3
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20
Turn left onto North Public Road
106 m · 17 sec · North Public Road
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21
Turn right onto North Cherry Street
3048 ft · 2 min · North Cherry Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Cherry Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Shell Rock.
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 onto Avenue of the Saints
70.8 mi · 01h 19m
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.
Sunny leaving Iowa City and Sunny near Shell Rock.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Shell Rock?
The road trip is about 106.4 miles (171.2 km) and usually takes 02h 09m 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?
Urbana is a useful midpoint, sitting about 53.2 miles from Iowa City and 53.3 miles from Shell Rock.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.3 miles (145.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.1 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 2:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.14 one way or $28.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Iowa City and Sunny near Shell Rock.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Shell Rock. Straight-line distance: 90.33 mi (145.37 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 Shell Rock
City in Butler County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,268 |
| Coordinates | 42.7102600, -92.5829700 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
End: Shell Rock (-92.58297, 42.71026)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 171 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.14 | $28.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.95 | $31.90 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.45 | $34.91 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.89 | $39.78 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.