How far is Iowa City, IA from Spencer, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Spencer, IA is about 273.4 miles (440 km), with a travel time of about 05h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 210.8 miles (339.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 00m 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 05h 30m.
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.
Township in Hardin County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Spencer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Spencer.
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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 left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
147.7 mi · 2 hr 50 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Take the exit slight right toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake
1974 ft · 57 sec
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11
Turn right
45.2 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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12
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2694 ft · 1 min · 11th Street Southwest
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13
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 54 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
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14
At the end of the road, turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 41 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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15
Turn left onto South Grand Avenue
2631 ft · 2 min · South Grand Avenue
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16
Turn right onto East 4th Street
21 m · 1 sec · East 4th Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Spencer.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
148 mi · 02h 50m
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 leaving Iowa City and Mostly Sunny near Spencer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Spencer?
The road trip is about 273.4 miles (440 km) and usually takes 05h 30m 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?
Buckeye is a useful midpoint, sitting about 136.5 miles from Iowa City and 136.9 miles from Spencer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 210.8 miles (339.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 62.6 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 6:00 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.39 one way or $72.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 85.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Iowa City and Mostly Sunny near Spencer.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Spencer. Straight-line distance: 210.84 mi (339.31 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 Spencer
City in the state of Iowa (United States)
| Population | 10,989 |
| Coordinates | 43.1413600, -95.1444400 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| Country | United States |
End: Spencer (-95.14444, 43.14136)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 440 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $36.39 | $72.78 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.04 | $82.08 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $44.91 | $89.82 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $51.18 | $102.37 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.