How far is Iowa City, IA from State Center, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to State Center, IA is about 103.1 miles (166 km), with a travel time of about 02h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 87.6 miles (141 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 08m 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 04m.
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.
Human settlement in Benton County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and State Center.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and State Center.
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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
16 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward US 30 West, US 151 South, US 218 North: Tama
33.7 mi · 40 min
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10
Continue on Lincoln Highway
45.2 mi · 52 min · Lincoln Highway
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11
Turn right onto 3rd Avenue Southwest
2153 ft · 47 sec · 3rd Avenue Southwest
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12
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
860 ft · 23 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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13
Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
1114 ft · 24 sec · 1st Avenue South
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14
Turn right onto East Main Street
4 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and State Center.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Lincoln Highway
Continue on Lincoln Highway
45.2 mi · 00h 52m
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 Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Iowa City and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near State Center.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to State Center?
The road trip is about 103.1 miles (166 km) and usually takes 02h 04m 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?
Keystone is a useful midpoint, sitting about 51.4 miles from Iowa City and 51.6 miles from State Center.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 87.6 miles (141 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.5 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 2:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.73 one way or $27.45 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Iowa City and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near State Center.
Stop Ideas Near Keystone
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 Keystone.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and State Center. Straight-line distance: 87.59 mi (140.97 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 State Center
City in Marshall County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,432 |
| Coordinates | 42.0166500, -93.1635400 |
| Altitude | 326 |
| Country | United States |
End: State Center (-93.16354, 42.01665)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 166 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.73 | $27.45 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.48 | $30.96 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.94 | $33.88 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.31 | $38.61 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.