How far is Iowa City, IA from Tripoli, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Tripoli, IA is about 100.3 miles (161.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 08m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 87.6 miles (140.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 16m 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 08m.
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Tripoli.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Tripoli.
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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
65.7 mi · 1 hr 13 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right
2129 ft · 52 sec
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10
Turn right onto South Raymond Road
2097 ft · 33 sec · South Raymond Road
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11
Continue on South 3rd Street
1.3 km · 1 min · South 3rd Street
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12
At the end of the road, turn right onto Lafayette Road
49 m · 9 sec · Lafayette Road
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13
Turn left onto North 3rd Street
2656 ft · 53 sec · North 3rd Street
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14
Continue on South Raymond Road
1.5 mi · 2 min · South Raymond Road
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward North Raymond Road
35 m · 2 sec · North Raymond Road
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16
Exit the roundabout onto North Raymond Road
10 mi · 16 min · North Raymond Road
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17
Continue on Reed Avenue
5 mi · 9 min · Reed Avenue
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18
Turn left onto 230th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 230th Street
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19
Turn right onto Piedmont Avenue
5.8 mi · 8 min · Piedmont Avenue
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20
Continue on South Main Street
1 km · 1 min · South Main Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Tripoli.
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
65.7 mi · 01h 13m
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 leaving Iowa City and Chance Rain Showers near Tripoli.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Tripoli?
The road trip is about 100.3 miles (161.4 km) and usually takes 02h 08m 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 50.1 miles from Iowa City and 50.1 miles from Tripoli.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 87.6 miles (140.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.7 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 2:14 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.56 one way or $29.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Iowa City and Chance Rain Showers near Tripoli.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Tripoli. Straight-line distance: 87.56 mi (140.91 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 Tripoli
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,375 |
| Coordinates | 42.8080400, -92.2582300 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
End: Tripoli (-92.25823, 42.80804)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 161 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.56 | $29.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.42 | $32.83 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.96 | $35.93 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.47 | $40.95 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.