How far is Iowa City, IA from Urbana, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to Urbana, IA is about 49.6 miles (79.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 42.8 miles (68.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 04m 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 01h 02m.
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.
The second most populous city in Iowa.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and Urbana.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and Urbana.
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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
41.1 mi · 46 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Urbana
1785 ft · 48 sec
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10
Turn left onto 54th Street Trail
1023 ft · 17 sec · 54th Street Trail
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11
Continue on 55th Street
758 ft · 15 sec · 55th Street
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12
Turn left onto Union Avenue
1153 ft · 25 sec · Union Avenue
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13
Turn right onto West Wood Street
795 ft · 22 sec · West Wood Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Wood Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and Urbana.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
41.1 mi · 00h 46m
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.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Iowa City and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Urbana.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to Urbana?
The road trip is about 49.6 miles (79.9 km) and usually takes 01h 02m 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?
Cedar Rapids is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.9 miles from Iowa City and 24.9 miles from Urbana.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 42.8 miles (68.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.8 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 4:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.60 one way or $13.20 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Iowa City and Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Urbana.
Stop Ideas Near Cedar Rapids
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 Cedar Rapids.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and Urbana. Straight-line distance: 42.73 mi (68.77 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 Urbana
City in Benton County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,498 |
| Coordinates | 42.2241600, -91.8743400 |
| Altitude | 286 |
| Country | United States |
End: Urbana (-91.87434, 42.22416)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 80 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.60 | $13.20 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.44 | $14.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.14 | $16.29 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.28 | $18.56 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.