How far is Iowa City, IA from West Branch, IA?
The driving distance from Iowa City, IA to West Branch, IA is about 11.7 miles (18.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 35m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 17m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Town in Johnson County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Iowa City and West Branch.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City and West Branch.
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1
Start on South Gilbert Street
2492 ft · 2 min · South Gilbert Street
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2
Turn right onto Church Street
2009 ft · 1 min · Church Street
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3
Turn left onto North Governor Street
2274 ft · 1 min · North Governor Street
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4
Turn right onto North Dodge Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · North Dodge Street
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5
Take the ramp right
1929 ft · 47 sec
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6
Merge slight left
7.7 mi · 8 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward CR X30: West Branch
1292 ft · 39 sec
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8
Turn left onto Baker Avenue
157 m · 10 sec · Baker Avenue
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9
Continue on Parkside Drive
2628 ft · 58 sec · Parkside Drive
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10
Turn left onto Main Street
91 m · 6 sec · Main Street
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Iowa City and West Branch.
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.
North Dodge Street
Merge slight left
7.68 mi · 00h 08m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Iowa City and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near West Branch.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Iowa City to West Branch?
The road trip is about 11.7 miles (18.8 km) and usually takes 00h 17m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
University Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 5.8 miles from Iowa City and 5.8 miles from West Branch.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.2 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.55 one way or $3.09 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Iowa City and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near West Branch.
Stop Ideas Near University Heights
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 University Heights.
Mount Pleasant
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Moline, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Iowa City and West Branch. Straight-line distance: 9.51 mi (15.3 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 West Branch
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,519 |
| Coordinates | 41.6714100, -91.3465500 |
| Altitude | 219 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Branch (-91.34655, 41.67141)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 19 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $1.55 | $3.09 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $1.74 | $3.49 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $1.91 | $3.82 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $2.17 | $4.35 |
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.