How far is Jefferson, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Jefferson, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 166.7 miles (268.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 148.6 miles (239.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 30m 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 45m.
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 Marshall County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Jefferson and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jefferson and Iowa City.
-
1
Start on West Lincolnway Street
7 m · 8 sec · West Lincolnway Street
-
2
Turn left onto North Elm Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · North Elm Street
-
3
Turn right onto 220th Street
31 mi · 40 min · 220th Street
-
4
Continue on 230th Street
77.2 mi · 1 hr 29 min · 230th Street
-
5
Continue on 73rd Street
33.4 mi · 39 min · 73rd Street
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City, Airport
2293 ft · 39 sec
-
7
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
15.4 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
-
9
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
-
10
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
-
12
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
-
13
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
-
14
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
-
15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Jefferson and Iowa City.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
230th Street
Continue on 230th Street
77.2 mi · 01h 29m
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 Jefferson and Partly Sunny near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Jefferson to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 166.7 miles (268.3 km) and usually takes 02h 45m 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?
Le Grand is a useful midpoint, sitting about 83.2 miles from Jefferson and 83.6 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 148.6 miles (239.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 18.1 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 1:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.17 one way or $44.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 52.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Jefferson and Partly Sunny near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Le Grand
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 Le Grand.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Jefferson and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 148.59 mi (239.13 km).
#1 Jefferson
City in Greene County, Iowa
| Population | 4,075 |
| Coordinates | 42.0152600, -94.3774700 |
| Altitude | 325 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Iowa City
The most populous city in Johnson County, Iowa.
| Population | 75,130 |
| Coordinates | 41.6611300, -91.5301700 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Gilbert Street (-91.530165, 41.661126)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 268 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.17 | $44.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.01 | $50.02 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $27.37 | $54.73 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $31.19 | $62.38 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.