How far is Lake City, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Lake City, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 198.7 miles (319.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 169.8 miles (273.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 39m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 19m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake City and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake City and Iowa City.
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1
Start on North Center Street
14 m · 7 sec · North Center Street
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2
Turn left onto East Main Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · East Main Street
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3
Continue on 360th Street
7 mi · 10 min · 360th Street
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4
Continue on 5th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 5th Street
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5
Continue on 360th Street
14.9 mi · 20 min · 360th Street
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6
Turn right onto Indiana Avenue
4 mi · 5 min · Indiana Avenue
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7
Continue on U Avenue
6.8 mi · 9 min · U Avenue
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8
Continue on Mc Intyre Street
1 km · 1 min · Mc Intyre Street
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9
Continue on U Avenue
4.4 mi · 6 min · U Avenue
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10
Continue on 9th Street North
919 ft · 26 sec · 9th Street North
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11
Turn left onto 220th Street
23.9 mi · 31 min · 220th Street
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12
Continue on 230th Street
77.2 mi · 1 hr 29 min · 230th Street
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13
Continue on 73rd Street
33.4 mi · 39 min · 73rd Street
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14
Take the exit slight right toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City, Airport
2293 ft · 39 sec
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15
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
15.4 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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16
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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17
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
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18
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
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19
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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20
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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21
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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22
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Lake City 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 longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Lake City and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake City to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 198.7 miles (319.7 km) and usually takes 03h 19m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
State Center is a useful midpoint, sitting about 99.6 miles from Lake City and 99.1 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 169.8 miles (273.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:20 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $26.43 one way or $52.87 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 62.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Lake City and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake City and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 169.83 mi (273.31 km).
#1 Lake City
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,642 |
| Coordinates | 42.2674800, -94.7338700 |
| Altitude | 378 |
| 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: 320 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 58m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $26.43 | $52.87 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $29.81 | $59.63 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $32.62 | $65.25 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $37.18 | $74.36 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.