How far is Laurens, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Laurens, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 236.9 miles (381.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 48m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 188.6 miles (303.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 37m 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 48m.
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.
Human settlement in Hardin County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Laurens and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Laurens and Iowa City.
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1
Start on West Main Street
38 m · 8 sec · West Main Street
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2
Turn right onto South 3rd Street
1402 ft · 39 sec · South 3rd Street
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3
Turn left onto State Highway 10
1.4 km · 1 min · State Highway 10
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4
Continue on 450th Street
6.1 mi · 8 min · 450th Street
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5
Continue on Cummins Road
2 mi · 3 min · Cummins Road
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6
At the end of the road, turn right onto 220th Avenue
5.5 mi · 7 min · 220th Avenue
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7
Continue on Northwest 7th Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 7th Street
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8
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · 220th Avenue
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9
Continue on Marengo Avenue
2317 ft · 39 sec · Marengo Avenue
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10
Continue on North East Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North East Street
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11
Continue on Marengo Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Marengo Avenue
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12
Keep slight left to continue on Marshall Avenue
2.3 mi · 3 min · Marshall Avenue
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13
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
1749 ft · 48 sec
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14
Merge slight left
128.2 mi · 2 hr 28 min
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15
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 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 Laurens and Iowa City.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
128 mi · 02h 28m
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Laurens and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Laurens to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 236.9 miles (381.2 km) and usually takes 03h 48m 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?
Steamboat Rock is a useful midpoint, sitting about 118.2 miles from Laurens and 118.6 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 188.6 miles (303.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 48.3 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 9:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.53 one way or $63.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 74.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Laurens and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Laurens and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 188.57 mi (303.48 km).
#1 Laurens
City in Pocahontas County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,126 |
| Coordinates | 42.8466400, -94.8519300 |
| Altitude | 399 |
| 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: 381 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 53m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 55m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 57m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $31.53 | $63.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $35.56 | $71.11 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $38.91 | $77.81 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $44.34 | $88.68 |
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.