How far is Maquoketa, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Maquoketa, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 86.4 miles (139 km), with a travel time of about 01h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 52.6 miles (84.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 49m 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 24m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Maquoketa and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Maquoketa and Iowa City.
-
1
Start on South Main Street
1 mi · 2 min · South Main Street
-
2
Continue on 200th Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · 200th Avenue
-
3
Take the ramp left toward US 61: Davenport
2168 ft · 53 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
32.1 mi · 37 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right
49.1 mi · 54 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward IA 1: Mount Vernon
1592 ft · 41 sec
-
7
Turn left onto North Dodge Street
2.1 mi · 5 min · North Dodge Street
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8
Turn right onto Church Street
1200 ft · 38 sec · Church Street
-
9
Turn left onto North Gilbert Street
2492 ft · 2 min · North Gilbert Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Maquoketa 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 61
Take the exit slight right
49.1 mi · 00h 54m
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 Cloudy leaving Maquoketa and Partly Cloudy near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Maquoketa to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 86.4 miles (139 km) and usually takes 01h 24m 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?
Walcott is a useful midpoint, sitting about 43.1 miles from Maquoketa and 43.2 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 52.6 miles (84.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 33.8 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 3:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.50 one way or $23.00 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Maquoketa and Partly Cloudy near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Walcott
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 Walcott.
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Moline, Illinois
Galesburg station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Maquoketa and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 52.65 mi (84.74 km).
#1 Maquoketa
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 5,924 |
| Coordinates | 42.0689100, -90.6656900 |
| Altitude | 214 |
| 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: 139 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.50 | $23.00 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $12.97 | $25.94 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.19 | $28.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.18 | $32.35 |
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 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.