How far is Marion, IA from Spencer, IA?
The driving distance from Marion, IA to Spencer, IA is about 246.5 miles (396.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 195.9 miles (315.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 54m 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 04h 57m.
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.
Township in Hamilton County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Marion and Spencer.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Marion and Spencer.
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1
Start on 8th Avenue
136 m · 23 sec · 8th Avenue
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2
Turn left onto 10th Street
98 m · 13 sec · 10th Street
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3
Turn right onto 7th Avenue
880 ft · 22 sec · 7th Avenue
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
31 m · 4 sec
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5
Exit the roundabout
40 m · 6 sec
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6
Continue on 7th Avenue
1828 ft · 48 sec · 7th Avenue
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7
Continue on Marion Boulevard
1 km · 1 min · Marion Boulevard
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8
Continue on 1st Avenue East
621 ft · 19 sec · 1st Avenue East
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9
Turn right onto Collins Road Northeast
2.2 mi · 3 min · Collins Road Northeast
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I-380, IA 27: Iowa City, Waterloo
2548 ft · 1 min
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11
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 north, IA 27 north: Waterloo
2156 ft · 42 sec
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12
Keep slight left
87 m · 7 sec
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13
Continue on I-380 south, IA 27 south: Waterloo
1093 ft · 27 sec
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14
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
46.6 mi · 51 min · Avenue of the Saints
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15
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
147.7 mi · 2 hr 50 min · Avenue of the Saints
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16
Take the exit slight right toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake
1974 ft · 57 sec
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17
Turn right
45.2 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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18
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2694 ft · 1 min · 11th Street Southwest
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19
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 54 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
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20
At the end of the road, turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 41 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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21
Turn left onto South Grand Avenue
2631 ft · 2 min · South Grand Avenue
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22
Turn right onto East 4th Street
21 m · 1 sec · East 4th Street
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23
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 4th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Marion and Spencer.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints
148 mi · 02h 50m
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 Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Sunny leaving Marion and Mostly Sunny near Spencer.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Marion to Spencer?
The road trip is about 246.5 miles (396.7 km) and usually takes 04h 57m 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?
Blairsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 123 miles from Marion and 123.5 miles from Spencer.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 195.9 miles (315.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 50.6 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 7:06 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.81 one way or $65.62 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Sunny around Marion and Mostly Sunny near Spencer.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Marion and Spencer. Straight-line distance: 195.95 mi (315.35 km).
#1 Marion
The county seat of Linn County, Iowa.
| Population | 40,780 |
| Coordinates | 42.0341700, -91.5976800 |
| Altitude | 259 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Spencer
City in the state of Iowa (United States)
| Population | 10,989 |
| Coordinates | 43.1413600, -95.1444400 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| Country | United States |
End: Spencer (-95.14444, 43.14136)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 397 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $32.81 | $65.62 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $37.00 | $74.00 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $40.49 | $80.98 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $46.14 | $92.29 |
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.