How far is Monticello, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Monticello, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 48.6 miles (78.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 43.6 miles (70.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 58m 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 00h 59m.
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 Iowa, USA
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 Monticello and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Monticello and Iowa City.
-
1
Start on North Maple Street
22 m · 9 sec · North Maple Street
-
2
Turn left onto East 1st Street
846 ft · 17 sec · East 1st Street
-
3
At the end of the road, turn right onto South Main Street
1.9 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
-
4
Continue on Amber Road
1280 ft · 26 sec · Amber Road
-
5
Take the ramp right
13.3 mi · 16 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right
2322 ft · 1 min
-
7
Turn left onto State Highway 1
10.2 mi · 14 min · State Highway 1
-
8
Continue on 1st Avenue North
1.5 mi · 2 min · 1st Avenue North
-
9
Continue on State Highway 1
690 ft · 20 sec · State Highway 1
-
10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward State Highway 1
37 m · 6 sec · State Highway 1
-
11
Exit the roundabout onto State Highway 1
5.3 mi · 7 min · State Highway 1
-
12
Continue on Highway 1 Northeast
3.2 mi · 4 min · Highway 1 Northeast
-
13
Continue on North Market Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · North Market Street
-
14
Continue on Highway 1 Northeast
7.5 mi · 10 min · Highway 1 Northeast
-
15
Continue on North Dodge Street
2.6 mi · 5 min · North Dodge Street
-
16
Turn right onto Church Street
1200 ft · 38 sec · Church Street
-
17
Turn left onto North Gilbert Street
2492 ft · 2 min · North Gilbert Street
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Monticello and Iowa City.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Amber Road
Take the ramp right
13.3 mi · 00h 16m
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.
Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Monticello 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 Monticello to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 48.6 miles (78.2 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
Lisbon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.3 miles from Monticello and 24.4 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 43.6 miles (70.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 5 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 4:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.45 one way or $12.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Monticello and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Lisbon
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 Lisbon.
Davenport, Iowa
Rock Island, IL
Moline, Illinois
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Monticello and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 43.6 mi (70.17 km).
#1 Monticello
City in Jones County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 3,873 |
| Coordinates | 42.2383400, -91.1870900 |
| Altitude | 251 |
| 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: 78 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.45 | $12.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.27 | $14.55 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $7.96 | $15.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.07 | $18.14 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.