How far is Mount Pleasant, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Mount Pleasant, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 50 miles (80.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.2 miles (77.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 50m 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 55m.
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.
Human settlement in Washington County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Mount Pleasant and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mount Pleasant and Iowa City.
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1
Start on South White Street
18 m · 5 sec · South White Street
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2
Turn right onto West Warren Street
761 ft · 39 sec · West Warren Street
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3
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
2317 ft · 1 min · South Jefferson Street
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4
Continue on North Broadway Street
1.3 mi · 3 min · North Broadway Street
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5
Continue on Iowa Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · Iowa Avenue
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6
Turn left onto Avenue of the Saints
42.1 mi · 49 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward Airport
1.1 km · 1 min
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8
Continue on Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
1.4 km · 1 min · Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
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9
Continue on Old Highway 218 South
1 km · 1 min · Old Highway 218 South
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10
Continue on South Riverside Drive
1.1 km · 1 min · South Riverside Drive
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11
Turn right onto Grand Army of the Republic Highway
2270 ft · 1 min · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
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12
Turn left onto South Gilbert Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · South Gilbert Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Mount Pleasant and Iowa City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Avenue of the Saints
Turn left onto Avenue of the Saints
42.1 mi · 00h 49m
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.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Mount Pleasant and Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Mount Pleasant to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 50 miles (80.4 km) and usually takes 00h 55m 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?
Ainsworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25 miles from Mount Pleasant and 25 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.2 miles (77.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.8 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 4:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.64 one way or $13.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms around Mount Pleasant and Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Ainsworth
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 Ainsworth.
Mount Pleasant
Burlington
Fort Madison station
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Mount Pleasant and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 48.21 mi (77.59 km).
#1 Mount Pleasant
City in Henry County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 8,508 |
| Coordinates | 40.9636400, -91.5579400 |
| Altitude | 218 |
| 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: 80 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.64 | $13.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.49 | $14.97 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.19 | $16.38 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.34 | $18.67 |
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.