How far is Ottumwa, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Ottumwa, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 87.4 miles (140.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 63.6 miles (102.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 19m 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 39m.
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 Henry County, Iowa, United States
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 Ottumwa and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ottumwa and Iowa City.
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1
Start on West Fourth Street
1605 ft · 40 sec · West Fourth Street
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2
Turn right onto North Jefferson Street
826 ft · 24 sec · North Jefferson Street
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3
Turn left onto East Main Street
1.6 km · 2 min · East Main Street
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4
Turn straight onto Roemer Avenue
1185 ft · 26 sec · Roemer Avenue
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5
Turn left
1.2 km · 57 sec
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6
Take the exit right
46.8 mi · 54 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
2097 ft · 1 min
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8
Turn left onto Old US Highway 218
1.1 mi · 1 min · Old US Highway 218
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9
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
42.6 mi · 49 min · Avenue of the Saints
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Airport
1.1 km · 1 min
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11
Continue on Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
1.4 km · 1 min · Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
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12
Continue on Old Highway 218 South
1 km · 1 min · Old Highway 218 South
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13
Continue on South Riverside Drive
1.1 km · 1 min · South Riverside Drive
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14
Turn right onto Highway 6 East
2270 ft · 1 min · Highway 6 East
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15
Turn left onto South Gilbert Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · South Gilbert Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ottumwa 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.
Roemer Avenue
Take the exit right
46.8 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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 87.4 miles (140.6 km) and usually takes 01h 39m 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?
Mount Pleasant is a useful midpoint, sitting about 48.8 miles from Ottumwa and 38.6 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 63.6 miles (102.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.8 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 3:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.61 one way or $23.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Ottumwa and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Mount Pleasant
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 Mount Pleasant.
Mount Pleasant
Fort Madison station
Burlington
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ottumwa and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 63.65 mi (102.44 km).
#1 Ottumwa
City in Iowa
| Population | 24,375 |
| Coordinates | 41.0200100, -92.4113000 |
| Altitude | 205 |
| 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: 141 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 05m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $11.61 | $23.23 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $13.10 | $26.20 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $14.33 | $28.67 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $16.34 | $32.67 |
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 · 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.