How far is Polk City, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Polk City, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 122.8 miles (197.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 112.8 miles (181.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 06m 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 02h 03m.
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 Poweshiek County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Polk City and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Polk City and Iowa City.
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1
Start on North 2nd Street
5 m · 3 sec · North 2nd Street
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2
Turn right onto West Broadway Street
85 m · 17 sec · West Broadway Street
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3
Turn left onto South 3rd Street
3016 ft · 1 min · South 3rd Street
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4
Continue on Northwest Polk City Drive
4.3 mi · 6 min · Northwest Polk City Drive
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5
Continue on Northwest 35th Street
1.6 mi · 2 min · Northwest 35th Street
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6
Continue on Northwest 78th Avenue
2614 ft · 45 sec · Northwest 78th Avenue
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7
Continue on Southwest Oralabor Road
1.4 mi · 2 min · Southwest Oralabor Road
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8
Turn right onto Southwest State Street
1 mi · 1 min · Southwest State Street
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9
Continue on Northwest 2nd Street
2.7 mi · 4 min · Northwest 2nd Street
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10
Turn left onto I-35 north, I-80 east
2428 ft · 59 sec
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11
Merge slight left
2853 ft · 37 sec
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12
Continue straight
3105 ft · 41 sec
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13
Keep slight left
106.9 mi · 1 hr 56 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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15
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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16
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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17
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Polk City 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.
I-35 north
Keep slight left
107 mi · 01h 56m
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 Polk City and Partly Sunny near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Polk City to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 122.8 miles (197.7 km) and usually takes 02h 03m 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?
Grinnell is a useful midpoint, sitting about 61.3 miles from Polk City and 61.5 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 112.8 miles (181.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 10 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 2:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.37 one way or $32.73 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Polk City and Partly Sunny near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Grinnell
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 Grinnell.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Polk City and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 112.83 mi (181.59 km).
#1 Polk City
American city in Iowa
| Population | 4,961 |
| Coordinates | 41.7713800, -93.7130000 |
| Altitude | 269 |
| 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: 198 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 02m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $16.37 | $32.73 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $18.46 | $36.92 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $20.20 | $40.40 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $23.02 | $46.04 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.