How far is Rockwell City, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Rockwell City, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 203.1 miles (326.9 km), with a travel time of about 03h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 167.1 miles (269 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 24m 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 03h 12m.
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.
Human settlement in Grundy County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rockwell City and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rockwell City and Iowa City.
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1
Start on 4th Street
58 m · 10 sec · 4th Street
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2
Turn right onto Main Street
914 ft · 45 sec · Main Street
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3
Turn left onto 1st Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
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4
Continue on Ogden Avenue
2.5 mi · 3 min · Ogden Avenue
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5
Turn right
126.6 mi · 2 hr 26 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
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9
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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11
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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12
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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13
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rockwell City 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.
Longest stretch
Turn right
127 mi · 02h 26m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Rockwell City and Sunny near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rockwell City to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 203.1 miles (326.9 km) and usually takes 03h 12m 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?
Stout is a useful midpoint, sitting about 101.3 miles from Rockwell City and 101.8 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 167.1 miles (269 km), while the road route adds roughly 36 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 10:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.04 one way or $54.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 63.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Rockwell City and Sunny near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rockwell City and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 167.16 mi (269.02 km).
#1 Rockwell City
City in and county seat of Calhoun County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,082 |
| Coordinates | 42.3952600, -94.6338700 |
| Altitude | 375 |
| 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: 327 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $27.04 | $54.08 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $30.49 | $60.99 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $33.37 | $66.74 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $38.03 | $76.06 |
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 · Jun 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.