How far is Rockwell, IA from Clear Lake, IA?
The driving distance from Rockwell, IA to Clear Lake, IA is about 20 miles (32.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 28m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 14.2 miles (22.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 56m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 28m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Rockwell and Clear Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rockwell and Clear Lake.
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1
Start on Main Street East
112 m · 18 sec · Main Street East
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2
Turn right onto Oak Street North
754 ft · 39 sec · Oak Street North
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3
Turn left onto Elm Street West
2299 ft · 2 min · Elm Street West
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4
Turn right onto Partridge Avenue
8.2 mi · 11 min · Partridge Avenue
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5
Turn left
2193 ft · 53 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
9 mi · 10 min · Avenue of the Saints
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 Business, CR B35: Clear Lake, Mason City
1386 ft · 40 sec
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8
Turn left onto 4th Avenue South
1.2 mi · 2 min · 4th Avenue South
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9
Turn right onto South 8th Street
1671 ft · 34 sec · South 8th Street
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10
Turn left onto 1st Avenue North
57 m · 14 sec · 1st Avenue North
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11
Turn left onto North 6th Street
24 m · 4 sec · North 6th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 6th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Rockwell and Clear Lake.
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.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
8.96 mi · 00h 10m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Rockwell and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Clear Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Rockwell to Clear Lake?
The road trip is about 20 miles (32.2 km) and usually takes 00h 28m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mason City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 10 miles from Rockwell and 10 miles from Clear Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 14.2 miles (22.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.8 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.68 one way or $5.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Rockwell and Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Clear Lake.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Rockwell and Clear Lake. Straight-line distance: 14.18 mi (22.82 km).
#1 Rockwell
City in Cerrro Gordo County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 979 |
| Coordinates | 42.9852400, -93.1918700 |
| Altitude | 340 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Clear Lake
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 7,517 |
| Coordinates | 43.1380200, -93.3793700 |
| Altitude | 377 |
| Country | United States |
End: Clear Lake (-93.37937, 43.13802)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 32 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.68 | $5.35 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.02 | $6.04 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $3.30 | $6.61 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $3.77 | $7.53 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.