How far is Shell Rock, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Shell Rock, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 107.2 miles (172.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 90.3 miles (145.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 33m 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 46m.
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 Benton County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Shell Rock and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Shell Rock and Iowa City.
-
1
Start on South Cherry Street
3048 ft · 2 min · South Cherry Street
-
2
Turn left onto North Public Road
106 m · 21 sec · North Public Road
-
3
Turn right onto State Highway 3
1485 ft · 25 sec · State Highway 3
-
4
Continue on 230th Street
1.7 mi · 2 min · 230th Street
-
5
Take the ramp right
2320 ft · 57 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
15.3 mi · 18 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 south: Waterloo
97 m · 8 sec
-
8
Continue on US 218 south: Waterloo
1625 ft · 40 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
6.7 mi · 8 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
-
10
Continue on Washington Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · Washington Street
-
11
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
6.5 mi · 8 min
-
12
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
-
14
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
-
15
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
-
16
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
-
17
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
-
18
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
-
19
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
-
20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Shell Rock and Iowa City.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Avenue of the Saints
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 01h 12m
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.
Sunny leaving Shell Rock 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 Shell Rock to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 107.2 miles (172.5 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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?
Urbana is a useful midpoint, sitting about 53.4 miles from Shell Rock and 53.7 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 90.3 miles (145.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.9 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 2:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.25 one way or $28.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 33.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Shell Rock and Sunny near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Shell Rock and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 90.33 mi (145.37 km).
#1 Shell Rock
City in Butler County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,268 |
| Coordinates | 42.7102600, -92.5829700 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| 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: 173 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 31m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.25 | $28.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.08 | $32.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $17.59 | $35.18 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.05 | $40.10 |
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.