How far is Shenandoah, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Shenandoah, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 252 miles (405.5 km), with a travel time of about 04h 12m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 209 miles (336.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 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 04h 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.
City in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Shenandoah and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Shenandoah and Iowa City.
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1
Start on West Clarinda Avenue
33 m · 7 sec · West Clarinda Avenue
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2
Turn right onto South Blossom Street
30 m · 10 sec · South Blossom Street
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3
Turn left onto West Sheridan Avenue
1.1 km · 2 min · West Sheridan Avenue
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4
Turn right onto Fremont Street
38.8 mi · 55 min · Fremont Street
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5
Turn left
6.4 mi · 9 min
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6
Keep slight left
7.5 mi · 11 min
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7
Take the ramp slight right
1377 ft · 34 sec
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8
Merge slight left
82.1 mi · 1 hr 28 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
14.4 mi · 17 min
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10
Keep slight left
106.9 mi · 1 hr 56 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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12
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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13
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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14
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Shenandoah 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.
I 35
Keep slight left
107 mi · 01h 56m
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.
Sunny leaving Shenandoah and Chance Rain Showers near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Shenandoah to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 252 miles (405.5 km) and usually takes 04h 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?
Waukee is a useful midpoint, sitting about 129.4 miles from Shenandoah and 122.6 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 209 miles (336.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 43 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 8:36 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $33.52 one way or $67.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 79 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Shenandoah and Chance Rain Showers near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Waukee
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 Waukee.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Shenandoah and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 209.04 mi (336.42 km).
#1 Shenandoah
Town in Page County, Virginia, United States
| Population | 4,783 |
| Coordinates | 40.7655500, -95.3722100 |
| Altitude | 299 |
| 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: 405 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 23m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $33.52 | $67.05 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $37.81 | $75.62 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $41.37 | $82.75 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $47.15 | $94.31 |
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 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.