How far is Sioux City, IA from Charles City, IA?
The driving distance from Sioux City, IA to Charles City, IA is about 232.4 miles (374 km), with a travel time of about 04h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 193.1 miles (310.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 13m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CST.
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 36m.
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 Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Scattered Snow Showers then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sioux City and Charles City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sioux City and Charles City.
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1
Start on the route
35 m · 14 sec
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2
Turn left onto 9th Street
990 ft · 46 sec · 9th Street
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3
Turn right onto Court Street
767 ft · 27 sec · Court Street
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4
Turn left onto 7th Street
122 m · 19 sec · 7th Street
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5
Turn right onto Iowa Street
129 m · 24 sec · Iowa Street
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6
Turn left onto 6th Street
1.4 km · 2 min · 6th Street
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7
Continue on Fairmount Street
3030 ft · 1 min · Fairmount Street
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8
Turn left onto Gordon Drive
3.4 mi · 7 min · Gordon Drive
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9
Continue on Highway 20
39.4 mi · 47 min · Highway 20
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10
Continue on United States Highway 20
8.3 mi · 10 min · United States Highway 20
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11
Continue on 220th Street
93.8 mi · 1 hr 48 min · 220th Street
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 North: Mason City
1647 ft · 56 sec
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13
Merge slight left
47.4 mi · 51 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
1 mi · 2 min
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15
Merge slight left
32.9 mi · 38 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 Business, CR B35: Charles City
1513 ft · 43 sec
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17
Turn left onto 185th Street
1559 ft · 24 sec · 185th Street
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18
Turn straight onto Gilbert Street
2.5 mi · 5 min · Gilbert Street
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19
Turn left onto Main Street
1198 ft · 39 sec · Main Street
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20
Turn right onto Clark Street
1319 ft · 34 sec · Clark Street
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21
Turn left onto Brantingham Street
789 ft · 24 sec · Brantingham Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 4th Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sioux City and Charles 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.
220th Street
Continue on 220th Street
93.8 mi · 01h 48m
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 Sioux City and Scattered Snow Showers then Partly Sunny near Charles City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sioux City to Charles City?
The road trip is about 232.4 miles (374 km) and usually takes 04h 36m 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?
Otho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 116 miles from Sioux City and 116.4 miles from Charles City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 193.1 miles (310.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 39.3 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:46 AM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.36 one way or $62.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 72.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Sioux City and Scattered Snow Showers then Partly Sunny near Charles City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sioux City and Charles City. Straight-line distance: 193.03 mi (310.65 km).
#1 Sioux City
The second most populous city in Iowa.
| Population | 82,651 |
| Coordinates | 42.4999900, -96.4003100 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Charles City
City in Iowa
| Population | 7,307 |
| Coordinates | 43.0663600, -92.6724100 |
| Altitude | 307 |
| Country | United States |
End: Charles City (-92.67241, 43.06636)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 374 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 19m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.82 | $31.36 | $62.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.17 | $34.23 | $68.45 |
| Premium | $4.72 | $38.68 | $77.36 |
| Diesel | $5.86 | $48.04 | $96.07 |
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 · Nov 11, 2026