How far is Sioux City, IA from Elkader, IA?
The driving distance from Sioux City, IA to Elkader, IA is about 283.7 miles (456.5 km), with a travel time of about 05h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 254.9 miles (410.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 11h 29m 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 05h 44m.
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.
Township in Hamilton County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sioux City and Elkader.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sioux City and Elkader.
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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
165.9 mi · 3 hr 11 min · 220th Street
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12
Keep slight left
28.1 mi · 32 min
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13
Take the exit slight right
2049 ft · 57 sec
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14
Turn left onto Washburn Avenue
12.5 mi · 17 min · Washburn Avenue
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15
Continue on C Avenue
3 mi · 4 min · C Avenue
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16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward 40th Street
6 m · 1 sec · 40th Street
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17
Exit the roundabout onto 40th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 40th Street
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18
Continue on State Highway 3
2.9 mi · 4 min · State Highway 3
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19
Continue on West Mission Street
1.3 km · 1 min · West Mission Street
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20
Turn left onto Elkader Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Elkader Street
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21
Continue on State Highway 13
13.1 mi · 18 min · State Highway 13
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22
Turn left onto Strawberry Point Road
1.2 km · 1 min · Strawberry Point Road
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23
Continue on South 1st Street
1177 ft · 20 sec · South 1st Street
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 1st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sioux City and Elkader.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
220th Street
Continue on 220th Street
166 mi · 03h 11m
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 Sioux City and Sunny near Elkader.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sioux City to Elkader?
The road trip is about 283.7 miles (456.5 km) and usually takes 05h 44m 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?
Blairsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 141.5 miles from Sioux City and 142.2 miles from Elkader.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 254.9 miles (410.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 28.8 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 5:30 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.75 one way or $75.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 89 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Sioux City and Sunny near Elkader.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sioux City and Elkader. Straight-line distance: 254.86 mi (410.16 km).
#1 Sioux City
The second most populous city in Iowa.
| Population | 82,651 |
| Coordinates | 42.4999900, -96.4003100 |
| Altitude | 366 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elkader (-91.40542, 42.85387)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 457 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $37.75 | $75.50 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $42.57 | $85.15 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $46.59 | $93.17 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $53.09 | $106.19 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.