How far is Sioux City, IA from Lake City, IA?
The driving distance from Sioux City, IA to Lake City, IA is about 101.2 miles (162.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 86.6 miles (139.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 23m 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 02h 11m.
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 Ida County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Sioux City and Lake City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sioux City and Lake 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
22.4 mi · 26 min · 220th Street
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12
Take the exit slight right toward CR N14 North, US 71 SOUTH: Sac City, Carroll
1875 ft · 54 sec
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13
Turn right onto US 71
9.8 mi · 13 min · US 71
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14
Continue on Union Avenue
3.7 mi · 5 min · Union Avenue
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15
Continue on Union Avenue
991 ft · 15 sec · Union Avenue
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16
Continue on 370th Street
4.9 mi · 7 min · 370th Street
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17
Continue on 365th Street
3.1 mi · 5 min · 365th Street
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18
Continue on State Highway 175
2.1 mi · 3 min · State Highway 175
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19
Continue on State Highway 175
1.4 km · 1 min · State Highway 175
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20
Continue on West Main Street
1.1 km · 1 min · West Main Street
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21
Turn left onto North Center Street
14 m · 2 sec · North Center Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Center Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sioux City and Lake 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.
Highway 20
Continue on Highway 20
39.4 mi · 00h 47m
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 Sioux City and Sunny near Lake City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sioux City to Lake City?
The road trip is about 101.2 miles (162.9 km) and usually takes 02h 11m 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?
Galva is a useful midpoint, sitting about 50.5 miles from Sioux City and 50.7 miles from Lake City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 86.6 miles (139.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.6 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 2:06 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.46 one way or $26.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Sioux City and Sunny near Lake City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sioux City and Lake City. Straight-line distance: 86.55 mi (139.29 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 Lake City
City in Iowa, USA
| Population | 1,642 |
| Coordinates | 42.2674800, -94.7338700 |
| Altitude | 378 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake City (-94.73387, 42.26748)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 163 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 41m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.46 | $26.92 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.18 | $30.37 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.61 | $33.23 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $18.94 | $37.87 |
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.