How far is Sioux City, IA from Spirit Lake, IA?
The driving distance from Sioux City, IA to Spirit Lake, IA is about 110.8 miles (178.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 91.5 miles (147.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 43m 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 21m.
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 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 Spirit Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sioux City and Spirit Lake.
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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 · 49 sec · 9th Street
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3
Turn left onto Court Street
793 ft · 27 sec · Court Street
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4
Turn right onto 11th Street
1.1 km · 2 min · 11th Street
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5
Turn left
1128 ft · 28 sec
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6
Continue on Terminal Drive
2076 ft · 53 sec · Terminal Drive
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7
Turn right onto 18th Street
73 m · 9 sec · 18th Street
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8
Turn left
3.3 mi · 5 min
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9
Take the ramp straight
21 mi · 26 min
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10
Continue on IA 60 North: Sheldon
53.5 mi · 1 hr 2 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward IA 9: Rock Rapids, Spirit Lake
2073 ft · 53 sec
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12
Turn right onto Ia 9th Street
5.4 mi · 7 min · Ia 9th Street
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13
Continue on County Highway L54
1 mi · 1 min · County Highway L54
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14
Continue on State Highway 9
9.9 mi · 13 min · State Highway 9
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15
Continue on 150th Street
10.2 mi · 14 min · 150th Street
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16
Continue on State Highway 9
4.3 mi · 7 min · State Highway 9
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17
Turn right onto Hill Avenue
48 m · 5 sec · Hill Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Hill Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sioux City and Spirit Lake.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
IA 60 North
Continue on IA 60 North: Sheldon
53.5 mi · 01h 02m
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 Spirit Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sioux City to Spirit Lake?
The road trip is about 110.8 miles (178.3 km) and usually takes 02h 21m 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?
Sheldon is a useful midpoint, sitting about 55.4 miles from Sioux City and 55.4 miles from Spirit Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 91.5 miles (147.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.3 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.74 one way or $29.49 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Sioux City and Sunny near Spirit Lake.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sioux City and Spirit Lake. Straight-line distance: 91.47 mi (147.21 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 Spirit Lake
City in Dickinson County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,251 |
| Coordinates | 43.4221800, -95.1022200 |
| Altitude | 449 |
| Country | United States |
End: Spirit Lake (-95.10222, 43.42218)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 178 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $14.74 | $29.49 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $16.63 | $33.26 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $18.20 | $36.39 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $20.74 | $41.48 |
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.