How far is Spencer, IA from Dubuque, IA?
The driving distance from Spencer, IA to Dubuque, IA is about 282.9 miles (455.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 231.3 miles (372.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 01m 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 30m.
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 Hardin County, Iowa
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Spencer and Dubuque.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spencer and Dubuque.
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1
Start on East 4th Street
21 m · 9 sec · East 4th Street
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2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
2631 ft · 2 min · Grand Avenue
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3
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 39 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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4
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 56 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
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5
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2652 ft · 56 sec · 11th Street Southwest
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6
Turn left onto 11th Avenue Southwest
1.5 mi · 2 min · 11th Avenue Southwest
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7
Continue on 215th Avenue
13.4 mi · 18 min · 215th Avenue
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8
Continue on 130th Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · 130th Avenue
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9
Continue on County Highway 71
1.1 mi · 2 min · County Highway 71
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10
Continue on 130th Avenue
27.8 mi · 38 min · 130th Avenue
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11
Continue on US 71
1014 ft · 20 sec · US 71
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12
Take the exit left toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
1841 ft · 51 sec
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13
Merge slight left
153.3 mi · 2 hr 57 min
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14
Keep slight left
81.4 mi · 1 hr 37 min
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15
Turn left onto South Locust Street
553 ft · 18 sec · South Locust Street
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16
Turn straight onto IA 946
708 ft · 21 sec
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17
At the end of the road, turn left
128 m · 13 sec
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18
Take the exit slight right toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
1432 ft · 32 sec
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19
Continue on White Street
638 ft · 27 sec · White Street
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20
Turn left onto East 7th Street
87 m · 20 sec · East 7th Street
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21
Turn left onto Central Avenue
10 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Central Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Spencer and Dubuque.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
153 mi · 02h 57m
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 Spencer and Chance Rain Showers near Dubuque.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Spencer to Dubuque?
The road trip is about 282.9 miles (455.3 km) and usually takes 04h 30m 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?
Buckeye is a useful midpoint, sitting about 141.2 miles from Spencer and 141.7 miles from Dubuque.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 231.3 miles (372.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.6 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:58 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $37.63 one way or $75.27 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 88.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Spencer and Chance Rain Showers near Dubuque.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Spencer and Dubuque. Straight-line distance: 231.28 mi (372.21 km).
#1 Spencer
City in the state of Iowa (United States)
| Population | 10,989 |
| Coordinates | 43.1413600, -95.1444400 |
| Altitude | 400 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Dubuque
The most populous city in Dubuque County, Iowa.
| Population | 57,781 |
| Coordinates | 42.5005600, -90.6645700 |
| Altitude | 189 |
| Country | United States |
End: Central Avenue (-90.664595, 42.500561)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 455 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $37.63 | $75.27 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $42.44 | $84.89 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $46.45 | $92.89 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $52.93 | $105.87 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.