How far is Spencer, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Spencer, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 273.7 miles (440.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 210.8 miles (339.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 42m 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 21m.
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 Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spencer and Iowa City.
-
1
Start on East 4th Street
21 m · 9 sec · East 4th Street
-
2
Turn left onto Grand Avenue
2631 ft · 2 min · Grand Avenue
-
3
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
1691 ft · 39 sec · 4th Street Southwest
-
4
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
2608 ft · 56 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest
-
5
Turn right onto 11th Street Southwest
2652 ft · 58 sec · 11th Street Southwest
-
6
Turn left onto 11th Avenue Southwest
1.5 mi · 2 min · 11th Avenue Southwest
-
7
Continue on 215th Avenue
13.4 mi · 18 min · 215th Avenue
-
8
Continue on 130th Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · 130th Avenue
-
9
Continue on County Highway 71
1.1 mi · 2 min · County Highway 71
-
10
Continue on 130th Avenue
27.8 mi · 38 min · 130th Avenue
-
11
Continue on US 71
1014 ft · 20 sec · US 71
-
12
Take the exit left toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
1841 ft · 51 sec
-
13
Merge slight left
153.3 mi · 2 hr 57 min
-
14
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
15
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
-
16
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
-
17
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
-
18
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
-
19
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
-
20
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
-
21
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
-
22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Spencer and Iowa 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.
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 Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Spencer to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 273.7 miles (440.4 km) and usually takes 04h 21m 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 136.6 miles from Spencer and 137.1 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 210.8 miles (339.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 62.9 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 8:18 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.43 one way or $72.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 85.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Spencer and Chance Rain Showers near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Spencer and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 210.84 mi (339.31 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 Iowa City
The most populous city in Johnson County, Iowa.
| Population | 75,130 |
| Coordinates | 41.6611300, -91.5301700 |
| Altitude | 204 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Gilbert Street (-91.530165, 41.661126)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 440 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $36.43 | $72.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $41.08 | $82.17 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $44.96 | $89.92 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $51.24 | $102.47 |
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.