How far is Spirit Lake, IA from Iowa City, IA?
Fastest route
The distance between Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360 and Iowa City, Iowa is approximately 288 miles (464 kilometers). The estimated travel time is around 4 hours and 39 minutes. The fastest route currently available is via US-20 E. Here are some tips and suggestions for your journey:
Directions
- Start by getting on US-20 E in Calhoun County from IA-4 S.
- Head east on IA-9 E/18th St toward Gary Ave.
- Continue to follow IA-9 E.
- Turn right onto 310th Ave.
- Turn right onto 350th Ave.
- Turn right onto Airport Rd.
- Pass by Subway (on the right) in 24.2 miles.
- Turn left to merge onto US-20 E toward Fort Dodge.
- Follow US-20 E and I-380 S to County Rd F46/Melrose Ave in Iowa City.
- Take exit 93 from US-218 S.
- Continue onto I-380 S/US-20 E.
- Keep right at the fork to continue on I-380 S/IA-27 S, following signs for Interstate 380 S/Cedar Rapids.
- Continue onto IA-27 S/US-218 S.
- Take exit 93 for County Rd F46/Melrose Ave toward University Hts.
- Continue on Melrose Ave.
- Drive to S Clinton St.
- Turn left onto County Rd F46/Melrose Ave.
- Continue to follow Melrose Ave.
- Continue onto Byington Rd.
- Turn right onto Grand Ave.
- Continue onto W Burlington St.
- Turn right onto S Clinton St.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Make sure to have a full tank of gas before starting your journey.
- 📅 Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you leave.
- 🛣️ Follow the signs for US-20 E and I-380 S to stay on the fastest route.
- ⚠️ Be aware of any road closures or construction along the way.
- 🍴 Consider taking breaks during the trip to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat.
- 🚦 Observe traffic rules and drive safely throughout your journey.
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 43m.
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.
City in Floyd County, Iowa, United States of America
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 Spirit Lake and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spirit Lake and Iowa City.
-
1
Start on Hill Avenue
48 m · 9 sec · Hill Avenue
-
2
Turn right onto 18th Street
1757 ft · 47 sec · 18th Street
-
3
Continue on US Highway 71
5.5 mi · 8 min · US Highway 71
-
4
Continue on 150th Street
2 mi · 3 min · 150th Street
-
5
Continue on 1st Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · 1st Avenue
-
6
Continue on Highway 9
1.4 mi · 2 min · Highway 9
-
7
Continue on State Highway 9
3.3 mi · 5 min · State Highway 9
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8
Continue on West Central Avenue
2.9 mi · 5 min · West Central Avenue
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9
Continue on State Highway 9
15.2 mi · 23 min · State Highway 9
-
10
Continue on 4th Avenue
3.1 mi · 5 min · 4th Avenue
-
11
Continue on 430th Street
6.1 mi · 9 min · 430th Street
-
12
Continue on 4th Avenue West
1.1 km · 59 sec · 4th Avenue West
-
13
Continue on State Highway 9
4.6 mi · 6 min · State Highway 9
-
14
Continue on US Highway 169
6.4 mi · 9 min · US Highway 169
-
15
Continue on State Highway 9
6.9 mi · 9 min · State Highway 9
-
16
Continue on 1st Avenue West
2648 ft · 1 min · 1st Avenue West
-
17
Continue on State Highway 9
16 mi · 23 min · State Highway 9
-
18
Turn right onto 170th Avenue
2 mi · 3 min · 170th Avenue
-
19
Turn left onto 400th Street
5.7 mi · 8 min · 400th Street
-
20
At the end of the road, turn right onto 225th Avenue
75 m · 4 sec · 225th Avenue
-
21
Continue on 230th Avenue
5.1 mi · 7 min · 230th Avenue
-
22
Turn left onto State Highway 9
5 mi · 7 min · State Highway 9
-
23
Continue on 350th Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · 350th Street
-
24
Continue on Evergreen Avenue
1.1 mi · 1 min · Evergreen Avenue
-
25
Continue on 360th Street
2631 ft · 41 sec · 360th Street
-
26
Continue on North Street
2493 ft · 39 sec · North Street
-
27
Continue on State Highway 9
1.4 km · 1 min · State Highway 9
-
28
Take the ramp right
1988 ft · 49 sec
-
29
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
12.2 mi · 13 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
30
Take the exit slight right toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
2212 ft · 27 sec
-
31
Turn slight right onto US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
81.3 mi · 1 hr 34 min
-
32
Take the exit slight right toward US 218 south: Waterloo
97 m · 8 sec
-
33
Continue on US 218 south: Waterloo
1625 ft · 40 sec
-
34
Merge slight left onto Leo P Rooff Expressway
6.7 mi · 8 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway
-
35
Continue on Washington Street
2.4 mi · 4 min · Washington Street
-
36
Keep slight right to continue on I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
6.5 mi · 8 min
-
37
Keep slight right to continue on Avenue of the Saints
64.7 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Avenue of the Saints
-
38
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
-
39
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
-
40
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
-
41
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
-
42
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
-
43
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
-
44
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
-
45
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Spirit Lake 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 18 East
Turn slight right onto US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
81.3 mi · 01h 34m
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 Spirit Lake and Sunny near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Spirit Lake to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 286.4 miles (460.9 km) and usually takes 04h 43m 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?
Floyd is a useful midpoint, sitting about 140.1 miles from Spirit Lake and 146.3 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 218.8 miles (352.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 67.6 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 7:32 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $38.12 one way or $76.25 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 89.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Spirit Lake and Sunny near Iowa City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Spirit Lake and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 218.77 mi (352.07 km).
#1 Spirit Lake
City in Dickinson County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 5,251 |
| Coordinates | 43.4221800, -95.1022200 |
| Altitude | 449 |
| 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: 461 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $38.12 | $76.25 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $43.00 | $86.00 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $47.05 | $94.10 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $53.62 | $107.25 |
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.