How far is State Center, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from State Center, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 102.8 miles (165.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 87.6 miles (141 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 28m 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 01h 44m.
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.
Human settlement in Benton County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between State Center and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between State Center and Iowa City.
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1
Start on East Main Street
4 m · 5 sec · East Main Street
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2
Turn left onto 1st Avenue South
1114 ft · 25 sec · 1st Avenue South
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3
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
860 ft · 24 sec · 4th Street Southwest
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4
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue Southwest
2153 ft · 43 sec · 3rd Avenue Southwest
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5
Turn left onto Lincoln Highway
44.9 mi · 52 min · Lincoln Highway
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6
Continue on 73rd Street
33.4 mi · 39 min · 73rd Street
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City, Airport
2293 ft · 39 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
15.4 mi · 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 80
1362 ft · 33 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 80 East: Davenport
1.2 mi · 3 min
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11
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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13
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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14
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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15
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between State Center and Iowa City.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Lincoln Highway
Turn left onto Lincoln Highway
44.9 mi · 00h 52m
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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving State Center and Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from State Center to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 102.8 miles (165.4 km) and usually takes 01h 44m 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?
Keystone is a useful midpoint, sitting about 51.3 miles from State Center and 51.4 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 87.6 miles (141 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.2 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 3:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.69 one way or $27.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around State Center and Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Keystone
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Keystone.
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between State Center and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 87.59 mi (140.97 km).
#1 State Center
City in Marshall County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 1,432 |
| Coordinates | 42.0166500, -93.1635400 |
| Altitude | 326 |
| 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: 165 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $13.69 | $27.38 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $15.44 | $30.88 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $16.89 | $33.79 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $19.25 | $38.51 |
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 03, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.