How far is Urbandale, IA from Eldridge, IA?
The driving distance from Urbandale, IA to Eldridge, IA is about 172.2 miles (277.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 13m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 161.5 miles (259.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 26m 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 03h 13m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Iowa
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 Urbandale and Eldridge.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Urbandale and Eldridge.
-
1
Start on Maryland Drive
4 m · 3 sec · Maryland Drive
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2
Turn right onto 70th Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · 70th Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto Meredith Drive
1.2 km · 1 min · Meredith Drive
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4
Turn left onto Merle Hay Road
2756 ft · 1 min · Merle Hay Road
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5
Take the ramp right toward I-35 north, I-80 east
1663 ft · 41 sec
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6
Merge slight left
4 mi · 5 min
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7
Continue straight
1.2 km · 51 sec
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8
Continue straight
3105 ft · 41 sec
-
9
Keep slight left
158.5 mi · 2 hr 52 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward US 61 North: Eldridge, DeWitt
1744 ft · 42 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto North Brady Street
3.8 mi · 5 min · North Brady Street
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12
Take the exit slight right
1827 ft · 51 sec
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13
Turn left onto East Leclaire Road
1.3 km · 2 min · East Leclaire Road
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14
Turn right onto North 1st Street
961 ft · 38 sec · North 1st Street
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15
Turn left onto West Franklin Street
98 m · 13 sec · West Franklin Street
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16
Turn right onto North 2nd Street
86 m · 12 sec · North 2nd Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North 2nd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Urbandale and Eldridge.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I-35 north
Keep slight left
158 mi · 02h 52m
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 Urbandale and Sunny near Eldridge.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Urbandale to Eldridge?
The road trip is about 172.2 miles (277.1 km) and usually takes 03h 13m 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?
Williamsburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 85.9 miles from Urbandale and 86.3 miles from Eldridge.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 161.5 miles (259.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.7 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 10:34 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.93 one way or $45.86 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Urbandale and Sunny near Eldridge.
Stop Ideas Near Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg.
Ottumwa station
Mount Pleasant
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Urbandale and Eldridge. Straight-line distance: 161.49 mi (259.9 km).
#1 Urbandale
A city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 44,650 |
| Coordinates | 41.6266600, -93.7121700 |
| Altitude | 288 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Eldridge
City in Scott County Iowa
| Population | 6,864 |
| Coordinates | 41.6580900, -90.5845800 |
| Altitude | 243 |
| Country | United States |
End: Eldridge (-90.58458, 41.65809)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 277 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $22.93 | $45.86 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $25.86 | $51.72 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $28.30 | $56.59 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $32.25 | $64.50 |
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 26, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.