How far is Van Meter, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Van Meter, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 134 miles (215.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 125.6 miles (202.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 18m 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 02h 09m.
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.
City in Jasper County, Iowa, United States
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 Van Meter and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Van Meter and Iowa City.
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1
Start on Main Street
853 ft · 30 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn left onto Mill Street
660 ft · 13 sec · Mill Street
-
3
Continue on R Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · R Avenue
-
4
Take the ramp right toward I-80 east: Des Moines
1419 ft · 35 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
9.1 mi · 10 min
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
14.4 mi · 17 min
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7
Keep slight left
106.9 mi · 1 hr 56 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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9
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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10
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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11
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Van Meter 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.
I 35
Keep slight left
107 mi · 01h 56m
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.
Sunny leaving Van Meter 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 Van Meter to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 134 miles (215.7 km) and usually takes 02h 09m 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?
Oakland Acres is a useful midpoint, sitting about 66.9 miles from Van Meter and 67.1 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 125.6 miles (202.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.4 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 2:12 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.84 one way or $35.67 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Van Meter and Sunny near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Oakland Acres
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 Oakland Acres.
Ottumwa station
Osceola
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Van Meter and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 125.56 mi (202.07 km).
#1 Van Meter
Township in Dallas County, Iowa
| Population | 1,342 |
| Coordinates | 41.5319300, -93.9541200 |
| Altitude | 266 |
| 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: 216 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 40m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $17.84 | $35.67 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $20.12 | $40.23 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $22.01 | $44.03 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $25.09 | $50.18 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.