How far is Villisca, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Villisca, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 222.9 miles (358.7 km), with a travel time of about 03h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 185.9 miles (299.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 20m 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 40m.
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 Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Villisca and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Villisca and Iowa City.
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1
Start on East 3rd Street
2595 ft · 54 sec · East 3rd Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto South U Avenue
1924 ft · 58 sec · South U Avenue
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3
Turn left onto West High Street
99 m · 10 sec · West High Street
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4
Turn right
32.6 mi · 44 min
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5
Turn right onto East 7th Street
2 mi · 3 min · East 7th Street
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6
Turn left onto 650th Street
6.4 mi · 9 min · 650th Street
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7
Take the exit right
62 mi · 1 hr 7 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City
14.4 mi · 17 min
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9
Keep slight left
106.9 mi · 1 hr 56 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown
2061 ft · 53 sec
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11
Turn right onto North Dubuque Street
1.5 km · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
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12
Turn left onto Kimball Road
145 m · 21 sec · Kimball Road
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13
Keep slight right to continue on North Gilbert Street
1.3 km · 3 min · North Gilbert Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Villisca and Iowa City.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
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 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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Villisca and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Villisca to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 222.9 miles (358.7 km) and usually takes 03h 40m 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?
Johnston is a useful midpoint, sitting about 113.5 miles from Villisca and 109.4 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 185.9 miles (299.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 37 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 9:40 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.64 one way or $59.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 69.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Villisca and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Johnston
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 Johnston.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Villisca and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 185.86 mi (299.12 km).
#1 Villisca
City in Montgomery County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 1,143 |
| Coordinates | 40.9297100, -94.9760900 |
| Altitude | 328 |
| 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: 359 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 34m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $29.64 | $59.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $33.43 | $66.86 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $36.58 | $73.16 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $41.69 | $83.38 |
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 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.