How far is Wapello, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from Wapello, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 51.9 miles (83.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 37.7 miles (60.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 58m 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 00h 59m.
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 Washington County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wapello and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wapello and Iowa City.
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1
Start on North 2nd Street
676 ft · 32 sec · North 2nd Street
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2
Turn right onto Franklin Street
2623 ft · 53 sec · Franklin Street
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3
Merge slight left onto James L Hodges Avenue
2240 ft · 29 sec · James L Hodges Avenue
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4
Continue on North Baxter Street
6.1 mi · 7 min · North Baxter Street
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 92 west, CR G48 east: Grandview, Columbus Junction
1592 ft · 46 sec
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6
Turn left onto State Highway 92
8.3 mi · 12 min · State Highway 92
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7
Continue on Oak Street
1.1 km · 1 min · Oak Street
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8
Continue on State Highway 92
8.6 mi · 13 min · State Highway 92
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9
Take the ramp left
1577 ft · 43 sec
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10
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
22.2 mi · 26 min · Avenue of the Saints
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Airport
1.1 km · 1 min
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12
Continue on Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
1.4 km · 1 min · Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast
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13
Continue on Old Highway 218 South
1 km · 1 min · Old Highway 218 South
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14
Continue on South Riverside Drive
1.1 km · 1 min · South Riverside Drive
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15
Turn right onto Grand Army of the Republic Highway
2270 ft · 1 min · Grand Army of the Republic Highway
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16
Turn left onto South Gilbert Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · South Gilbert Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wapello and Iowa City.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Avenue of the Saints
Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints
22.2 mi · 00h 26m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Wapello and 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 Wapello to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 51.9 miles (83.5 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
Ainsworth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 25.9 miles from Wapello and 26 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 37.7 miles (60.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 14.2 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 4:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.90 one way or $13.80 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Wapello and Mostly Sunny near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near Ainsworth
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 Ainsworth.
Mount Pleasant
Burlington
Fort Madison station
Ottumwa station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wapello and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 37.65 mi (60.59 km).
#1 Wapello
City in Iowa
| Population | 1,999 |
| Coordinates | 41.1814200, -91.1854300 |
| Altitude | 177 |
| 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: 84 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $6.90 | $13.80 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $7.78 | $15.57 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $8.52 | $17.03 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $9.71 | $19.41 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.