How far is West Branch, IA from Iowa City, IA?
The driving distance from West Branch, IA to Iowa City, IA is about 11.5 miles (18.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 32m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 16m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
Town in Johnson County, Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Branch and Iowa City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Branch and Iowa City.
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1
Start on Main Street
91 m · 8 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn right onto Parkside Drive
2062 ft · 41 sec · Parkside Drive
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3
Take the ramp right
1452 ft · 35 sec
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4
Merge slight left
7.7 mi · 8 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward IA 1: Mount Vernon
1592 ft · 41 sec
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6
Turn left onto North Dodge Street
2.1 mi · 5 min · North Dodge Street
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7
Turn right onto Church Street
1200 ft · 38 sec · Church Street
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8
Turn left onto North Gilbert Street
2492 ft · 2 min · North Gilbert Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Gilbert Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Branch 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.
Parkside Drive
Merge slight left
7.66 mi · 00h 08m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny leaving West Branch and Chance Rain Showers near Iowa City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Branch to Iowa City?
The road trip is about 11.5 miles (18.5 km) and usually takes 00h 16m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
University Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 5.7 miles from West Branch and 5.7 miles from Iowa City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.51 one way or $3.02 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny around West Branch and Chance Rain Showers near Iowa City.
Stop Ideas Near University Heights
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 University Heights.
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Rock Island, IL
Moline, Illinois
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Branch and Iowa City. Straight-line distance: 9.51 mi (15.3 km).
#1 West Branch
City in Iowa, United States
| Population | 2,519 |
| Coordinates | 41.6714100, -91.3465500 |
| Altitude | 219 |
| 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: 18 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 08m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $1.51 | $3.02 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $1.70 | $3.40 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $1.86 | $3.72 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $2.12 | $4.24 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.