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Summer Road Trips in Iowa

Routes

30

Avg Distance

335 mi

Avg Drive

6h 31m

Destinations

12

Summer in Iowa means long daylight hours perfect for exploring the state's 30 distinct routes. These drives average 335 miles and about 6.5 hours, with a median drive score of 8. You'll find routes with up to 13 DC fast chargers and some featuring mostly flat terrain with maximum elevations around 1564 feet. It's a great time to hit the road and see what the heartland has to offer.

Planning Tips

Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've identified 30 routes in Iowa that work well for summer travel, based on drive quality, typical weather conditions, and distance (averaging 335 miles).

Drive times and distances come from actual road network data via OSRM. Fuel costs use current state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. All data is recalculated regularly.

Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Summer Routes

Editor's pick

Akron, IA → Davenport, IA

394.2 mi 7h 26m Score: 8/10

This 394-mile journey offers a high drive score of 8, perfect for covering a lot of ground across Iowa. It's mostly a highway route, ideal for those looking to make good time on their summer road trip.

Editor's pick

George, IA → Davenport, IA

381.1 mi 7h 46m Score: 8/10

With a drive score of 8, this route stands out for its excellent EV coverage, boasting 13 DC fast chargers. It's characterized as a turn-heavy local drive, offering a more winding experience through the landscape.

Editor's pick

Osceola County, IA → Bettendorf, IA

369.9 mi 7h 25m Score: 8/10

This trip features a solid drive score of 8 and mostly flat terrain, with a maximum elevation of 1564 feet. It provides good EV coverage with 11 DC fast chargers available along its 370 miles.

Sioux City, IA → Eldridge, IA

368.2 mi 6h 45m Score: 8/10

Osceola County, IA → Davenport, IA

365.7 mi 7h 25m Score: 8/10

Davenport, IA → Sioux City, IA

363.9 mi 6h 43m Score: 8/10

Blue Grass, IA → Sioux City, IA

358.4 mi 6h 36m Score: 8/10

Davenport, IA → Arnolds Park, IA

342.2 mi 6h 55m Score: 9/10

Rock Valley, IA → Dubuque, IA

340.6 mi 7h 2m Score: 9/10

Iowa City, IA → Akron, IA

340.4 mi 6h 23m Score: 8/10

Davenport, IA → Sidney, IA

335.4 mi 6h 23m Score: 8/10

Mount Pleasant, IA → Sioux City, IA

335.3 mi 6h 18m Score: 8/10

Winfield, IA → Sioux City, IA

332.2 mi 6h 30m Score: 8/10

Onawa, IA → Davenport, IA

331.3 mi 6h 9m Score: 8/10

Bettendorf, IA → Spencer, IA

330.4 mi 6h 32m Score: 10/10

Sioux Center, IA → Dubuque, IA

329.6 mi 6h 41m Score: 10/10

George, IA → Iowa City, IA

328.5 mi 6h 45m Score: 8/10

Clinton, IA → Council Bluffs, IA

326 mi 6h 4m Score: 8/10

Osceola County, IA → Dubuque, IA

322.6 mi 6h 37m Score: 9/10

Bellevue, IA → Sioux City, IA

322.5 mi 6h 28m Score: 10/10

Hull, IA → Iowa City, IA

321.8 mi 6h 34m Score: 8/10

Sheldon, IA → Dubuque, IA

319.7 mi 6h 30m Score: 10/10

Orange City, IA → Dubuque, IA

318.5 mi 6h 24m Score: 10/10

Council Bluffs, IA → Dubuque, IA

318.1 mi 6h 9m Score: 10/10

Postville, IA → Council Bluffs, IA

313.6 mi 6h 26m Score: 9/10

Iowa City, IA → Osceola County, IA

313.1 mi 6h 24m Score: 8/10

Sioux City, IA → Iowa City, IA

313.1 mi 5h 46m Score: 8/10

Fairfield, IA → Sioux City, IA

312.2 mi 5h 52m Score: 8/10

Fort Madison, IA → Council Bluffs, IA

309.3 mi 4h 51m Score: 8/10

Tiffin, IA → Sioux City, IA

304.2 mi 5h 33m Score: 8/10

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