Spanning 222.5 miles across the Iowa landscape, this drive typically takes about 4 hours and 31 minutes to complete. Because the route is straightforward and efficient, you can easily tackle the entire trip in a single day. You will primarily utilize I-80, US-151, and State Highway 14 to navigate through the Midwest, making it a reliable choice for a quick regional transit. Budget roughly $34 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Since the drive is designed for efficiency rather than leisure, it serves as a practical connection between your origin and destination without requiring an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
111.2 miles from Bellevue, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 15m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 80
73.8 mi
1h 19m
US 151
64.9 mi
1h 16m
State Highway 14
23.5 mi
34m
Great River Road
16.7 mi
22m
Avenue of the Saints
15.8 mi
17m
IA 5
7.5 mi
11m
Lincoln Freeway
6.4 mi
7m
US 61
2.9 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 73.8 mi, about 1h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bellevue, IA and Indiana, IA.
1
Start on US 52
2.5 mi·4 min·South Riverview Street
2
Continue on US 52
7.6 mi·10 min·Great River Road
3
Continue on US 52
0.5 mi·54 sec·Main Street
4
Continue on US 52
9.1 mi·12 min·Great River Road
5
Continue on US 52
0.7 mi·1 min·Bellevue Road
6
Turn left onto US 61; US 151; US 52
2.9 mi·4 min·US 61; US 151; US 52
7
Take the exit onto US 151
57 mi·1 hr 6 min·US 151
8
Turn left onto US 151; IA 13
7.5 mi·9 min·US 151; IA 13
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 151
0.4 mi·38 sec·US 151
Toward US 30 West, US 151 South: Cedar Rapids
10
Merge onto US 30; US 151
6.4 mi·7 min·Lincoln Freeway
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City, Airport
12
Merge onto I 380; IA 27
16 mi·17 min·Avenue of the Saints
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 80
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 80 West: Des Moines
15
Merge onto I 80
74 mi·1 hr 19 min·I 80
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward US 6, IA 14: Newton, Monroe
17
Turn left onto State Highway 14
11 mi·16 min·State Highway 14
18
Continue on IA 14
1.0 mi·1 min·Monroe Street
19
Continue on IA 14
13 mi·18 min·State Highway 14
20
Continue on IA 14
2.3 mi·3 min·North Lincoln Street
21
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·44 sec
22
Merge onto IA 5; IA 92
1.2 mi·1 min·IA 5; IA 92
23
Take the exit onto IA 5
0.5 mi·1 min·IA 5
24
Turn right onto IA 5
5.8 mi·8 min·IA 5
25
Turn sharp right onto CR G76
0.2 mi·24 sec·County Highway G76
26
Continue on CR G76
1.9 mi·3 min·County Highway G76
27
Arrive at destination
CR G76
Trip Plan
Planning for this 222.5-mile trek is simple given its manageable duration and single-day feasibility. Since you only need to account for one stop, try to time your break to coincide with your fuel refill to maximize your efficiency. Keep in mind that traffic patterns on I-80 can vary, so checking your departure time against local congestion trends is a smart move. Because you are primarily sticking to highways, maintaining a steady pace will help you reach Indiana, IA, well within your anticipated 4-hour and 31-minute window. Use your one planned stop as a genuine chance to stretch your legs after that long 73.8-mile interstate segment.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 111.2 miles from Bellevue, IA, or about 2h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.8 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 49 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 111.2 miles or 2h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Indiana, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bellevue, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bellevue, IA
This is one driving day of about 222.5 miles and 4h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Bellevue, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 73.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 87.8 and 220.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
87.8 mi into trip|~1h 48m in|US 151
Keep slight right at fork onto US 151 toward US 30 West, US 151 South: Cedar Rapids
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 30 West, US 151 South: Cedar Rapids
5
94.6 mi into trip|~1h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City, Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South:...
5
110.9 mi into trip|~2h 14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 80 West: Des Moines
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 80 West: Des Moines
5
185.4 mi into trip|~3h 35m in
Take the exit toward US 6, IA 14: Newton, Monroe
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 6, IA 14: Newton, Monroe
5
220.4 mi into trip|~4h 27m in|CR G76 / County Highway G76
Turn sharp right onto CR G76 / County Highway G76
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.79 one way
$69.57 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$38.19
$76.39
premium
$4.89
$42.82
$85.64
diesel
$5.61
$49.13
$98.25
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.8
0
$23.36
$10.68
Efficient EV
55.6
0
$19.47
$8.90
EV Truck/SUV
89
1
$31.15
$14.24
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Bellevue, IA
Morning
in Bellevue on Tuesday
Local time
7:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Indiana, IA
Morning
in Indiana on Tuesday
Local time
7:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
16 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 31m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused journey, as 80% of your time will be spent cruising on major roads. The path shifts from regional highways to the steady pace of the interstate, providing a consistent experience behind the wheel. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 73.8 miles while traveling on I-80, which allows for smooth, steady progress. While you won't face many technical road challenges, the transition between the different highway types keeps the drive from feeling entirely monotonous. It is a functional, no-nonsense route that favors speed and directness over winding scenic detours.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.8 mi on I 80.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and US 151. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 87.8 miles in near US 151.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 222.5 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 87.8 miles (US 151): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bellevue, IA and Indiana, IA, road signs point toward Airport and Monroe.
Airport
94.6 mi in|~1h 56m
Monroe
185.4 mi in|~3h 35m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 31m. Total distance: 222.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.8 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Indiana, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 87.8 miles (US 151): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Indiana, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.
