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Trip from Bettendorf, IA to Creston, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 47m

Distance

250.6 mi

403 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 34m ★
6 AM
4h 47m
8 AM
5h 14m
10 AM
4h 57m
12 PM
4h 54m
3 PM
4h 58m
5 PM
5h 13m
8 PM
4h 39m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Scott County, Iowa, United States

Bettendorf, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Iowa, United States

Creston, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 250.6-mile journey from Bettendorf to Creston, Iowa, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 4 hours and 47 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-80, I-35, and US-34, this route is almost entirely on highways, making it a convenient option for those looking to cover ground efficiently. With an estimated fuel cost of around $39, it's an economical trip for a day excursion. The drive stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent feel throughout your travels. It's a practical choice for a quick trip between these two Iowa cities.

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

125.3 miles from Bettendorf, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 173.4 mi 3h 9m
I 35 40 mi 43m
US 34 30.3 mi 42m
I 74 4.4 mi 5m
Kimberly Road 1 mi 2m
South Elm Street 0.6 mi 1m
Middle Road 0.4 mi 1m
West Montgomery Street 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 173.4 mi, about 3h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bettendorf, IA and Creston, IA.

1

Start on this road

74 ft · 7 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto 12th Street

0.1 mi · 33 sec · 12th Street
3

Continue on Kimberly Road

1.0 mi · 2 min · Kimberly Road
4

Turn right onto Middle Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Middle Road
5

Turn left

0.2 mi · 24 sec
6

Merge onto I 74; US 6

4.4 mi · 5 min · I 74; US 6
7

Merge onto I 80

173 mi · 3 hr 9 min · I 80
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

40 mi · 43 min · I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Toward US 34: Osceola, Creston
10

Turn left onto US 34

30 mi · 42 min · US 34
11

Turn right onto South Elm Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Elm Street
12

Turn right onto West Montgomery Street

0.1 mi · 34 sec · West Montgomery Street
13

Arrive at destination

East Montgomery Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hour and 47-minute duration, departing Bettendorf in the morning will allow you to reach Creston with plenty of daylight remaining. Plan for one stop to break up the drive, perhaps during the 173.4-mile stretch on I-80. Since it's a single-day trip, flexibility is key; you can adjust your departure time based on your schedule. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you move onto US-34, as services may be less frequent than on the interstates.

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 125.3 miles from Bettendorf, IA, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 173.4 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 55 miles or 1h 3m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 125.3 miles or 2h 20m 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 47m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Creston, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bettendorf, 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 Bettendorf, IA

This is one driving day of about 250.6 miles and 4h 47m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Bettendorf, 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 173.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in and the county seat of Jasper County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Newton, IA

125 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Iowa City, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Newton, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 125.3 miles from Bettendorf, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 173.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Mi Mexico Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Clive, Iowa

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 179

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152226933

Visit website

A&G Restaurant and Lounge

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Creston, Iowa

0.1 mi

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Clive, Iowa

0.9 mi

Mi Mexico Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 179

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152226933

Visit website

A&G Restaurant and Lounge

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 250.6

Creston, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16417827871

Visit website

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 179

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15155133330

Visit website

Machine Shed Restaurant Urbandale

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 179

Urbandale, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–9 pm

+15152706818

Visit website

Aura Restaurant & Lounge

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $30 to $40 mile 179

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152256005

Visit website

Creston Family Restaurant

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 250.6

Creston, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+16417824238

Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery - Indian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 179

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15153481054

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 161.1

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 17.9

Walcott, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 53.7

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 125.3

Grinnell, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 53.7

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 179

Grimes, Iowa

+18006360986

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 179

Urbandale, Iowa

Red E Charging Station

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 179

Waukee, Iowa

ChargePoint Charging Station

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 179

Grimes, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 219.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | 12th Street

Turn right onto 12th Street

Navigation decision point

4
1.1 mi into trip | ~2m in | Middle Road

Turn right onto Middle Road

Navigation decision point

5
6.1 mi into trip | ~10m in | I 80

Merge onto I 80

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
179.4 mi into trip | ~3h 19m in | I 35

Keep slight left at fork onto I 35

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
219.4 mi into trip | ~4h 2m in

Take the exit toward US 34: Osceola, Creston

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 34: Osceola, Creston

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$39.18 one way

$78.36 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 88 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $43.02 $86.03
premium $4.89 $48.23 $96.45
diesel $5.61 $55.33 $110.66

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$39

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 87.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 75.2 0 $26.31 $12.03
Efficient EV 62.7 0 $21.93 $10.02
EV Truck/SUV 100.2 1 $35.08 $16.04

Gas CO2

88 kg

EV CO2

29 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 15, 2026

Origin

Bettendorf, IA

Late night in Bettendorf on Sunday

Local time

2:47 AM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Creston, IA

Late night in Creston on Sunday

Local time

2:47 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

72°F

Newton, IA

125 mi in

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

21 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 47m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience on this route, with 99% of your travel occurring on major roads. The primary stretch of I-80 will take you for 173.4 miles without interruption, offering a consistent pace. While largely interstate, the transition to I-35 and then US-34 will introduce slight variations in the driving environment. This drive is characterized by its efficiency and predictability, making it ideal for covering distance without complex navigation.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 173.4 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and I 35. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 12th Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 4h 47m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.1 miles (Middle Road): Navigation decision point; at 6.1 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Bettendorf, IA

Full guide →

Bettendorf is one of the Quad Cities, in Eastern Iowa.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 47m. Total distance: 250.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 173.4 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.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.1 miles (Middle Road): Navigation decision point; at 6.1 miles (I 80): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Creston, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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