Trip from Bettendorf, IA to Spencer, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 32m

Distance

330.4 mi

532 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$52

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

6h 20m ★

6 AM

6h 32m

8 AM

6h 57m

10 AM

6h 41m

12 PM

6h 38m

3 PM

6h 42m

5 PM

6h 55m

8 PM

6h 25m

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

Spencer, IA

Jonas Horsch

Trip Overview

This 330.4-mile journey from Bettendorf, IA to Spencer, IA is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 6 hours and 32 minutes of driving time. The route utilizes a mix of major highways, including the Avenue of the Saints, I-80, and US-71, with about 33% of the drive on highways. Given the estimated fuel cost of $50, this trip offers a straightforward drive through the Midwest. It's a manageable distance for a day trip, allowing for a single, significant stop along the way. You'll experience a mixed drive profile as you make your way across Iowa.

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

165.2 miles from Bettendorf, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 8m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Avenue of the Saints	218.5 mi	4h 9m
I 80	57.5 mi	1h 3m
US 71	45.6 mi	1h 3m
I 74	4.4 mi	5m
Kimberly Road	1 mi	2m
11th Street Southwest	0.5 mi	1m
South Grand Avenue	0.5 mi	1m
4th Avenue Southwest	0.5 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 218.5 mi, about 4h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on this road

74 ft · 7 sec · this road

Turn right onto 12th Street

0.1 mi · 33 sec · 12th Street

Continue on Kimberly Road

1.0 mi · 2 min · Kimberly Road

Turn right onto Middle Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Middle Road

Turn left

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Merge onto I 74; US 6

4.4 mi · 5 min · I 74; US 6

Merge onto I 80

57 mi · 1 hr 3 min · I 80

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 45 sec

Toward I 380, US 218, IA 27

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo

Merge onto I 380; US 218; IA 27

71 mi · 1 hr 18 min · Avenue of the Saints

Keep slight left at fork onto US 20; IA 27

148 mi · 2 hr 50 min · Avenue of the Saints

Take the exit onto US 71

0.4 mi · 57 sec · US 71

Toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake

Turn right onto US 71

45 mi · 1 hr 2 min · US 71

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto US 71

0.5 mi · 1 min · 11th Street Southwest

Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest

0.5 mi · 53 sec · 4th Avenue Southwest

At end of road, turn right onto 4th Street Southwest

0.3 mi · 41 sec · 4th Street Southwest

Turn left onto US 18; US 71

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Grand Avenue

Turn right onto East 4th Street

70 ft · 1 sec · East 4th Street

Arrive at destination

East 4th Street

Trip Plan

For this 6-hour and 32-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Bettendorf to maximize your daylight hours. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing, but ensure you account for the 218.5-mile stretch on the Avenue of the Saints, which is the longest continuous segment. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you approach the midpoint of your journey, and aim to refuel strategically. The estimated $50 fuel cost is a good baseline, but always have a little extra budgeted for unexpected needs.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 165.2 miles from Bettendorf, IA, or about 3h 8m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 218.5 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 73 miles or 1h 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 165.2 miles or 3h 8m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 10m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spencer, 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 330.4 miles and 6h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 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 Avenue of the Saints for about 218.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cedar Rapids, IA

165 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 73 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cedar Falls, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 165.2 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 Avenue of the Saints if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 218.5 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

The Grinders & Spaghetti House - Bettendorf

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bettendorf, Iowa

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15633551722

Visit website

Teriyaki Madness

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Bettendorf, Iowa

1.8 mi

Copper Boar American Pub

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

North Liberty, Iowa

2.9 mi

The Grinders & Spaghetti House - Bettendorf

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv

Bettendorf, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15633551722

Visit website

Teriyaki Madness

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Bettendorf, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15638881187

Visit website

Copper Boar American Pub

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 70.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13196650008

Visit website

Pizza Ranch

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 70.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13196267999

Visit website

Mantra Indian Cuisine & Spirits

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Davenport, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15634245500

Visit website

El Compita Mexican Restaurant Bar And Grill In Kimberly

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Davenport, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15632145018

Visit website

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 70.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13196262935

Visit website

Sushiya

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30 mile 70.8

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+13196266666

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 283.2

Early, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 212.4

Webster City, IA

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 23.6

Walcott, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

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 0 and 283.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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

Turn right onto 12th Street

Navigation decision point

63.5 mi into trip | ~1h 13m in

Take the exit toward I 380, US 218, IA 27

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

Toward I 380, US 218, IA 27

63.9 mi into trip | ~1h 13m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar...

283 mi into trip | ~5h 24m in | US 71

Take the exit onto US 71 toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm Lake

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

Toward IA 471 South, US 71 NORTH: Early, Storm...

283.3 mi into trip | ~5h 25m in | US 71

Turn right onto US 71

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$51.65 one way

$103.31 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 116 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$56.71	$113.43
premium	$4.89	$63.58	$127.16
diesel	$5.61	$72.95	$145.90

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$52

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$77–$102

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 115.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	99.1	1	$34.69	$15.86
Efficient EV	82.6	0	$28.91	$13.22
EV Truck/SUV	132.2	1	$46.26	$21.15

Gas CO2

116 kg

EV CO2

39 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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

Evening in Bettendorf on Saturday

Local time

8:08 PM

CDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Spencer, IA

Evening in Spencer on Saturday

Local time

8:08 PM

CDT

Current temp

72°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

20 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

6h 32m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This route offers a mixed driving experience, blending efficient highway travel with stretches on notable roads. You'll spend roughly 33% of your time on highways, providing a comfortable pace for much of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 218.5 miles on the Avenue of the Saints, offering a substantial period of consistent driving. The road character will likely change as you transition between these different types of thoroughfares, moving from the broader interstate to more direct state routes.

33% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 218.5 mi on Avenue of the Saints.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 12th Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 330.4 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (12th Street): Navigation decision point; at 63.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 63.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Bettendorf, IA and Spencer, IA, road signs point toward Waterloo and Storm Lake.

Waterloo

63.9 mi in | ~1h 13m

Storm Lake

283 mi in | ~5h 24m | via US 71

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 32m. Total distance: 330.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 32m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (33%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 218.5 miles on Avenue of the Saints. 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 is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Spencer, 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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.5 hours each way, a round trip means 13.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Spencer, IA before the return drive.

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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Trip from Bettendorf, IA to Spencer, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

The Grinders & Spaghetti House - Bettendorf

The Grinders & Spaghetti House - Bettendorf

Teriyaki Madness

Copper Boar American Pub

Pizza Ranch

Mantra Indian Cuisine & Spirits

El Compita Mexican Restaurant Bar And Grill In Kimberly

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

Sushiya

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Red E Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Bettendorf, IA

Spencer, IA

Same local time

20 degrees warmer at arrival

6h 32m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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