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Trip from Earlham, IA to Iowa City, IA

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

Drive Time

2h 43m

Distance

143.8 mi

231 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$22

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 32m ★
6 AM
2h 43m
8 AM
3h 4m
10 AM
2h 51m
12 PM
2h 48m
3 PM
2h 52m
5 PM
3h 3m
8 PM
2h 37m

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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Downtown Earlham, IA, IA

Earlham, IA

Clément Proust

city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States

Iowa City, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 143.8-mile drive from Earlham, Iowa, to Iowa City, Iowa, is designed for efficiency, taking approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-80, this route is a solid option for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, it's an economical journey across the Midwest. The drive is largely highway-focused, making it predictable and convenient for those prioritizing getting from point A to point B smoothly. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, so expect a consistent pace throughout.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

71.9 miles from Earlham, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 139.5 mi 2h 31m
North Dubuque Street 1 mi 2m
I Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
North Gilbert Street 0.8 mi 2m
North Chestnut Avenue 0.4 mi 1m
County Road P57 0.3 mi <1m
Kimball Road <0.1 mi <1m
Northwest 2nd Street <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 139.5 mi, about 2h 31m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Earlham, IA and Iowa City, IA.

1

Start on Northwest Locust Avenue

240 ft · 12 sec · Northwest Locust Avenue
2

Turn right onto Northwest 2nd Street

388 ft · 22 sec · Northwest 2nd Street
3

Turn left onto North Chestnut Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Chestnut Avenue
4

Continue on CR P57

0.3 mi · 31 sec · County Road P57
5

Continue on CR P57

0.9 mi · 1 min · I Avenue
6

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Toward I-80 east: Des Moines
7

Merge onto I 80; US 6

18 mi · 19 min · I 80; US 6
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

14 mi · 16 min · I 80
Exit 123B Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

107 mi · 1 hr 55 min · I 80
Use the slight left lane.
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Toward Downtown
11

Turn right onto North Dubuque Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · North Dubuque Street
12

Turn left onto Kimball Road

477 ft · 21 sec · Kimball Road
13

Keep slight right at fork onto North Gilbert Street

0.8 mi · 2 min · North Gilbert Street
14

Arrive at destination

South Gilbert Street

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 2 hour and 43 minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. You'll want to plan your departure to maximize daylight, especially considering the longest stretch on I-80 means fewer opportunities for spontaneous stops. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $22, you can easily budget for this journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the longer interstate segments to ensure you don't need to detour for gas. The flexibility of this shorter drive allows you to depart when it's most convenient for you.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 71.9 miles from Earlham, IA, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 139.5 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 32 miles or 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 71.9 miles or 1h 21m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 11m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Earlham, 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 Earlham, IA

This is one driving day of about 143.8 miles and 2h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Earlham, 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 139.5 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

72 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.

Popular next leg

Newton, IA to Iowa City, IA

81.4 mi · 1h 35m

Pacing Suggestions

Urbandale, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Newton, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.9 miles from Earlham, 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 139.5 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

Oasis Falafel (Iowa City)

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 143.8

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13193587342

Visit website

Baroncini Ristorante Italiano and Pizza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Iowa City, Iowa

0.1 mi

Orchard Green Restaurant and Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

0.4 mi

Oasis Falafel (Iowa City)

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 143.8

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13193587342

Visit website

Baroncini Ristorante Italiano and Pizza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $50 to $60 mile 143.8

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13193372048

Visit website

Orchard Green Restaurant and Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10 mile 143.8

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 5–9 pm

+13193541642

Visit website

SAIGON'S CORNER Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv mile 143.8

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13193337233

Visit website

Chowrastha Indian Grill & Eatery - Indian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 20.5

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15153481054

Visit website

Szechuan House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 143.8

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13193386788

Visit website

Masala Indian Cuisine

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 143.8

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+13193386199

Visit website

Le Gourmet Korean Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 143.8

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+13194710959

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 143.8

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 82.2

Grinnell, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 10.3

De Soto, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

ChargeLab Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 143.8

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 143.8

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+31880109500

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 143.8

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 143.8

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 143.8

Iowa City, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 10

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 141.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Northwest 2nd Street

Turn right onto Northwest 2nd Street

Navigation decision point

4
1.8 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward I-80 east: Des Moines

Navigation decision point

Toward I-80 east: Des Moines
9
20.3 mi into trip | ~24m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 123B Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, K...
6
34.8 mi into trip | ~41m in | I 80

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane.
4
141.6 mi into trip | ~2h 36m in

Take the exit toward Downtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward Downtown

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$22.48 one way

$44.96 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $24.68 $49.37
premium $4.89 $27.67 $55.35
diesel $5.61 $31.75 $63.50

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$22

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$47–$72

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 43.1 0 $15.10 $6.90
Efficient EV 36 0 $12.58 $5.75
EV Truck/SUV 57.5 0 $20.13 $9.20

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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

Earlham, IA

Afternoon in Earlham on Sunday

Local time

12:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Iowa City, IA

Afternoon in Iowa City on Sunday

Local time

12:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

72°F

Newton, IA

72 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

22 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

2h 43m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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

What kind of drive is this?

This is a predominantly highway-focused experience, with a remarkable 97% of the drive on interstates. You'll find yourself on I-80 for the longest uninterrupted stretch of 139.5 miles, which means long periods of consistent speed and minimal turns. While North Dubuque Street and I Avenue are part of the journey, they represent a very small fraction of the total mileage. Expect a driving personality that's more about covering ground efficiently than exploring winding backroads, offering a predictable and straightforward travel experience.

97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 139.5 mi on I 80.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and North Dubuque Street. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Northwest 2nd 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 143.8 miles you will encounter 10 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 (Northwest 2nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 20.3 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. 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 Earlham, IA and Iowa City, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis and Kansas City.

Minneapolis

20.3 mi in | ~24m | via I 80

Kansas City

20.3 mi in | ~24m | via I 80

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 43m. Total distance: 143.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 139.5 miles on I 80. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 (Northwest 2nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.8 miles: Navigation decision point; at 20.3 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Iowa City, IA before heading back.

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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