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Trip from Fort Dodge, IA to Davenport, 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 33m

Distance

231.2 mi

372 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 20m ★
6 AM
4h 34m
8 AM
5h 0m
10 AM
4h 43m
12 PM
4h 40m
3 PM
4h 44m
5 PM
4h 59m
8 PM
4h 26m

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 and the county seat of, Webster County, Iowa, United States

Fort Dodge, IA

Wikimedia Commons

county seat of Scott County, Iowa, United States

Davenport, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embark on a 231.2-mile journey from Fort Dodge, IA, to Davenport, IA, a drive that will take approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes. This route is primarily highway-focused, with 66% of it utilizing major roads, making it a straightforward trip within the Midwest region. With a fuel cost estimated at $36, this drive is perfectly suited for a single day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. The overall feel of this route is practical and efficient, designed for covering ground comfortably.

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

115.6 miles from Fort Dodge, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 17m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 20 Business 100.6 mi 1h 56m
Avenue of the Saints 64.7 mi 1h 11m
I 80 49.7 mi 54m
West Kimberly Road 3 mi 4m
Hickory Grove Road 2.5 mi 5m
US 6 1.5 mi 2m
8th Avenue South 1 mi 2m
Mill Road 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: US 20 Business — 100.6 mi, about 1h 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fort Dodge, IA and Davenport, IA.

1

Start on 8th Avenue South

1.0 mi · 2 min · 8th Avenue South
2

At end of road, turn right onto South 32nd Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · South 32nd Street
3

Continue on Paragon Avenue

0.7 mi · 1 min · Paragon Avenue
4

Continue on Mill Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Mill Road
5

Continue on 220th Street

0.5 mi · 51 sec · 220th Street
6

Turn right onto US 20 Business

0.8 mi · 1 min · Quail Avenue
7

Continue on US 20 Business

0.9 mi · 1 min · Nelson Avenue
8

Take the ramp onto US 20 Business

101 mi · 1 hr 56 min · US 20 Business
Toward US 20 East
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380; IA 27

65 mi · 1 hr 11 min · Avenue of the Saints
Toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward I 80
11

Keep slight left at fork

1.2 mi · 2 min
Toward I 80 East: Davenport
12

Merge onto I 80

50 mi · 54 min · I 80
13

Take the exit onto US 6

1.1 mi · 2 min · US 6
Toward I 280 East, US 6 East, US 61 South: Rock Island, Moline
14

Take the exit onto US 6

0.4 mi · 51 sec · US 6
Toward US 6 East, CR F58 West: Kimberly Road, Walcott
15

Continue on US 6

3.0 mi · 4 min · West Kimberly Road
16

Turn slight right onto Hickory Grove Road

2.5 mi · 5 min · Hickory Grove Road
17

Turn left onto US 6 Hist

0.9 mi · 2 min · West Locust Street
18

Turn right onto Gaines Street

0.3 mi · 49 sec · Gaines Street
19

Turn left onto West 14th Street

0.3 mi · 45 sec · West 14th Street
20

At end of road, turn right onto US 61 Business

0.7 mi · 1 min · Harrison Street
21

Turn right onto West 4th Street

165 ft · 4 sec · West 4th Street
22

Arrive at destination

West 4th Street

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour, 33-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Fort Dodge to maximize your daylight hours. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey; however, be mindful of the longest stretch of 100.6 miles on US 20 Business, and plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before you begin that segment. The estimated fuel cost of $36 makes this a budget-friendly day trip. Keep an eye out for potential construction zones as you navigate the various highways leading into Davenport.

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 115.6 miles from Fort Dodge, IA, or about 2h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 100.6 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 51 miles or 1h 2m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 115.6 miles or 2h 17m 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 40m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge, IA

This is one driving day of about 231.2 miles and 4h 33m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Fort Dodge, 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 US 20 Business for about 100.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cedar Rapids, IA

116 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

Cedar Rapids, IA to Davenport, IA

83.8 mi · 1h 44m

Pacing Suggestions

Iowa Falls, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Vinton, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 115.6 miles from Fort Dodge, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 20 Business if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 100.6 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

Mantra Indian Cuisine & Spirits

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Davenport, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 231.2

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15634245500

Visit website

Scott's Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.7 mi

Midtown Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

2 mi

Mantra Indian Cuisine & Spirits

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 231.2

Davenport, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+15634245500

Visit website

Scott's Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 148.6

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13195504517

Visit website

Midtown Family Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 181.6

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+13193519303

Visit website

Cobble Hill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Expensive mile 148.6

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+13193663177

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 148.6

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193950450

Visit website

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 148.6

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193936000

Visit website

Oscar's Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 148.6

Hiawatha, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13193788885

Visit website

Copper Boar American Pub

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately mile 165.1

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13196650008

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 99.1

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Fort Dodge, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 148.6

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 99.1

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

1.7 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fort Dodge, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 33

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15155160821

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 214.6

Walcott, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 181.6

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 221.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
1 mi into trip | ~2m in | South 32nd Street

At end of road, turn right onto South 32nd Street

Navigation decision point

5
5.4 mi into trip | ~10m in | US 20 Business

Take the ramp onto US 20 Business toward US 20 East

Navigation decision point

Toward US 20 East
6
106 mi into trip | ~2h 6m in | I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids

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

Toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids
5
170.9 mi into trip | ~3h 18m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 80 East: Davenport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 80 East: Davenport
5
221.8 mi into trip | ~4h 15m in | US 6

Take the exit onto US 6 toward I 280 East, US 6 East, US 61 South: Rock Island, Moline

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

Toward I 280 East, US 6 East, US 61 South: Rock...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.15 one way

$72.29 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 81 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $39.69 $79.37
premium $4.89 $44.49 $88.98
diesel $5.61 $51.05 $102.09

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 80.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 69.4 0 $24.28 $11.10
Efficient EV 57.8 0 $20.23 $9.25
EV Truck/SUV 92.5 1 $32.37 $14.80

Gas CO2

81 kg

EV CO2

27 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

Fort Dodge, IA

Night in Fort Dodge on Saturday

Local time

9:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Davenport, IA

Night in Davenport on Saturday

Local time

9:52 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°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

3 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

4h 33m 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?

This drive is predominantly a highway experience, with a significant 66% of the route on major roads. You'll encounter a substantial stretch of 100.6 miles on US 20 Business, offering a consistent pace. While much of the journey is highway-focused, the transition between different main roads like US 20 Business, Avenue of the Saints, and I-80 provides some variation. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes efficiency and steady progress across the Iowa landscape.

66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 100.6 mi on US 20 Business.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 20 Business and Avenue of the Saints. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in near South 32nd 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 231.2 miles you will encounter 14 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: at 1 miles (South 32nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.4 miles (US 20 Business): Navigation decision point; at 106 miles (I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 33m. Total distance: 231.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (66%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 100.6 miles on US 20 Business. 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: at 1 miles (South 32nd Street): Navigation decision point; at 5.4 miles (US 20 Business): Navigation decision point; at 106 miles (I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.6 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 Davenport, 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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