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Trip from Fort Madison, IA to Marshalltown, IA

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

Drive Time

3h 28m

Distance

175.6 mi

283 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 17m ★
6 AM
3h 29m
8 AM
3h 53m
10 AM
3h 37m
12 PM
3h 35m
3 PM
3h 39m
5 PM
3h 52m
8 PM
3h 22m

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 county seat in Lee County, Iowa, United States

Fort Madison, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city and the county seat of Marshall County, Iowa, United States

Marshalltown, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 172.3-mile drive from Fort Madison, IA to Marshalltown, IA is a manageable one-day adventure, taking just under 3 hours to complete. You'll primarily navigate local roads, making it a turn-heavy journey rather than a high-speed interstate cruise. With a projected fuel cost of around $26, this trip is budget-friendly. The route stays within the Midwest region, offering a familiar landscape for those traveling within Iowa. Given its relatively short duration, it's perfect for a day trip, allowing you to maximize your time at your destination without feeling rushed.

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

87.8 miles from Fort Madison, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 45m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Avenue of the Saints 92.7 mi 1h 45m
US 218 33.7 mi 39m
Lincoln Highway 31.8 mi 36m
IA 2 8.3 mi 11m
South Center Street 2.3 mi 3m
Avenue O 2.1 mi 3m
Avenue L 1.3 mi 2m
Avenue H 1 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 92.7 mi, about 1h 45m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fort Madison, IA and Marshalltown, IA.

1

Start on this road

61 ft · 7 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto Avenue I

139 ft · 11 sec · Avenue I
3

Turn left onto US 61 Business

1.0 mi · 1 min · Avenue H
4

Turn left onto US 61 Business

0.2 mi · 21 sec · 20th Street
5

At end of road, turn right onto US 61 Business

1.3 mi · 2 min · Avenue L
6

Continue on US 61 Business

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Old Highway 61
7

Continue on US 61 Business

2.1 mi · 3 min · Avenue O
8

Turn straight onto IA 2

8.3 mi · 11 min · IA 2
9

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 53 sec
10

Merge onto US 218; IA 27

25 mi · 28 min · Avenue of the Saints
11

Keep slight left at fork onto US 218; IA 27

68 mi · 1 hr 17 min · Avenue of the Saints
12

Take the exit onto US 218

34 mi · 39 min · US 218
Toward US 30 West, US 151 South, US 218 North: Tama
13

Continue on US 30

32 mi · 36 min · Lincoln Highway
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
15

Turn right onto IA 14

2.3 mi · 3 min · South Center Street
16

Turn right onto IA 14

0.3 mi · 29 sec · East Anson Street
17

Turn left onto IA 14

0.8 mi · 1 min · South 3rd Avenue
18

Arrive at destination

IA 14

Trip Plan

With a 2-hour and 52-minute estimated drive time, this trip is ideal for a single day. Consider an early morning departure from Fort Madison to give yourself ample time to enjoy Marshalltown. Since there are no long highway stretches, you'll likely make one stop naturally as you navigate the local roads. The fuel cost is estimated at $26, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Fort Madison, as fuel availability might be more spread out on these local routes. Pay close attention to your GPS for the numerous turns required to stay on track.

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 87.8 miles from Fort Madison, IA, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.7 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 39 miles or 49m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 87.8 miles or 1h 45m 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 50m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fort Madison, 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 Madison, IA

This is one driving day of about 175.6 miles and 3h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Fort Madison, 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 92.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Iowa City, IA

88 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

Iowa City, IA to Marshalltown, IA

92.6 mi · 1h 53m

Pacing Suggestions

Mount Pleasant, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

North Liberty, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 87.8 miles from Fort Madison, 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 92.7 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

Maid-Rite Marshalltown IA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 172.3

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+16417539684

Visit website

Smokin' G's BBQ Catering

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

0.3 mi

OPA! Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

0.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Grounded

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 172.3

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+16416548451

Visit website

Most Wanted Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

1.4 mi

Grind Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fairfax, Iowa

2.1 mi

Maid-Rite Marshalltown IA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+16417539684

Visit website

Smokin' G's BBQ Catering

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16417534147

Visit website

OPA! Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+16417583322

Visit website

Tremont on Main Restaurants and Inn

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

+16417521234

Visit website

Adelina's Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16417522997

Visit website

Cedar Ridge Distillery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 98.5

Swisher, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13198574300

Visit website

The Youngville Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv mile 123.1

Watkins, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+13195403600

Visit website

The Flying Elbow

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16417583235

Visit website

Grounded

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+16416548451

Visit website

Most Wanted Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+16417583380

Grind Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 110.8

Fairfax, Iowa

Hours: 7–11 am

+13197847798

Visit website

Sidekick Coffee & Books

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 86.2

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+13195691010

Visit website

Holy grounds coffee llc

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

The Filling Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 86.2

Iowa City, Iowa

+13193357510

Visit website

Kindred Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 86.2

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

Main Street Bakery and Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 135.4

Keystone, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4:30 pm

+13194422253

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 86.2

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 86.2

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+31880109500

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 86.2

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 86.2

Iowa City, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 86.2

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 123.1

Newhall, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Sub City

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–7 pm

+16417521375

Taylor's

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

Visit website

Caramelcorn Shoppe/Smoothie Stop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 86.2

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+13196255568

The Spot

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 172.3

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+16417526014

Visit website

Barrel House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 86.2

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13196262550

Visit website

The Pump

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 147.7

Tama, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–1:45 pm

+16414817332

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 106.4 — 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 | Avenue I

Turn right onto Avenue I

Navigation decision point

4
1 mi into trip | ~1m in | US 61 Business / 20th Street

Turn left onto US 61 Business / 20th Street

Navigation decision point

4
1.2 mi into trip | ~2m in | US 61 Business / Avenue L

At end of road, turn right onto US 61 Business / Avenue L

Navigation decision point

4
38.2 mi into trip | ~48m in | US 218; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

Keep slight left at fork onto US 218; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

5
106.4 mi into trip | ~2h 6m in | US 218

Take the exit onto US 218 toward US 30 West, US 151 South, US 218 North: Tama

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

Toward US 30 West, US 151 South, US 218 North:...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.45 one way

$54.91 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.14 $60.28
premium $4.89 $33.79 $67.59
diesel $5.61 $38.77 $77.54

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 61.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 52.7 0 $18.44 $8.43
Efficient EV 43.9 0 $15.36 $7.02
EV Truck/SUV 70.2 0 $24.58 $11.24

Gas CO2

61 kg

EV CO2

21 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

Fort Madison, IA

Late night in Fort Madison on Sunday

Local time

5:02 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Marshalltown, IA

Late night in Marshalltown on Sunday

Local time

5:02 AM

CDT

Current temp

68°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

5 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

3h 28m 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?

Expect a very local feel on this route, characterized by frequent turns and a 0% highway share. The drive unfolds as a turn-heavy local road experience, meaning you'll be navigating through towns and along county routes for the entire 172.3 miles. There isn't a longest uninterrupted stretch to note, as the nature of the drive suggests consistent engagement with intersections and turns. This isn't a route for setting speed records, but rather for a more deliberate pace as you make your way across the Iowa landscape.

Only 24% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92.7 mi on Avenue of the Saints.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Avenue I.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 28m drive. You will face about 12 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 (Avenue I): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (US 61 Business / 20th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.2 miles (US 61 Business / Avenue L): Navigation decision point.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 28m. Total distance: 175.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (24%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 92.7 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.

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 (Avenue I): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (US 61 Business / 20th Street): Navigation decision point; at 1.2 miles (US 61 Business / Avenue L): Navigation decision point.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Marshalltown, 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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