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Trip from Hampton, IA to Sioux City, IA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 37m

Distance

180 mi

290 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 25m ★
6 AM
3h 37m
8 AM
4h 2m
10 AM
3h 46m
12 PM
3h 44m
3 PM
3h 47m
5 PM
4h 1m
8 PM
3h 30m

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 Iowa, United States

Hampton, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city ​​in Woodbury and Plymouth counties in Iowa, United States

Sioux City, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 179.8-mile drive from Hampton to Sioux City, Iowa, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes. You'll navigate primarily on local roads, with Central Avenue East and Highway 3 being key segments. With a fuel cost estimated at $27, this route offers a straightforward journey across the Midwest. The drive is characterized by frequent turns, suggesting a more engaged driving experience rather than a straight shot. Given its duration and distance, it's an ideal option for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.

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

90 miles from Hampton, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 47m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 20 144.6 mi 2h 51m
I 35 22.5 mi 24m
State Highway 3 9 mi 12m
Central Avenue East 1 mi 2m
6th Street 0.9 mi 2m
South Fairmount Street 0.6 mi 1m
Court Street 0.2 mi <1m
9th Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: US 20 — 144.6 mi, about 2h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hampton, IA and Sioux City, IA.

1

Start on US 65

27 ft · 4 sec · 4th Street Northeast
2

Turn right onto IA 3

1.0 mi · 2 min · Central Avenue East
3

Continue on IA 3

9.0 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
4

Continue on IA 3

517 ft · 13 sec · Balsam Avenue
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward Hampton, Clarion
6

Merge onto I 35

22 mi · 24 min · I 35
7

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
8

Merge onto US 20

145 mi · 2 hr 51 min · US 20
Use the straight lane.
9

Turn right onto South Fairmount Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Fairmount Street
Use the right lane.
10

Continue on 6th Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · 6th Street
11

Turn right onto Court Street

0.2 mi · 39 sec · Court Street
12

Turn left onto 9th Street

0.2 mi · 45 sec · 9th Street
13

Turn right

115 ft · 8 sec
14

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given this is a single-day, under-3-hour drive, you have the flexibility to leave whenever suits you best. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and take advantage of the single recommended stop for a break or refuel. With a total cost of around $27 for fuel, it's an economical trip. Pay close attention to your navigation, especially around the numerous turns that define this route; keeping your GPS handy will be crucial. Don't be afraid to adjust your departure time based on your preferences for a relaxed start or an early arrival.

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 90 miles from Hampton, IA, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 144.6 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 40 miles or 48m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 90 miles or 1h 47m 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 56m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Hampton, 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 Hampton, IA

This is one driving day of about 180 miles and 3h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Hampton, 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 for about 144.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Storm Lake, IA

90 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

Webster City, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Storm Lake, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 90 miles from Hampton, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 144.6 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

La Isla

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

South Sioux City, Nebraska

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 0min to go 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+14024048022

Visit website

La Isla

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30

South Sioux City, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+14024048022

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Hampton, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Sioux City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Early, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Dows, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour

Sioux City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

South Sioux City, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Early stretch 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Fort Dodge, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Webster City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Holstein Travel Center

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Rest Area

0.2 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

0.2 mi from route

I-35 Dows Rest Stop

0.2 mi from route

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 10.1 and 180 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
10.1 mi into trip | ~14m in

Take the ramp toward Hampton, Clarion

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Hampton, Clarion
5
33.6 mi into trip | ~40m in | US 20

Merge onto US 20

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

Use the straight lane.
6
178.1 mi into trip | ~3h 32m in | South Fairmount Street

Turn right onto South Fairmount Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
179.8 mi into trip | ~3h 36m in | 9th Street

Turn left onto 9th Street

Navigation decision point

5
180 mi into trip | ~3h 37m in

Turn right

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.14 one way

$56.28 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 63 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.90 $61.80
premium $4.89 $34.64 $69.28
diesel $5.61 $39.74 $79.48

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 63 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 54 0 $18.90 $8.64
Efficient EV 45 0 $15.75 $7.20
EV Truck/SUV 72 0 $25.20 $11.52

Gas CO2

63 kg

EV CO2

21 kg (67% 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 20, 2026

Origin

Hampton, IA

Late night in Hampton on Tuesday

Local time

4:14 AM

CDT

Current temp

41°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sioux City, IA

Late night in Sioux City on Tuesday

Local time

4:14 AM

CDT

Current temp

59°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

18 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

3h 37m 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 'turn-heavy local drive' on this route, as indicated by the 0% highway share. This means you'll be on roads that require more active navigation, rather than cruising on an interstate. While there's no longest uninterrupted stretch mentioned, the profile suggests a continuous engagement with the road, winding through local landscapes. The journey will likely feel like a genuine exploration of Iowa's countryside, with frequent changes in direction and potentially varied road conditions as you transition between different local routes like Balsam Avenue.

98% 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: 144.6 mi on US 20.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 20 and I 35. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 miles in.

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 37m 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: at 10.1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.6 miles (US 20): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 178.1 miles (South Fairmount Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

On the drive from Hampton, IA to Sioux City, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Clarion along the way.

Clarion

10.1 mi in | ~14m

About the Cities

Arriving in Sioux City, IA

Full guide →

Sioux City is on the western edge of the state of Iowa. It is on the Missouri River and many parts of Sioux City are among the unique Loess Hills formations.

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 3h 37m. Total distance: 180 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 144.6 miles on US 20. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 7 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

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 10.1 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 33.6 miles (US 20): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 178.1 miles (South Fairmount Street): Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Sioux City, 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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