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Trip from Hull, IA to Iowa City, 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 34m

Distance

321.8 mi

518 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$50

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
6h 23m ★
6 AM
6h 35m
8 AM
6h 59m
10 AM
6h 43m
12 PM
6h 41m
3 PM
6h 45m
5 PM
6h 58m
8 PM
6h 28m

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 Hull, IA, IA

Hull, IA

Tara Winstead

city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States

Iowa City, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 321.8-mile journey from Hull, IA to Iowa City, IA will take approximately 6 hours and 34 minutes of driving time, making it a feasible one-day trip. You'll be navigating primarily on local roads, with a small portion on the Avenue of the Saints, and the estimated fuel cost is around $50. The route is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive, so expect a more engaging experience than a straight interstate cruise. This drive stays within the Midwest region, offering a consistent Midwestern landscape throughout. With only one recommended stop and the longest stretch being 164.9 miles, you can plan for a focused drive with minimal interruptions.

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

160.9 miles from Hull, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 27m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
220th Street 164.9 mi 3h 10m
Avenue of the Saints 64.7 mi 1h 11m
20th Avenue 9.2 mi 12m
State Highway 3 8.6 mi 11m
Jackson Avenue 8 mi 11m
400th Street 7.5 mi 10m
Armstrong Avenue 6 mi 8m
Log Avenue 5.8 mi 8m
Longest stretch: 220th Street — 164.9 mi, about 3h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Main Street

0.2 mi · 33 sec · Main Street
2

Turn left onto US 18

0.8 mi · 1 min · Black Forest Road
3

Continue on US 18

2.9 mi · 4 min · 320th Street
4

Turn right onto CR K64

8.0 mi · 11 min · Jackson Avenue
5

Turn left onto B40

7.5 mi · 10 min · 400th Street
6

Continue on Birch Street

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Birch Street
7

Continue on Cedar Street

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Cedar Street
8

Continue on 6th Avenue South

0.1 mi · 15 sec · 6th Avenue South
9

Turn right onto Fir Street

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Fir Street
10

Turn right onto L22

0.3 mi · 28 sec · County Road S
11

Continue on L22

5.8 mi · 8 min · Log Avenue
12

Turn left onto IA 10

1.0 mi · 1 min · 460th Street
13

Continue on IA 10

0.5 mi · 1 min · Garfield Street
14

Continue on IA 10

3.5 mi · 4 min · 460th Street
15

Turn right onto IA 143

5.0 mi · 6 min · Nettle Avenue
Use the right lane.
16

Continue on IA 143

5.7 mi · 7 min · D Avenue
17

Continue on IA 143

1.3 mi · 2 min · Ames Avenue
18

Turn left onto IA 3

5.0 mi · 6 min · 490th Street
19

Continue on IA 3

4.2 mi · 5 min · State Highway 3
20

Continue on IA 3

2.5 mi · 3 min · 500th Street
21

Turn straight onto IA 3

4.4 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
22

Turn left onto IA 3

3.4 mi · 4 min · 530th Street
23

Turn right onto IA 7

2.0 mi · 2 min · V Avenue
24

Continue on IA 7

1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
25

Continue on IA 7

2.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 7
26

Continue on IA 7

1.1 mi · 1 min · Highway 7
27

Turn right onto 20th Avenue

9.2 mi · 12 min · 20th Avenue
28

Continue on CR M27

6.0 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
29

At end of road, turn left onto US 20

165 mi · 3 hr 10 min · 220th Street
30

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
31

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward I 80
32

Keep slight left at fork

1.2 mi · 2 min
Toward I 80 East: Davenport
33

Merge onto I 80

4.2 mi · 4 min · I 80
34

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Toward Downtown
35

Turn right onto North Dubuque Street

1.0 mi · 2 min · North Dubuque Street
36

Turn left onto Kimball Road

477 ft · 21 sec · Kimball Road
37

Keep slight right at fork onto North Gilbert Street

0.8 mi · 2 min · North Gilbert Street
38

Arrive at destination

South Gilbert Street

Trip Plan

For this 6-hour and 34-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Hull, IA, to maximize your daylight hours and arrive in Iowa City with time to spare. The route's turn-heavy nature means you'll want to stay attentive to your navigation, especially during the 164.9-mile stretch on 220th Street. With an estimated fuel cost of $50, ensure your vehicle is adequately fueled before you leave, as stops might be less frequent on the local road segments. While only one stop is recommended, planning for a brief break around the halfway point, perhaps after covering the longest stretch, will help keep you refreshed.

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 160.9 miles from Hull, IA, or about 3h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 164.9 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 71 miles or 1h 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 160.9 miles or 3h 27m 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 25m

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 Hull, 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 Hull, IA

This is one driving day of about 321.8 miles and 6h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Hull, 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 220th Street for about 164.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Marshalltown, IA

161 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

Denison, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Nevada, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 160.9 miles from Hull, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before 220th Street if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 164.9 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.2 and 314.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 18 / Black Forest Road

Turn left onto US 18 / Black Forest Road

Navigation decision point

5
20 mi into trip | ~28m in | L22 / County Road S

Turn right onto L22 / County Road S

Navigation decision point

6
31.1 mi into trip | ~44m in | IA 143 / Nettle Avenue

Turn right onto IA 143 / Nettle Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
6
249.2 mi into trip | ~5h 9m 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
314.2 mi into trip | ~6h 21m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 80 East: Davenport

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 80 East: Davenport

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$50.31 one way

$100.62 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 113 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $55.24 $110.48
premium $4.89 $61.93 $123.85
diesel $5.61 $71.05 $142.10

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$50

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$75–$100

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 112.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 96.5 1 $33.79 $15.45
Efficient EV 80.5 0 $28.16 $12.87
EV Truck/SUV 128.7 1 $45.05 $20.60

Gas CO2

113 kg

EV CO2

38 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

Hull, IA

Evening in Hull on Saturday

Local time

8:13 PM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Chance Rain Showers

NE 5 to 10 mph 10% chance Live forecast

Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning issued April 14 at 7:05PM CDT until April 14 at 7:45PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning issued April 14 at 7:02PM CDT until April 14 at 7:30PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Destination

Iowa City, IA

Evening in Iowa City on Saturday

Local time

8:13 PM

CDT

Current temp

61°F

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

W 5 to 15 mph 59% chance Live forecast

Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning issued April 14 at 7:05PM CDT until April 14 at 7:45PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Tornado Warning

Tornado Warning issued April 14 at 7:02PM CDT until April 14 at 7:30PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

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

14 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 34m 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?

Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive on this route, as indicated by its profile. Only 5% of the journey is on highways, meaning you'll spend most of your time on smaller roads, including 220th Street and 20th Avenue, along with a section of the Avenue of the Saints. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 164.9 miles on 220th Street, so there are periods of steady driving. This mix suggests a route that requires more attention to navigation and potentially slower speeds compared to interstate travel.

Only 5% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 164.9 mi on 220th Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near US 18 / Black Forest Road.

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 321.8 miles you will encounter 18 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 0.2 miles (US 18 / Black Forest Road): Navigation decision point; at 20 miles (L22 / County Road S): Navigation decision point; at 31.1 miles (IA 143 / Nettle Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 34m. Total distance: 321.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 34m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 164.9 miles on 220th Street. 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 Iowa City, 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.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.2 miles (US 18 / Black Forest Road): Navigation decision point; at 20 miles (L22 / County Road S): Navigation decision point; at 31.1 miles (IA 143 / Nettle Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Iowa City, 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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