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Trip from Shell Rock, IA to Sioux 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

4h 24m

Distance

213.3 mi

343 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$33

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 11m ★
6 AM
4h 24m
8 AM
4h 51m
10 AM
4h 34m
12 PM
4h 31m
3 PM
4h 35m
5 PM
4h 50m
8 PM
4h 16m

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 Shell Rock, IA, IA

Shell Rock, IA

El Puerto de Santa María

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

Sioux City, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 213.3-mile journey from Shell Rock, IA, to Sioux City, IA, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes. The route primarily utilizes US 20 and I-35, with State Highway 3 also playing a part, offering an 88% highway experience. With a projected fuel cost of around $33, this drive through the Midwest is efficient and straightforward. Given its manageable duration and highway focus, it's an ideal candidate for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stop. You'll experience a consistent driving pace for most of the trip.

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

106.7 miles from Shell Rock, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 15m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 20 144.6 mi 2h 51m
I 35 22.5 mi 24m
State Highway 3 19.8 mi 27m
210th Street 18 mi 24m
Central Avenue East 2.1 mi 4m
South Street 1.7 mi 2m
West Main Street 1.6 mi 2m
6th Street 0.9 mi 2m
Longest stretch: US 20 — 144.6 mi, about 2h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on South Cherry Street

294 ft · 15 sec · South Cherry Street
2

Turn left onto West Main Street

1.6 mi · 2 min · West Main Street
3

At end of road, turn right onto Old Hwy 3

234 ft · 8 sec · Old Hwy 3
4

Turn left onto IA 3

1.6 mi · 2 min · State Highway 3
5

Continue on IA 3

8.8 mi · 11 min · 210th Street
6

Continue on IA 3; IA 14

1.0 mi · 1 min · State Highway 3
7

Continue on IA 3

7.4 mi · 10 min · 210th Street
8

Continue on IA 3

1.7 mi · 2 min · South Street
9

Continue on IA 3

1.8 mi · 2 min · 210th Street
10

Continue on IA 3

8.2 mi · 11 min · State Highway 3
11

Continue on IA 3

2.1 mi · 4 min · Central Avenue East
12

Continue on IA 3

9.0 mi · 12 min · State Highway 3
13

Continue on IA 3

517 ft · 13 sec · Balsam Avenue
14

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward Hampton, Clarion
15

Merge onto I 35

22 mi · 24 min · I 35
16

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward US 20 West: Fort Dodge
17

Merge onto US 20

145 mi · 2 hr 51 min · US 20
Use the straight lane.
18

Turn right onto South Fairmount Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Fairmount Street
Use the right lane.
19

Continue on 6th Street

0.9 mi · 2 min · 6th Street
20

Turn right onto Court Street

0.2 mi · 39 sec · Court Street
21

Turn left onto 9th Street

0.2 mi · 45 sec · 9th Street
22

Turn right

115 ft · 8 sec
23

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

This 4-hour and 24-minute drive is well-suited for a single day, so you have the flexibility to depart when you feel most ready. Aim to leave in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. With only one primary stop indicated, plan your fuel and rest breaks strategically, especially considering the longest stretch is 144.6 miles on US 20. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the middle portion of this section. The estimated fuel cost of $33 is a helpful budget marker for this 213.3-mile route.

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 106.7 miles from Shell Rock, IA, or about 2h 15m 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 47 miles or 1h 5m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 106.7 miles or 2h 15m 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 35m

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 Shell Rock, 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 Shell Rock, IA

This is one driving day of about 213.3 miles and 4h 24m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Shell Rock, 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 Greene County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Jefferson, IA

107 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

Oakland, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Carroll, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 106.7 miles from Shell Rock, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

La Isla

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

South Sioux City, Nebraska

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 213.3

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+14024048022

Visit website

La Isla

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 213.3

South Sioux City, Nebraska

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+14024048022

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 213.3

Sioux City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

ChargeLab Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 198.1

Moville, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 30.5

Hampton, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 45.7

Dows, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Shell Rock, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 213.3

Sioux City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 213.3

South Sioux City, Nebraska

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 167.6

Holstein, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 213.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
1.7 mi into trip | ~3m in | Old Hwy 3

At end of road, turn right onto Old Hwy 3

Navigation decision point

6
43.4 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in

Take the ramp toward Hampton, Clarion

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward Hampton, Clarion
5
66.8 mi into trip | ~1h 27m in | US 20

Merge onto US 20

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

Use the straight lane.
6
211.4 mi into trip | ~4h 19m in | South Fairmount Street

Turn right onto South Fairmount Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
213.1 mi into trip | ~4h 23m in | 9th Street

Turn left onto 9th Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.35 one way

$66.69 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 75 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $36.61 $73.23
premium $4.89 $41.05 $82.10
diesel $5.61 $47.09 $94.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$33

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$58–$83

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 74.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 64 0 $22.40 $10.24
Efficient EV 53.3 0 $18.66 $8.53
EV Truck/SUV 85.3 1 $29.86 $13.65

Gas CO2

75 kg

EV CO2

25 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 15, 2026

Origin

Shell Rock, IA

Late night in Shell Rock on Sunday

Local time

2:53 AM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sioux City, IA

Late night in Sioux City on Sunday

Local time

2:53 AM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Jefferson, IA

107 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 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 24m 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?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 213.3-mile trip, with 88% of your journey on higher-speed roads like US 20 and I-35. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 144.6 miles on US 20, making for a consistent pace. The road character remains largely highway-like, emphasizing efficiency over varied scenery. This profile suggests a drive where maintaining speed is key, with fewer opportunities for spontaneous stops along the way, making it a predictable and steady experience behind the wheel.

88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 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 1.7 miles in near Old Hwy 3.

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 4h 24m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles (Old Hwy 3): Navigation decision point; at 43.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 66.8 miles (US 20): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.

Between Shell Rock, IA and Sioux City, IA, road signs point toward Hampton and Clarion.

Hampton

43.4 mi in | ~1h 1m

Clarion

43.4 mi in | ~1h 1m

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 4h 24m. Total distance: 213.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (88%). 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.

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 1.7 miles (Old Hwy 3): Navigation decision point; at 43.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 66.8 miles (US 20): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 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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