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Trip from Centerville, IA to Dubuque, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 43m

Distance

216.3 mi

348 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

Fair

3 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 31m ★
6 AM
4h 44m
8 AM
5h 11m
10 AM
4h 53m
12 PM
4h 51m
3 PM
4h 55m
5 PM
5h 10m
8 PM
4h 36m

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 and county seat of Appanoose County, Iowa, United States

Centerville, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in and county seat of Dubuque, Iowa, United States

Dubuque, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Centerville, IA to Dubuque, IA covers 216.3 miles and takes about 4h 43m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 80, US 151, US 63 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 54 miles on I 80. At current regular gas prices, budget about $33.82 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

108.1 miles from Centerville, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 30m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 80 54 mi 58m
US 151 49.7 mi 58m
US 63 22.6 mi 32m
East Market Street 20.7 mi 30m
North 18th Street 20.7 mi 30m
State Highway 1 15.5 mi 21m
State Highway 137 14.5 mi 21m
Highway 1 Northeast 10.7 mi 14m
Longest stretch: I 80 — 54 mi, about 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Centerville, IA and Dubuque, IA.

1

Start on North 13th Street

164 ft · 7 sec · North 13th Street
2

Continue on North 13th Street

289 ft · 22 sec · North 13th Street
3

Turn right onto East State Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · East State Street
4

Turn left onto IA 5

21 mi · 30 min · North 18th Street
5

Continue on IA 5

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
6

Keep slight right at fork onto IA 137

14 mi · 21 min · State Highway 137
7

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 58 sec
8

Merge onto US 63; IA 163

7.5 mi · 8 min · US 63; IA 163
9

Take the exit onto US 63

15 mi · 23 min · US 63
Toward US 63 North: Oskaloosa, New Sharon
10

Turn right onto US 63

21 mi · 30 min · East Market Street
11

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 44 sec
12

Merge onto I 80

54 mi · 58 min · I 80
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward IA 1: Mount Vernon
14

Turn left onto IA 1

0.7 mi · 1 min · North Dodge Street
15

Continue on IA 1

7.5 mi · 10 min · Highway 1 Northeast
16

Continue on IA 1

1.4 mi · 2 min · South Market Street
17

Continue on IA 1

3.2 mi · 4 min · Highway 1 Northeast
18

Continue on IA 1

5.3 mi · 7 min · State Highway 1
19

Enter roundabout onto IA 1

132 ft · 5 sec · State Highway 1
20

Continue on IA 1

0.1 mi · 18 sec · State Highway 1
21

Continue on IA 1

1.5 mi · 2 min · 1st Avenue South
22

Continue on IA 1

10 mi · 13 min · State Highway 1
23

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 1 min
24

Merge onto US 151

45 mi · 51 min · US 151
25

Keep slight left at fork onto US 151

5.1 mi · 7 min · US 151
26

Keep slight left at fork onto US 61; US 151

1.1 mi · 1 min · US 61; US 151
27

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 189A Toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
28

Continue on White Street

0.1 mi · 27 sec · White Street
29

Turn left onto East 7th Street

284 ft · 19 sec · East 7th Street
30

Turn left onto Central Avenue

31 ft · 1 sec · Central Avenue
31

Arrive at destination

Central Avenue

Trip Plan

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 108.1 miles from Centerville, IA, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 54 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 48 miles or 1h 10m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 108.1 miles or 2h 30m 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 56m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Centerville, 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 Centerville, IA

This is one driving day of about 216.3 miles and 4h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Centerville, 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 I 80 for about 54 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown North Liberty, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

North Liberty, IA

108 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

Oskaloosa, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

North Liberty, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 108.1 miles from Centerville, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Landmark Grill & Grind - Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Williamsburg, Iowa

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.1

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+13196682209

Visit website

Arby's

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Williamsburg, Iowa

0.4 mi

Pino's Sicilian Pizzeria

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Williamsburg, Iowa

0.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Smokey Row Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 46.3

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+16416761600

Visit website

Landmark Grill & Grind - Restaurant

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.1

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+13196682209

Visit website

Arby's

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.1

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: 9:30 am–11 pm

+13196684040

Visit website

Pino's Sicilian Pizzeria

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 108.1

Williamsburg, Iowa

+13196681414

McDonald's

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.1

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: 5 am–1 pm

+13196682202

Visit website

Subway

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.2 mi from route Inexpensiv mile 169.9

Anamosa, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+13194624411

Visit website

Bryant’s Chill & Grill

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.1

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13196682002

Visit website

The Homestyle Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 46.3

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Hours: 5 am–1:30 pm

+16416735306

Visit website

Casey's

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 108.1

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13192204003

Visit website

Smokey Row Coffee

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 46.3

Oskaloosa, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–9 pm

+16416761600

Visit website

Midnight Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 123.6

Tiffin, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13196262272

Visit website

Good Vibes Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 139

Solon, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13196248423

Visit website

Vivarium Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 77.2

Montezuma, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 108.1

Williamsburg, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 92.7

Brooklyn, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 139

Iowa City, 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 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 44.4 and 216.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
44.4 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in | US 63

Take the exit onto US 63 toward US 63 North: Oskaloosa, New Sharon

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

Toward US 63 North: Oskaloosa, New Sharon
5
152.9 mi into trip | ~3h 25m in | IA 1 / State Highway 1

Enter roundabout onto IA 1 / State Highway 1

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

6
215.8 mi into trip | ~4h 42m in

Take the exit toward White Street, Port of Dubuque

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

Exit 189A Toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
5
216.2 mi into trip | ~4h 43m in | East 7th Street

Turn left onto East 7th Street

Navigation decision point

5
216.3 mi into trip | ~4h 43m in | Central Avenue

Turn left onto Central Avenue

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.82 one way

$67.63 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 76 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $37.13 $74.26
premium $4.89 $41.62 $83.25
diesel $5.61 $47.76 $95.51

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$34

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 75.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

3 DC fast chargers · Coverage: fair

Electrify America Charging Station

Williamsburg, Iowa

Electrify America

1 DCFC

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

Brooklyn, Iowa

Other

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Iowa City, Iowa

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

Electrify America: 1 Other: 1 ChargePoint: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 64.9 0 $22.71 $10.38
Efficient EV 54.1 0 $18.93 $8.65
EV Truck/SUV 86.5 1 $30.28 $13.84

Gas CO2

76 kg

EV CO2

25 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

Centerville, IA

Afternoon in Centerville on Saturday

Local time

2:33 PM

CDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dubuque, IA

Afternoon in Dubuque on Saturday

Local time

2:33 PM

CDT

Current temp

47°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

27 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 43m 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 is a 4h 43m highway drive covering 216.3 miles, with most of the trip on I 80 and US 151. The longest continuous stretch is about 54 miles on I 80.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 80 is the longest continuous segment at about 54 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and US 151. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 44.4 miles in near US 63.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 216.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 44.4 miles (US 63): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 152.9 miles (IA 1 / State Highway 1): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 215.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Centerville, IA to Dubuque, IA, road signs begin pointing toward New Sharon along the way.

New Sharon

44.4 mi in | ~1h 4m | via US 63

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 43m. Total distance: 216.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Centerville, IA to Dubuque, IA covers 216.3 miles and takes about 4h 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 80, US 151, US 63. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 108.1 miles from Centerville, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.82 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 216.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

The main spots that need attention: at 44.4 miles (US 63): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 152.9 miles (IA 1 / State Highway 1): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 215.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

On the drive from Centerville, IA to Dubuque, IA, road signs begin pointing toward New Sharon along the way.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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