Origin
Clear Lake, IA
Morning in Clear Lake on Saturday
Local time
9:03 AM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clear Lake, 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
3h 39m
Distance
183.3 mi
295 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 27m
★
6 AM
3h 39m
8 AM
4h 4m
10 AM
3h 48m
12 PM
3h 45m
3 PM
3h 49m
5 PM
4h 3m
8 PM
3h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clear Lake, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Dubuque, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 183.3-mile drive from Clear Lake, Iowa, to Dubuque, Iowa, is a manageable one-day adventure, taking approximately 3 hours and 39 minutes. With 97% of the journey on highways, it's a focused drive that makes the most of your time. You'll be navigating primarily via US 18 and US 20, with a short section on the Leo P Rooff Expressway. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $29, making it an economical choice. This Midwest route stays within Iowa, offering a straightforward travel experience.
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
91.7 miles from Clear Lake, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 47m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 39m. Total distance: 183.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for the vast majority of this trip, with 97% of your miles spent on well-maintained roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 81.7 miles on US 18, providing a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. While predominantly highway, the route does incorporate US 20 and the Leo P Rooff Expressway, offering some variety in the driving experience. This drive is characterized by its efficiency, allowing you to cover ground smoothly.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 18 is the longest continuous segment at about 81.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 18 and US 20. You will hit about 17 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near 1st Avenue North.
Driving Effort
6/10
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 183.3 miles you will encounter 17 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: near the start (1st Avenue North): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (I 35 Business): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.6 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
1st Avenue North
Turn right onto 1st Avenue North
Navigation decision point
5
1.4 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 35 Business
Take the ramp onto I 35 Business toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des Moines
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des...
6
94.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 52m in
|
I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids,...
6
182.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 37m in
|
US 61; US 151
At end of road, turn left onto US 61; US 151
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
182.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 37m 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
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 Clear Lake, IA to Dubuque, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Cedar Falls along the way.
Cedar Falls
94.6 mi in
|
~1h 52m
|
via I 380
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 18 | 81.7 mi | 1h 34m |
| US 20 | 81.4 mi | 1h 36m |
| Leo P Rooff Expressway | 6.7 mi | 8m |
| I 380 | 6.5 mi | 7m |
| Washington Street | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| Avenue of the Saints | 1.7 mi | 1m |
| 4th Avenue South | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| I 35 Business | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 18
— 81.7 mi, about 1h 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clear Lake, IA and Dubuque, IA.
1
Start on North 6th Street
79 ft
·
5 sec
·
North 6th Street
2
Turn right onto 1st Avenue North
186 ft
·
10 sec
·
1st Avenue North
3
Turn right onto I 35 Business
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
·
North 8th Street
4
Turn left onto I 35 Business
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
4th Avenue South
5
Take the ramp onto I 35 Business
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
I 35 Business
Toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des Moines
6
Merge onto I 35; US 18; IA 27
1.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
7
Take the exit onto US 18; IA 27
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
US 18; IA 27
Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
8
Turn slight right onto US 18; IA 27
81 mi
·
1 hr 34 min
·
US 18; IA 27
Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City
9
Take the exit
317 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 218 south: Waterloo
10
Continue on US 218
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
US 218
Toward US 218 south: Waterloo
11
Merge onto US 218
6.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Leo P Rooff Expressway
12
Continue on US 218
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Washington Street
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
6.5 mi
·
7 min
·
I 380
Toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 20
81 mi
·
1 hr 36 min
·
US 20
15
Turn left onto IA 946
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
South Locust Street
Use the left lane.
16
Turn straight onto IA 946
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
IA 946
Toward IA 946
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 61; US 151
418 ft
·
13 sec
·
US 61; US 151
Use the left lane.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 189A
Toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
19
Continue on White Street
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
White Street
20
Turn left onto East 7th Street
284 ft
·
19 sec
·
East 7th Street
21
Turn left onto Central Avenue
31 ft
·
1 sec
·
Central Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
Central Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour 39-minute duration, this route is comfortably completed in a single day. Aim for an early morning departure from Clear Lake to maximize your daylight hours in Dubuque. With only one designated stop likely needed, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 81.7-mile stretch on US 18, to ensure a smooth journey. Planning a fuel stop before this longer segment is a practical tip for this particular 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 91.7 miles from Clear Lake, IA, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 81.7 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 40 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.7 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 58m
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 Clear Lake, 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 Clear Lake, IA
This is one driving day of about 183.3 miles and 3h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Clear Lake, 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 18 for about 81.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 91.7 mi from Clear Lake, IA · 1h 47m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
92 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 91.7 miles from Clear Lake, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 18 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 81.7 miles.
Arriving in Dubuque, IA
The final approach into Dubuque, IA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Dubuque, IA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.66 one way
$57.31 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
64 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $31.46 | $62.93 |
| premium | $4.89 | $35.27 | $70.55 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $40.47 | $80.94 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64.1 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 | 55 | 0 | $19.25 | $8.80 |
| Efficient EV | 45.8 | 0 | $16.04 | $7.33 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 73.3 | 0 | $25.66 | $11.73 |
Gas CO2
64 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.
Destination
Dubuque, IA
Morning in Dubuque on Saturday
Local time
9:03 AM
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
1 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 39m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Clear Lake, IA to Dubuque, IA covers 183.3 miles and takes about 3h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 18, US 20, Leo P Rooff Expressway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 91.7 miles from Clear Lake, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.66 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 183.3 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (1st Avenue North): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (I 35 Business): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 94.6 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Clear Lake, IA to Dubuque, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Cedar Falls 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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