Origin
Clinton, IA
Afternoon in Clinton on Sunday
Local time
2:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clinton, IA to Dubuque, IA
Drive Time
1h 28m
Distance
71.6 mi
115 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 22m
★
6 AM
1h 29m
8 AM
1h 43m
10 AM
1h 34m
12 PM
1h 32m
3 PM
1h 34m
5 PM
1h 42m
8 PM
1h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clinton, IA
Quang Nguyen Vinh
Dubuque, IA
Quang Nguyen Vinh
Trip Overview
Traveling north from Clinton to Dubuque is a straightforward journey spanning 71.6 miles through the heart of the Midwest. You can expect the drive to take approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes, making it an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stop. Budgeting about $11 for fuel will cover your transit, which relies heavily on US 61, Lincoln Way, and US 30. Because the trip is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your own schedule. Whether you are heading out for business or leisure, this route offers a predictable and efficient way to navigate between these two Iowa cities.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
35.8 miles from Clinton, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 45m into the drive .
Drive Character
This highway-focused drive is defined by a significant 71% highway share, favoring steady speeds over technical maneuvering. Your time behind the wheel will be dominated by a 47.2-mile stretch on US 61, which serves as the backbone of your journey. You will transition through a mix of arterial roads and main highways that keep the pace consistent. The personality of the road is functional and direct, providing a reliable connection between the two points without unnecessary complexity. Expect a steady, predictable experience as you cruise through the Iowa landscape on these primary thoroughfares.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 61 is the longest continuous segment at about 47.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 61 and Lincoln Way. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 3.9 miles in near US 30 / Lincoln Way.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 1h 28m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.9 miles (US 30 / Lincoln Way): Navigation decision point; at 70.1 miles (US 61; US 151): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 71.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 6 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
3.9 mi into trip
|
~7m in
|
US 30 / Lincoln Way
Turn right onto US 30 / Lincoln Way
Navigation decision point
4
70.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
|
US 61; US 151
Keep slight left at fork onto US 61; US 151
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
6
71.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m 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
71.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 28m in
|
East 7th Street
Turn left onto East 7th Street
Navigation decision point
5
71.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 28m in
|
Central Avenue
Turn left onto Central Avenue
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 61 | 47.2 mi | 56m |
| Lincoln Way | 16.3 mi | 19m |
| US 30 | 3.8 mi | 4m |
| Manufacturing Drive | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| South Bluff Boulevard | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| 2nd Avenue South | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| White Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| East 7th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 61
— 47.2 mi, about 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clinton, IA and Dubuque, IA.
1
Start on 2nd Avenue South
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
2nd Avenue South
2
Turn left onto South Bluff Boulevard
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Bluff Boulevard
3
Turn straight onto Manufacturing Drive
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Manufacturing Drive
4
Turn right onto US 30
16 mi
·
19 min
·
Lincoln Way
5
Take the exit onto US 30
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
US 30
6
Continue on US 61
46 mi
·
54 min
·
US 61
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 61; US 151
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 61; US 151
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 189A
Toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
9
Continue on White Street
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
White Street
10
Turn left onto East 7th Street
284 ft
·
19 sec
·
East 7th Street
11
Turn left onto Central Avenue
31 ft
·
1 sec
·
Central Avenue
12
Arrive at destination
Central Avenue
Trip Plan
Since the total duration is under an hour and a half, you won't need to stress about rigorous pacing or frequent rest stops. Aim to leave during off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter road, though the trip is short enough that traffic delays are generally manageable. With no required stops listed, you have the freedom to drive straight through or break up the 71.6-mile trek whenever you need a breather. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before you depart Clinton to ensure your $11 budget remains accurate for the full distance. A helpful tip for this specific route is to stay alert during the transition between Lincoln Way and US 61, as the road character shifts from local thoroughfare to primary highway.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 35.8 miles from Clinton, IA, or about 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47.2 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 71.6 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 35.8 miles or 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 15m
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 Clinton, 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 Clinton, IA
This is one driving day of about 71.6 miles and 1h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Clinton, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on US 61 for about 47.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 35.8 mi from Clinton, IA · 45m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
36 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 71.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 35.8 miles from Clinton, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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
$10.88 one way
$21.75 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
25 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $11.99 | $23.98 |
| premium | $4.80 | $13.52 | $27.03 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $15.91 | $31.81 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.5 | 0 | $7.52 | $3.44 |
| Efficient EV | 17.9 | 0 | $6.26 | $2.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 28.6 | 0 | $10.02 | $4.58 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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
Afternoon in Dubuque on Sunday
Local time
2:55 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°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
2 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
1h 28m 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 Clinton, IA to Dubuque, IA covers 71.6 miles and takes about 1h 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 61, Lincoln Way, US 30. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 35.8 miles from Clinton, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $10.88 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a straightforward 1h 28m drive. You will face about 6 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.9 miles (US 30 / Lincoln Way): Navigation decision point; at 70.1 miles (US 61; US 151): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 71.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Clinton, IA to Dubuque, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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