Origin
Davenport, IA
Evening in Davenport on Wednesday
Local time
7:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
3h 57m
Distance
204.1 mi
328 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Davenport, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Buffalo (historical), IA
Karolina
This 204.1-mile journey from Davenport, IA to Buffalo (historical), IA is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 57 minutes. The route primarily utilizes I 80 and US 6, with a small portion on North Avenue, making it an 88% highway-focused drive. With an estimated fuel cost of $32, this drive through the Midwest region of Iowa is efficient and straightforward. You'll find it to be a practical option if you're looking for a direct and relatively quick trip between these two points within the state.
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
102 miles from Davenport, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 204.1-mile route, with 88% of the journey on major roadways like I 80 and US 6. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 114.8 miles on I 80, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While largely on fast-paced highways, the inclusion of US 6 and North Avenue might offer slight variations in scenery and speed as you progress towards Buffalo. Overall, the character is one of efficient travel rather than winding backroads.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and US 6. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near Marquette Street.
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 3h 57m drive. You will face about 9 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (Marquette Street): Navigation decision point; at 4.7 miles (US 6 / West Kimberly Road): Navigation decision point; at 174.5 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn right onto Marquette Street
Navigation decision point
At end of road, turn left onto US 6 / West Kimberly Road
Navigation decision point
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 80 West: Omaha
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward US 169, US 6: Adel, Winterset
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn right onto Maple Lane
Navigation decision point
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Davenport, IA to Buffalo (historical), IA, road signs begin pointing toward Winterset along the way.
Winterset
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 114.8 mi | 2h 5m |
| US 6 | 64.9 mi | 1h 11m |
| North Avenue | 13.8 mi | 20m |
| West Kimberly Road | 2.9 mi | 4m |
| Hickory Grove Road | 2.5 mi | 5m |
| Clark Tower Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Guthrie Street | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| Marquette Street | 1 mi | 2m |
Step-by-step road directions between Davenport, IA and Buffalo (historical), IA.
Start on West 4th Street
Turn right onto Marquette Street
Turn left onto US 6 Hist
Turn slight right onto US 6 Hist
At end of road, turn left onto US 6
Take the ramp onto US 6
Continue on I 80
Keep slight right at fork onto I 80
Take the exit
Turn left onto US 6; US 169
Continue on US 6; US 169
Continue on US 169
Continue on CR P71
Turn left onto CR G50
Turn right onto Maple Lane
Arrive at destination
Given the 3-hour and 57-minute duration, this 204.1-mile trip is comfortably a one-day adventure. You can easily complete it without needing an overnight stop, offering flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. The longest stretch on I 80 is over 100 miles, so plan your fuel stops accordingly, keeping the $32 estimated fuel cost in mind. With only one recommended stop, you'll want to ensure you're well-rested before hitting the road.
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.
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 45 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102 miles or 1h 57m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Buffalo (historical), IA than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Davenport, 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 Davenport, IA
This is one driving day of about 204.1 miles and 3h 57m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 102 mi from Davenport, IA · 1h 57m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
102 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.
A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 102 miles from Davenport, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 80 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 114.8 miles.
The final approach into Buffalo (historical), 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 Buffalo (historical), IA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$31.91 one way
$63.82 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $35.03 | $70.07 |
| premium | $4.89 | $39.28 | $78.55 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $45.06 | $90.13 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.2 | 0 | $21.43 | $9.80 |
| Efficient EV | 51 | 0 | $17.86 | $8.16 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 81.6 | 1 | $28.57 | $13.06 |
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Evening in Davenport on Wednesday
Local time
7:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Destination
Evening in Buffalo (historical) on Wednesday
Local time
7:41 PM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
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