Origin
Dubuque, IA
Late night in Dubuque on Friday
Local time
3:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dubuque, IA to Bettendorf, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 29m
Distance
73.8 mi
119 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 23m
★
6 AM
1h 30m
8 AM
1h 43m
10 AM
1h 34m
12 PM
1h 33m
3 PM
1h 35m
5 PM
1h 43m
8 PM
1h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dubuque, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Bettendorf, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 73.8-mile drive from Dubuque to Bettendorf, Iowa, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking just about 1 hour and 11 minutes. You'll primarily be navigating via US 61 South and I-74 East, with a stretch on US 67. With an estimated fuel cost of $11, this route is quite budget-friendly for its distance. The journey offers a practical way to travel within the Midwest region. Given its short duration, it’s a perfect option for a quick excursion or a segment of a larger Midwest adventure.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 29m. Total distance: 73.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, with a 0% highway share indicating a focus on surface streets and main roads. The entire 73.8 miles will likely feel engaging rather than monotonous, as you'll be making frequent turns. There isn't a 'longest stretch' to speak of, suggesting a continuous need for attention and navigation. This type of driving experience is more akin to navigating through towns and cities rather than open highway cruising, keeping you actively involved in the journey.
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 65.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 61 and I 74. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in.
Driving Effort
5/10
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 73.8 miles you will encounter 9 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: at 0.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 9 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
Take the ramp toward US 61 South, US 151 South
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 189A
Toward US 61 South, US 151 South
5
68.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 21m in
Take the exit toward I 74 East: Bettendorf, Davenport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 74 East: Bettendorf, Davenport
5
73.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 27m in
Take the exit toward US 67: US 67, Grant Street, State Street, Riverfront
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 67: US 67, Grant Street, State Street...
6
73.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 28m in
|
US 67 / Grant Street
Turn right onto US 67 / Grant Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
5
73.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 29m in
Turn left
Navigation decision point
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 Dubuque, IA to Bettendorf, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Davenport along the way.
Davenport
68.4 mi in
|
~1h 21m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 61 | 65.6 mi | 1h 17m |
| I 74 | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| I 80 | 2.1 mi | 2m |
| Central Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 12th Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Grant Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 61
— 65.6 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque, IA and Bettendorf, IA.
1
Start on Central Avenue
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
·
Central Avenue
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 189A
Toward US 61 South, US 151 South
3
Continue on US 61; US 151
66 mi
·
1 hr 17 min
·
US 61; US 151
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
5
Merge onto I 80; US 61
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 80; US 61
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 74 East: Bettendorf, Davenport
7
Merge onto I 74
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
I 74
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
Toward US 67: US 67, Grant Street, State Street, Riverfront
9
Turn right onto US 67
0.1 mi
·
17 sec
·
Grant Street
Use the right lane.
10
Turn left onto 12th Street
0.1 mi
·
39 sec
·
12th Street
11
Turn left
74 ft
·
3 sec
12
Arrive at destination
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 36.9 mi from Dubuque, IA · 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
37 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 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 36.9 miles from Dubuque, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 61 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65.6 miles.
Arriving in Bettendorf, IA
The final approach into Bettendorf, IA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.54 one way
$23.08 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
26 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $12.67 | $25.34 |
| premium | $4.89 | $14.20 | $28.40 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $16.29 | $32.59 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$12
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 22.1 | 0 | $7.75 | $3.54 |
| Efficient EV | 18.5 | 0 | $6.46 | $2.95 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 29.5 | 0 | $10.33 | $4.72 |
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (65% 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
Bettendorf, IA
Late night in Bettendorf on Friday
Local time
3:51 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
5 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 29m 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 Dubuque, IA to Bettendorf, IA covers 73.8 miles and takes about 1h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 61, I 74, I 80. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 36.9 miles from Dubuque, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $11.54 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 73.8 miles you will encounter 9 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: at 0.2 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 73.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Dubuque, IA to Bettendorf, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Davenport along the way.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from OSRM over OpenStreetMap. Fuel cost uses EIA weekly regional averages. Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our methodology page documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
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