Origin
Dubuque, IA
Afternoon in Dubuque on Sunday
Local time
1:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Dubuque, IA to Coralville, IA
Drive Time
1h 53m
Distance
86.3 mi
139 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$13
one way
Photo: Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Connecting Dubuque to Coralville, this 86.3-mile journey across Iowa is a straightforward trip that typically takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, it is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $13 on fuel for the trek, making it a very budget-friendly option for your itinerary. The route primarily utilizes US 151 and State Highway 1, keeping you moving efficiently through the heart of the Midwest. Whether you are heading to Coralville for business or leisure, this drive offers a reliable and uncomplicated path between these two Iowa hubs.
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
43.1 miles from Dubuque, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 51m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 92% of this trip is spent on major thoroughfares. You will find yourself settling into a rhythm quickly, especially during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 45 miles along US 151. The transition from the primary highway onto Highway 1 Northeast provides a change of pace as you navigate toward your destination. While the drive is consistent, the shift in road types keeps the experience from feeling like a monotonous interstate grind. You will spend the vast majority of your time maintaining a steady pace, allowing you to focus on the road ahead as you traverse the Iowa landscape.
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 151 is the longest continuous segment at about 45 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 151 and State Highway 1. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 86.3 miles you will encounter 12 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 63.3 miles (US 30 Bus; IA 1 / State Highway 1): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 84.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 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
63.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 18m in
|
US 30 Bus; IA 1 / State Highway 1
Enter roundabout onto US 30 Bus; IA 1 / State Highway 1
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
4
84.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 47m in
Take the exit toward VA Medical Center
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward VA Medical Center
5
84.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 48m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
4
85.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 50m in
|
US 6 Hist / 5th Street
Turn right onto US 6 Hist / 5th Street
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 151 | 45 mi | 52m |
| State Highway 1 | 15.7 mi | 21m |
| Highway 1 Northeast | 10.7 mi | 14m |
| US 61 | 5.6 mi | 7m |
| I 80 | 2.8 mi | 3m |
| 1st Avenue North | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| North Market Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| 1st Avenue | 0.9 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
US 151
— 45 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dubuque, IA and Coralville, 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
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
US 61; US 151
4
Take the exit onto US 151
45 mi
·
52 min
·
US 151
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
6
Turn left onto IA 1
10 mi
·
13 min
·
State Highway 1
7
Continue on IA 1
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
1st Avenue North
8
Continue on IA 1
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
State Highway 1
9
Enter roundabout onto US 30 Bus; IA 1
121 ft
·
5 sec
·
State Highway 1
10
Continue on US 30 Bus; IA 1
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
State Highway 1
11
Continue on IA 1
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Highway 1 Northeast
12
Continue on IA 1
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
North Market Street
13
Continue on IA 1
7.5 mi
·
10 min
·
Highway 1 Northeast
14
Continue on North Dodge Street
0.5 mi
·
55 sec
·
North Dodge Street
15
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
16
Merge onto I 80
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
I 80
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward VA Medical Center
18
Keep slight left at fork
309 ft
·
7 sec
19
Turn straight onto 1st Avenue
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
1st Avenue
Use the none lane.
20
Turn right onto US 6 Hist
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
5th Street
21
Turn right onto 12th Avenue
148 ft
·
5 sec
·
12th Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
12th Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the total travel time of under two hours, you have plenty of flexibility in your schedule to depart whenever it best suits your plans. Since there are no mandatory stops built into this 86.3-mile route, you can easily complete the drive in one go without needing to refuel mid-trip. If you prefer a relaxed pace, consider leaving mid-morning to avoid potential traffic near the larger hubs. Be mindful that the route relies heavily on US 151 for the majority of the mileage, so check local traffic reports for that corridor before you head out. This simple, direct path ensures you can spend less time behind the wheel and more time enjoying your destination.
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 43.1 miles from Dubuque, IA, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 45 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 80 miles or 1h 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.1 miles or 51m 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 32m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Coralville, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dubuque, 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 Dubuque, IA
This is one driving day of about 86.3 miles and 1h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Dubuque, 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 151 for about 45 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 43.1 mi from Dubuque, IA · 51m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
43 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 43.1 miles from Dubuque, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Coralville, IA
The final approach into Coralville, 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 Coralville, 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
$13.11 one way
$26.22 round trip
$3.86/gal
25.4 MPG avg
30 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.25 | $14.45 | $28.90 |
| premium | $4.80 | $16.29 | $32.58 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $19.17 | $38.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$13
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$38–$63
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 25.9 | 0 | $9.06 | $4.14 |
| Efficient EV | 21.6 | 0 | $7.55 | $3.45 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 34.5 | 0 | $12.08 | $5.52 |
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 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
Coralville, IA
Afternoon in Coralville on Sunday
Local time
1:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
43°F
Marion, IA
43 mi in
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
1h 53m 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 Coralville, IA covers 86.3 miles and takes about 1h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 151, State Highway 1, Highway 1 Northeast. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 43.1 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 $13.11 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 86.3 miles you will encounter 12 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 63.3 miles (US 30 Bus; IA 1 / State Highway 1): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 84.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.
The route from Dubuque, IA to Coralville, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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