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Trip from Iowa City, IA to Eagle Grove, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 32m

Distance

177.3 mi

285 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

15 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 20m ★
6 AM
3h 32m
8 AM
3h 57m
10 AM
3h 41m
12 PM
3h 38m
3 PM
3h 42m
5 PM
3h 56m
8 PM
3h 25m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States

Iowa City, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Eagle Grove, IA, IA

Eagle Grove, IA

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

The drive from Iowa City, IA to Eagle Grove, IA covers 177.3 miles and takes about 3h 32m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Avenue of the Saints, Stagecoach Road, State Highway 17 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 154 miles on Avenue of the Saints. At current regular gas prices, budget about $27.72 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

88.6 miles from Iowa City, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Avenue of the Saints 154 mi 2h 54m
Stagecoach Road 7.4 mi 11m
State Highway 17 6.7 mi 9m
I 80 4.1 mi 4m
North Dubuque Street 1.2 mi 3m
South Commercial Avenue 0.8 mi 1m
South Gilbert Street 0.8 mi 2m
220th Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 154 mi, about 2h 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City, IA and Eagle Grove, IA.

1

Start on South Gilbert Street

0.8 mi · 2 min · South Gilbert Street
2

Turn slight left onto Kimball Road

477 ft · 22 sec · Kimball Road
3

Turn right onto North Dubuque Street

1.2 mi · 3 min · North Dubuque Street
4

Turn left

0.4 mi · 58 sec
5

Merge onto I 80

4.1 mi · 4 min · I 80
6

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
7

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
8

Merge onto I 380; US 218; IA 27

71 mi · 1 hr 18 min · Avenue of the Saints
9

Keep slight left at fork onto US 20; IA 27

83 mi · 1 hr 36 min · Avenue of the Saints
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec
Toward IA 17 North
11

Turn right onto IA 17

1.5 mi · 2 min · Stagecoach Road
12

At end of road, turn left onto CR D20; IA 17; CR D20

0.4 mi · 38 sec · 220th Street
13

Turn right onto IA 17

5.9 mi · 8 min · Stagecoach Road
14

Continue on IA 17

6.7 mi · 9 min · State Highway 17
15

Continue on South Commercial Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Commercial Avenue
16

Turn right onto West Broadway Street

30 ft · 1 sec · West Broadway Street
17

Arrive at destination

West Broadway Street

Trip Plan

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 88.6 miles from Iowa City, IA, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 154 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 39 miles or 48m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 88.6 miles or 1h 44m 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 49m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eagle Grove, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Iowa City, 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 Iowa City, IA

This is one driving day of about 177.3 miles and 3h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Iowa City, 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 Avenue of the Saints for about 154 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Vinton, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vinton, IA

89 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

Cedar Rapids, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waterloo, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 88.6 miles from Iowa City, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Avenue of the Saints if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 154 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Crêpes de Luxe Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13198872233

Visit website

Pullman Bar & Diner

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

0.2 mi

Oasis Falafel (Iowa City)

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

0.2 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Kindred Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

The Black Angel Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

0.2 mi

DAYDRINK

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

0.5 mi

Crêpes de Luxe Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13198872233

Visit website

Pullman Bar & Diner

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $20 to $30

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+13193381808

Visit website

Oasis Falafel (Iowa City)

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13193587342

Visit website

St. Burch Tavern

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route Moderately

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13193417700

Visit website

Nodo Downtown

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+13193591181

Visit website

The Encounter Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2:30 pm

+13195192044

Visit website

Bluebird Diner

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13193511470

Visit website

The Dandy Lion

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13193586400

Visit website

Kindred Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

The Black Angel Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+13193591848

Visit website

DAYDRINK

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

Café Saint Pio

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13192001000

Press Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–6 pm

+13198871500

Visit website

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 25.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13192003218

Visit website

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13192002791

Visit website

Roasters Coffeehouse NewBo

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 25.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 25.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargeLab Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+31880109500

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 12.7

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 76

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Field Day Brewing Co.

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 12.7

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+13192082154

Visit website

Caramelcorn Shoppe/Smoothie Stop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+13196255568

Barrel House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 12.7

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13196262550

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 6.6 and 163.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
6.6 mi into trip | ~11m in

Take the exit toward I 380, US 218, IA 27

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
6
6.9 mi into trip | ~12m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar...
4
78.3 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in | US 20; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

Keep slight left at fork onto US 20; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

4
161.5 mi into trip | ~3h 8m in

Take the exit toward IA 17 North

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward IA 17 North
4
163.4 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in | CR D20; IA 17; CR D20 / 220th Street

At end of road, turn left onto CR D20; IA 17; CR D20 / 220th Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.72 one way

$55.44 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 62 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.43 $60.87
premium $4.89 $34.12 $68.24
diesel $5.61 $39.15 $78.29

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 62 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

15 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Blink Charging Station

Webster City, Iowa

Blink

1 DCFC

Red E Charging Station

Webster City, Iowa

Other

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Iowa City, Iowa

Tesla

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Tesla

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Waterloo, Iowa

Tesla

1 DCFC

Tesla Supercharger

Coralville, Iowa

Tesla

1 DCFC

EV Connect Charging Station

Iowa City, Iowa

EV Connect

1 DCFC

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Coralville, Iowa

Shell Recharge

1 DCFC

Tesla: 4 Other: 3 Shell Recharge: 3 Blink: 2 ChargePoint: 2 EV Connect: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 53.2 0 $18.62 $8.51
Efficient EV 44.3 0 $15.51 $7.09
EV Truck/SUV 70.9 0 $24.82 $11.35

Gas CO2

62 kg

EV CO2

21 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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Iowa City, IA

Afternoon in Iowa City on Saturday

Local time

2:13 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Eagle Grove, IA

Afternoon in Eagle Grove on Saturday

Local time

2:13 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Vinton, IA

89 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

2 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 32m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a 3h 32m drive with frequent turns across 177.3 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Avenue of the Saints is the longest continuous segment at about 154 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 6.6 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 177.3 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 6.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 78.3 miles (US 20; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

1,173 ft 666 ft

Total Climb

560 ft

Total Descent

111 ft

Highest Point

1,173 ft

~152 mi in

Elevation Range

506 ft

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 32m. Total distance: 177.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (6%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Iowa City, IA to Eagle Grove, IA covers 177.3 miles and takes about 3h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Avenue of the Saints, Stagecoach Road, State Highway 17. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 88.6 miles from Iowa City, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.72 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 177.3 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 6.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 78.3 miles (US 20; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints): Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

The route from Iowa City, IA to Eagle Grove, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 666 ft to 1,173 ft elevation with about 560 ft of total climbing.

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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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