Trip from Iowa City, IA to Webster City, IA

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

Drive Time

3h 6m

Distance

158.7 mi

255 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min

4 AM

2h 55m ★

6 AM

3h 6m

8 AM

3h 29m

10 AM

3h 14m

12 PM

3h 12m

3 PM

3h 16m

5 PM

3h 28m

8 PM

2h 59m

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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Trip Overview

The drive from Iowa City, IA to Webster City, IA covers 158.7 miles and takes about 3h 6m 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, I 80, Superior Street for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 149.5 miles on Avenue of the Saints. At current regular gas prices, budget about $24.81 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

79.3 miles from Iowa City, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 33m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 6m. Total distance: 158.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (3%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile.

Drive Character

Expect a 3h 6m drive with frequent turns across 158.7 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 13 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 149.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 10 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 158.7 miles you will encounter 10 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.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 10 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

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

157 mi into trip | ~3h 3m in

Take the exit toward IA 17 South

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward IA 17 South

4

158.7 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in | CR D20 / 2nd Street

Turn left onto CR D20 / 2nd Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Avenue of the Saints	149.5 mi	2h 49m
I 80	4.1 mi	4m
Superior Street	1.3 mi	2m
North Dubuque Street	1.2 mi	3m
South Gilbert Street	0.8 mi	2m
Kimball Road	<0.1 mi	<1m
2nd Street	<0.1 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 149.5 mi, about 2h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Iowa City, IA and Webster City, 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

79 mi · 1 hr 30 min · Avenue of the Saints

10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec

Toward IA 17 South

11

Turn right onto Superior Street

1.3 mi · 2 min · Superior Street

12

Turn left onto CR D20

60 ft · 1 sec · 2nd Street

13

Arrive at destination

CR D20

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 79.3 miles from Iowa City, IA, or about 1h 33m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 149.5 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 35 miles or 44m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 79.3 miles or 1h 33m 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 32m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Webster City, 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 158.7 miles and 3h 6m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 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 149.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 79.3 mi from Iowa City, IA · 1h 33m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Vinton, IA

79 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 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waterloo, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 79.3 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 149.5 miles.

Arriving in Webster City, IA

The final approach into Webster City, 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 Webster City, 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.

Nearby Places

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

Top Restaurant

Oasis Falafel (Iowa City)

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+13193587342

Visit website

Baroncini Ristorante Italiano and Pizza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Iowa City, Iowa

0.1 mi

Orchard Green Restaurant and Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

0.4 mi

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

Baroncini Ristorante Italiano and Pizza

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $50 to $60

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13193372048

Visit website

Orchard Green Restaurant and Lounge

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $10

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 5–9 pm

+13193541642

Visit website

SAIGON'S CORNER Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13193337233

Visit website

Szechuan House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+13193386788

Visit website

Masala Indian Cuisine

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+13193386199

Visit website

Le Gourmet Korean Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–7 pm

+13194710959

Visit website

Copper Boar American Pub

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 11.3

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13196650008

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 79.3

Waterloo, 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

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 22.7

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.81 one way

$49.62 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$27.24	$54.48
premium	$4.89	$30.54	$61.08
diesel	$5.61	$35.04	$70.08

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	47.6	$16.66	$7.62
Efficient EV	39.7	$13.89	$6.35
EV Truck/SUV	63.5	$22.22	$10.16

Gas CO2

56 kg

EV CO2

19 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 17, 2026

Origin

Iowa City, IA

Late night in Iowa City on Saturday

Local time

1:38 AM

CDT

Current temp

57°F

Mostly Clear

SE 5 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 16 at 9:20PM CDT until April 24 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 16 at 9:20PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Destination

Webster City, IA

Late night in Webster City on Saturday

Local time

1:38 AM

CDT

Current temp

48°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

49°F

Vinton, IA

79 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

9 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 6m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Iowa City, IA to Webster City, IA covers 158.7 miles and takes about 3h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Avenue of the Saints, I 80, Superior Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 79.3 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 $24.81 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 158.7 miles you will encounter 10 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 Webster City, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Iowa City, IA to Webster City, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Webster City, IA

Nearby Places

Oasis Falafel (Iowa City)

Oasis Falafel (Iowa City)

Baroncini Ristorante Italiano and Pizza

Orchard Green Restaurant and Lounge

SAIGON'S CORNER Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

Szechuan House

Masala Indian Cuisine

Le Gourmet Korean Restaurant

Copper Boar American Pub

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Red E Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

ChargeLab Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Iowa City, IA

Webster City, IA

Same local time

9 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 6m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip from Iowa City, IA to Webster City, IA?

What are the main roads on this route?

Is this a good same-day trip?

Where should I stop halfway?

How much does gas cost for this trip?

What is the best time to leave?

How many breaks should I plan?

How hard is the drive from Iowa City, IA to Webster City, IA?

Where does this route get tricky?

What towns show up on signs driving from Iowa City, IA to Webster City, IA?

How this page is built

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