Origin
Keokuk, IA
Afternoon in Keokuk on Friday
Local time
1:30 PM
CDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Keokuk, IA to Dubuque, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 47m
Distance
190.6 mi
307 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 35m
★
6 AM
3h 47m
8 AM
4h 13m
10 AM
3h 56m
12 PM
3h 54m
3 PM
3h 58m
5 PM
4h 12m
8 PM
3h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Keokuk, IA
Egor Komarov
Dubuque, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 190.6-mile drive from Keokuk, IA to Dubuque, IA is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with about 64% of the journey on major roads like US 61. With an estimated fuel cost of $30, it's an economical option for exploring the Midwest. You'll experience a relatively straightforward drive, making it ideal for a single-day adventure without the need for an overnight stay. This trip offers a direct connection between two Iowa communities, keeping you largely within the familiar landscape of 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
95.3 miles from Keokuk, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 47m. Total distance: 190.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (64%). Straightforward navigation.
Drive Character
The character of this drive is largely highway-focused, with a significant 64% of the 190.6 miles utilizing major roadways. You'll find yourself on US 61 for extended periods, including a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 94.3 miles. This suggests a consistent pace for much of the journey, allowing for efficient travel. While predominantly highway, the approach into towns will naturally involve more local road navigation. Expect a steady, functional driving experience rather than a winding, scenic tour.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 94.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 61 and North Brady Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 118.4 miles in near US 61.
Driving Effort
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 3h 47m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 118.4 miles (US 61): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.2 miles (US 61): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
118.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 20m in
|
US 61
Take the exit onto US 61 toward I 80 East, US 61 North: Chicago
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 80 East, US 61 North: Chicago
5
124.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 27m in
|
US 61
Take the exit onto US 61 toward US 61 North: Eldridge, DeWitt
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 61 North: Eldridge, DeWitt
6
190.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 46m in
Take the exit toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 189A
Toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
5
190.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 47m in
|
East 7th Street
Turn left onto East 7th Street
Navigation decision point
5
190.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 47m in
|
Central Avenue
Turn left onto Central Avenue
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 Keokuk, IA to Dubuque, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Dewitt along the way.
Dewitt
124.2 mi in
|
~2h 27m
|
via US 61
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 61 | 94.3 mi | 1h 52m |
| North Brady Street | 64.6 mi | 1h 16m |
| U.S. 61 | 20.3 mi | 22m |
| Douglas King Memorial Expressway | 7.1 mi | 8m |
| Main Street | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| West River Drive | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| White Street | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| East 7th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 61
— 94.3 mi, about 1h 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Keokuk, IA and Dubuque, IA.
1
Start on US 136
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Main Street
2
Continue on US 61; US 218
72 mi
·
1 hr 25 min
·
US 61; US 218
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on US 61; IA 92
8.8 mi
·
10 min
·
US 61; IA 92
4
Turn left onto US 61; IA 92
7.1 mi
·
8 min
·
Douglas King Memorial Expressway
5
Continue on US 61
20 mi
·
22 min
·
U.S. 61
6
Continue on US 61
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
West River Drive
7
Turn left onto US 61
6.2 mi
·
7 min
·
US 61
8
Take the exit onto US 61
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
US 61
Toward I 80 East, US 61 North: Chicago
9
Take the exit onto US 61
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
US 61
Toward US 61 North: Eldridge, DeWitt
10
Merge onto US 61
65 mi
·
1 hr 16 min
·
North Brady Street
11
Keep slight left at fork onto US 61; US 151
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
US 61; US 151
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 189A
Toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
13
Continue on White Street
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
White Street
14
Turn left onto East 7th Street
284 ft
·
19 sec
·
East 7th Street
15
Turn left onto Central Avenue
31 ft
·
1 sec
·
Central Avenue
16
Arrive at destination
Central Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 3 hour and 47 minute duration, this drive is perfectly suited for a single day, allowing you to depart Keokuk in the morning and arrive in Dubuque by afternoon. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longest 94.3-mile stretch on US 61, to avoid any unexpected detours. The estimated fuel cost of $30 makes this an affordable trip, so budget accordingly. Aiming for an early departure will give you ample time to enjoy your destination.
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 95.3 miles from Keokuk, IA, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 94.3 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 42 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 95.3 miles or 1h 53m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Dubuque, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Keokuk, 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 Keokuk, IA
This is one driving day of about 190.6 miles and 3h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Keokuk, 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 US 61 for about 94.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 95.3 mi from Keokuk, IA · 1h 53m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
95 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 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 95.3 miles from Keokuk, 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 94.3 miles.
Arriving in Dubuque, IA
The final approach into Dubuque, 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 Dubuque, 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
$29.80 one way
$59.60 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
67 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $32.72 | $65.43 |
| premium | $4.89 | $36.68 | $73.36 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.08 | $84.16 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 57.2 | 0 | $20.01 | $9.15 |
| Efficient EV | 47.7 | 0 | $16.68 | $7.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 76.2 | 0 | $26.68 | $12.20 |
Gas CO2
67 kg
EV CO2
22 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
Dubuque, IA
Afternoon in Dubuque on Friday
Local time
1:30 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
7 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 47m 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 Keokuk, IA to Dubuque, IA covers 190.6 miles and takes about 3h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 61, North Brady Street, U.S. 61. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 95.3 miles from Keokuk, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.80 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 is a straightforward 3h 47m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 118.4 miles (US 61): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.2 miles (US 61): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 190.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Keokuk, IA to Dubuque, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Dewitt along the way.
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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