Trip from Marion, IA to Fort Madison, IA

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

Drive Time

2h 23m

Distance

117.2 mi

189 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min

4 AM

2h 14m ★

6 AM

2h 23m

8 AM

2h 43m

10 AM

2h 30m

12 PM

2h 28m

3 PM

2h 31m

5 PM

2h 42m

8 PM

2h 18m

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 Linn County, Iowa, United States

Marion, IA

Joanna Bogacz

city and county seat in Lee County, Iowa, United States

Fort Madison, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Marion, IA to Fort Madison, IA covers 117.2 miles and takes about 2h 23m 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, State Highway 2, Avenue O for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 98.4 miles on Avenue of the Saints. At current regular gas prices, budget about $18.32 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.

Midpoint

58.6 miles from Marion, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 23m. Total distance: 117.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (8%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile.

Drive Character

Expect a 2h 23m drive with frequent turns across 117.2 miles of local and secondary roads.

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

There are about 27 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 98.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near 10th Street.

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 2h 23m drive. You will face about 15 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (10th Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (US 151 Business / 7th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles: Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | 10th Street

Turn left onto 10th Street

Navigation decision point

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 151 Business / 7th Avenue

Turn right onto US 151 Business / 7th Avenue

Navigation decision point

0.3 mi into trip | ~0m in

Enter roundabout

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

4.7 mi into trip | ~9m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

103.4 mi into trip | ~2h 2m in

Take the exit toward IA 2: Donnellson, Fort Madison

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

Toward IA 2: Donnellson, Fort Madison

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Avenue of the Saints	98.4 mi	1h 53m
State Highway 2	8.9 mi	12m
Avenue O	1.7 mi	2m
Avenue L	1.5 mi	2m
Oakland Road Northeast	1 mi	1m
Collins Road Northeast	0.9 mi	1m
Old Marion Road Northeast	0.9 mi	1m
Avenue H	0.8 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 98.4 mi, about 1h 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Marion, IA and Fort Madison, IA.

Start on 8th Avenue

445 ft · 22 sec · 8th Avenue

Turn left onto 10th Street

322 ft · 12 sec · 10th Street

Turn right onto US 151 Business

0.2 mi · 21 sec · 7th Avenue

Enter roundabout

103 ft · 4 sec

Continue

130 ft · 5 sec

Continue on 7th Avenue

0.3 mi · 47 sec · 7th Avenue

Continue on US 151 Business

0.6 mi · 1 min · Marion Boulevard

Continue on US 151 Business

0.1 mi · 18 sec · 1st Avenue East

Turn right onto IA 100

0.9 mi · 1 min · Collins Road Northeast

Turn left onto CR W56

140 ft · 3 sec · C Avenue Northeast

Turn slight right onto Old Marion Road Northeast

0.9 mi · 1 min · Old Marion Road Northeast

Continue on Oakland Road Northeast

1.0 mi · 1 min · Oakland Road Northeast

Turn right onto 29th Street Northeast

0.3 mi · 30 sec · 29th Street Northeast

Continue on Coldstream Avenue Northeast

0.1 mi · 22 sec · Coldstream Avenue Northeast

Turn left

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Merge onto I 380; IA 27

73 mi · 1 hr 23 min · Avenue of the Saints

Keep slight left at fork onto US 218; IA 27

26 mi · 29 min · Avenue of the Saints

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 58 sec

Toward IA 2: Donnellson, Fort Madison

Turn left onto IA 2

8.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 2

Continue on Avenue O

1.7 mi · 2 min · Avenue O

Continue on US 61 Business

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Old Highway 61

Continue on US 61 Business

1.5 mi · 2 min · Avenue L

Turn left onto US 61 Business

0.2 mi · 21 sec · 18th Street

Turn right onto US 61 Business

0.8 mi · 1 min · Avenue H

Turn right onto Avenue I

139 ft · 12 sec · Avenue I

Turn left

61 ft · 4 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

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 58.6 miles from Marion, IA, or about 1h 11m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 98.4 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 26 miles or 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58.6 miles or 1h 11m 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 54m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Marion, 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 Marion, IA

This is one driving day of about 117.2 miles and 2h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Marion, IA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on Avenue of the Saints for about 98.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 58.6 mi from Marion, IA · 1h 11m into the drive

city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Iowa City, IA

59 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

North Liberty, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Riverside, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.6 miles from Marion, 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 98.4 miles.

Arriving in Fort Madison, IA

The final approach into Fort Madison, 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 Fort Madison, IA.

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

Café by Country Kitchen

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marion, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13193778627

Visit website

Eva's Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Marion, Iowa

0.2 mi

Mikhael's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

0.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Café Saint Pio

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 8.4

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13192001000

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

0.9 mi

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1 mi

Café by Country Kitchen

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13193778627

Visit website

Eva's Mexican Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13193207702

Visit website

Mikhael's

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 8.4

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+13193663644

Visit website

Lucky's on 16th

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 8.4

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13192004590

Visit website

Czech Town Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 8.4

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13192005776

Visit website

Cedar Ridge Distillery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 16.7

Swisher, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13198574300

Visit website

Brewhemia

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 8.4

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13193640802

Visit website

Black Sheep Social Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30 mile 8.4

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+13192007070

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 8.4

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Midnight Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 25.1

Tiffin, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+13196262272

Visit website

Veritas Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 8.4

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+13192083192

1.1 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 8.4

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Bistro at Blooms

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2:30 pm

+13194499996

Visit website

Barrel House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 25.1

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13196262550

Visit website

Field Day Brewing Co.

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 25.1

North Liberty, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–11 pm

+13192082154

Visit website

Caramelcorn Shoppe/Smoothie Stop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 25.1

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+13196255568

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.32 one way

$36.65 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$20.12	$40.24
premium	$4.89	$22.55	$45.11
diesel	$5.61	$25.88	$51.75

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 41 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	35.2	$12.31	$5.63
Efficient EV	29.3	$10.25	$4.69
EV Truck/SUV	46.9	$16.41	$7.50

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 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

Marion, IA

Morning in Marion on Saturday

Local time

10:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Madison, IA

Morning in Fort Madison on Saturday

Local time

10:52 AM

CDT

Current temp

73°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

24 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

2h 23m 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 Marion, IA to Fort Madison, IA covers 117.2 miles and takes about 2h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Avenue of the Saints, State Highway 2, Avenue O. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 58.6 miles from Marion, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.32 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 is a straightforward 2h 23m drive. You will face about 15 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

The route from Marion, IA to Fort Madison, 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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Return Trip

Fort Madison, IA to Marion, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

117 mi 2h 23m

Explore more options from Marion, IA or browse trips ending in Fort Madison, IA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.

Trip from Marion, IA to Fort Madison, 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 Fort Madison, IA

Nearby Places

Café by Country Kitchen

Café Saint Pio

Café by Country Kitchen

Eva's Mexican Restaurant

Mikhael's

Lucky's on 16th

Czech Town Station

Cedar Ridge Distillery

Brewhemia

Black Sheep Social Club

Café Saint Pio

Groundswell Cafe

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

Roasters Coffeehouse NewBo

Midnight Coffee

Veritas Cafe

Trading Grounds

Opus Concert Cafe

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Blink Charging Station

ChargeLab Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Bistro at Blooms

Barrel House

Field Day Brewing Co.

Caramelcorn Shoppe/Smoothie Stop

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Marion, IA

Fort Madison, IA

Same local time

24 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 23m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip from Marion, IA to Fort Madison, 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 hard is the drive from Marion, IA to Fort Madison, IA?

Where does this route get tricky?

What towns show up on signs driving from Marion, IA to Fort Madison, IA?

How this page is built

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