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Trip from Marshalltown, 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

3h 28m

Distance

175.3 mi

282 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 16m ★
6 AM
3h 28m
8 AM
3h 53m
10 AM
3h 37m
12 PM
3h 34m
3 PM
3h 38m
5 PM
3h 51m
8 PM
3h 21m

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 and the county seat of Marshall County, Iowa, United States

Marshalltown, IA

Wikimedia Commons

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

Fort Madison, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Marshalltown, IA to Fort Madison, IA covers 175.3 miles and takes about 3h 28m 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, 73rd Street, Lincoln Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly surface roads. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 92.4 miles on Avenue of the Saints. At current regular gas prices, budget about $27.41 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

87.6 miles from Marshalltown, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Avenue of the Saints 92.4 mi 1h 45m
73rd Street 33.4 mi 38m
Lincoln Highway 31.5 mi 36m
State Highway 2 8.9 mi 12m
South Center Street 2.4 mi 4m
Avenue O 1.7 mi 2m
Avenue L 1.5 mi 2m
Avenue H 0.8 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Avenue of the Saints — 92.4 mi, about 1h 45m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on IA 14

0.8 mi · 1 min · North 3rd Avenue
2

Turn right onto IA 14

0.3 mi · 29 sec · East Anson Street
3

Turn left onto IA 14

2.4 mi · 4 min · South Center Street
4

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 45 sec
5

Merge onto US 30

31 mi · 36 min · Lincoln Highway
6

Continue on US 30

33 mi · 38 min · 73rd Street
7

Take the exit onto US 218

0.4 mi · 39 sec · US 218
Toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City, Airport
8

Merge onto I 380; US 218; IA 27

67 mi · 1 hr 15 min · Avenue of the Saints
9

Keep slight left at fork onto US 218; IA 27

26 mi · 29 min · Avenue of the Saints
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 58 sec
Toward IA 2: Donnellson, Fort Madison
11

Turn left onto IA 2

8.9 mi · 12 min · State Highway 2
12

Continue on Avenue O

1.7 mi · 2 min · Avenue O
13

Continue on US 61 Business

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Old Highway 61
14

Continue on US 61 Business

1.5 mi · 2 min · Avenue L
15

Turn left onto US 61 Business

0.2 mi · 21 sec · 18th Street
16

Turn right onto US 61 Business

0.8 mi · 1 min · Avenue H
17

Turn right onto Avenue I

139 ft · 12 sec · Avenue I
18

Turn left

61 ft · 4 sec
19

Arrive at destination

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 87.6 miles from Marshalltown, IA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92.4 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 39 miles or 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 87.6 miles or 1h 43m 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 47m

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 Marshalltown, 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 Marshalltown, IA

This is one driving day of about 175.3 miles and 3h 28m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Marshalltown, 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 92.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Iowa City, IA

88 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

Vinton, IA

Fuel and coffee

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

North Liberty, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 87.6 miles from Marshalltown, 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 92.4 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

Maid-Rite Marshalltown IA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+16417539684

Visit website

Smokin' G's BBQ Catering

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

0.3 mi

OPA! Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

0.4 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Grounded

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+16416548451

Visit website

Most Wanted Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshalltown, Iowa

1.4 mi

Sidekick Coffee & Books

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Iowa City, Iowa

2.6 mi

Maid-Rite Marshalltown IA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+16417539684

Visit website

Smokin' G's BBQ Catering

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16417534147

Visit website

OPA! Grill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+16417583322

Visit website

Tremont on Main Restaurants and Inn

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Marshalltown, Iowa

+16417521234

Visit website

Adelina's Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+16417522997

Visit website

Cedar Ridge Distillery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 75.1

Swisher, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13198574300

Visit website

The Youngville Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.1 mi from route Inexpensiv mile 50.1

Watkins, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+13195403600

Visit website

The Flying Elbow

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8:30 pm

+16417583235

Visit website

Grounded

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+16416548451

Visit website

Most Wanted Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+16417583380

Sidekick Coffee & Books

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 87.6

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+13195691010

Visit website

Grind Coffee

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 62.6

Fairfax, Iowa

Hours: 7–11 am

+13197847798

Visit website

Holy grounds coffee llc

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

The Filling Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 87.6

Iowa City, Iowa

+13193357510

Visit website

Kindred Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour Moderately mile 87.6

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

Visit website

DAYDRINK

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 87.6

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

Visit website

Red E Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 87.6

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 87.6

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+31880109500

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 87.6

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 87.6

Iowa City, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 87.6

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 50.1

Newhall, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

Sub City

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

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

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–7 pm

+16417521375

Taylor's

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

Visit website

Caramelcorn Shoppe/Smoothie Stop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 87.6

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+13196255568

The Spot

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

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

Marshalltown, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+16417526014

Visit website

The Pump

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 25

Tama, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–1:45 pm

+16414817332

Barrel House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 87.6

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13196262550

Visit website

The TapHaus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 62.6

Atkins, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13194462739

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.8 and 175.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0.8 mi into trip | ~1m in | IA 14 / East Anson Street

Turn right onto IA 14 / East Anson Street

Navigation decision point

4
1 mi into trip | ~1m in | IA 14 / South Center Street

Turn left onto IA 14 / South Center Street

Navigation decision point

5
68.7 mi into trip | ~1h 21m in | US 218

Take the exit onto US 218 toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South: Iowa City, Airport

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

Toward I 380 South, US 218 South, IA 27 South:...
5
161.5 mi into trip | ~3h 7m 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
5
175.3 mi into trip | ~3h 28m in

Turn left

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.41 one way

$54.81 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $30.09 $60.18
premium $4.89 $33.73 $67.47
diesel $5.61 $38.70 $77.41

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 61.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 52.6 0 $18.41 $8.41
Efficient EV 43.8 0 $15.34 $7.01
EV Truck/SUV 70.1 0 $24.54 $11.22

Gas CO2

61 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

Marshalltown, IA

Afternoon in Marshalltown on Saturday

Local time

12:25 PM

CDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fort Madison, IA

Afternoon in Fort Madison on Saturday

Local time

12:25 PM

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

5 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

3h 28m 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?

175.3 mi in 3h 28m across surface roads — expect steady turns and local traffic rather than long highway runs.

Only 5% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92.4 mi on Avenue of the Saints.

How Hard Is This Drive?

4/10

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 0.8 miles in near IA 14 / East Anson 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 3h 28m drive. You will face about 13 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (IA 14 / East Anson Street): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (IA 14 / South Center Street): Navigation decision point; at 68.7 miles (US 218): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Marshalltown, IA to Fort Madison, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Airport along the way.

Airport

68.7 mi in | ~1h 21m | via US 218

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 28m. Total distance: 175.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (5%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 92.4 miles on Avenue of the Saints. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.8 miles (IA 14 / East Anson Street): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (IA 14 / South Center Street): Navigation decision point; at 68.7 miles (US 218): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Fort Madison, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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Fort Madison, IA to Marshalltown, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

172.3 mi 2h 52m

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