Ottumwa to Bettendorf is 137.1 miles and takes about 2h 53m via US 34 and U.S. 61, with a fuel budget near $21 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you across Iowa, moving from the Midwest region of Ottumwa to the Midwest region of Bettendorf. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive, making it a convenient option for a single-day journey. If you're looking for a simple point-to-point drive with minimal complexity, this route fits the bill.
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
68.6 miles from Ottumwa, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 21m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 53m. Total distance: 137.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
This route is largely a highway-focused drive, with 76% of it on major highways. You'll spend a good portion of your time on US 34 and then transition to U.S. 61, also known as the Avenue of the Saints. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 47.5 miles on US 34. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways, with a consistent pace for most of the journey.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 34 is the longest continuous segment at about 47.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 34 and U.S. 61. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near North Jefferson Street.
Driving Effort3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 2h 53m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (North Jefferson Street): Navigation decision point; at 71.1 miles (IA 92 / State Highway 92): Navigation decision point; at 88.7 miles (IA 92): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.3 mi into trip|~0m in|North Jefferson Street
Turn right onto North Jefferson Street
Navigation decision point
5
71.1 mi into trip|~1h 24m in|IA 92 / State Highway 92
At end of road, turn right onto IA 92 / State Highway 92
Navigation decision point
6
88.7 mi into trip|~1h 51m in|IA 92
Take the ramp onto IA 92 toward US 61 north, IA 92 east: Muscatine
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 61 north, IA 92 east: Muscatine
5
137.1 mi into trip|~2h 52m in|12th Street
Turn right onto 12th Street
Navigation decision point
5
137.1 mi into trip|~2h 53m in
Turn left
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 34
47.5 mi
55m
U.S. 61
20.3 mi
22m
Avenue of the Saints
19.9 mi
22m
State Highway 92
16.9 mi
25m
IA 92
11.6 mi
13m
West River Drive
9.1 mi
16m
Douglas King Memorial Expressway
7.1 mi
8m
Old US Highway 218
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 34
— 47.5 mi, about 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ottumwa, IA and Bettendorf, IA.
1
Start on West Fourth Street
0.3 mi·40 sec·West Fourth Street
2
Turn right onto North Jefferson Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·North Jefferson Street
3
Turn left onto US 34 Business
1.0 mi·1 min·East Main Street
4
Turn straight onto US 34 Business
0.2 mi·25 sec·Roemer Avenue
5
Turn left onto US 34; US 63
0.7 mi·57 sec·US 34; US 63
6
Take the exit onto US 34
47 mi·54 min·US 34
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 234
8
Turn left onto US 218 Business
1.1 mi·1 min·Old US Highway 218
9
Merge onto US 218; IA 27
20 mi·22 min·Avenue of the Saints
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
11
At end of road, turn right onto IA 92
8.6 mi·12 min·State Highway 92
12
Continue on IA 92
0.7 mi·1 min·Oak Street
13
Continue on IA 92
8.3 mi·12 min·State Highway 92
14
Take the ramp onto IA 92
12 mi·13 min·IA 92
Toward US 61 north, IA 92 east: Muscatine
15
Turn left onto US 61; IA 92
7.1 mi·8 min·Douglas King Memorial Expressway
16
Continue on US 61
20 mi·22 min·U.S. 61
17
Continue on US 61
9.1 mi·16 min·West River Drive
18
Continue on US 67
0.1 mi·15 sec·State Street
19
Continue on State Street
0.2 mi·39 sec·State Street
20
Turn right onto 12th Street
245 ft·17 sec·12th Street
21
Turn left
74 ft·3 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of just under 3 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider departing Ottumwa in the morning to give yourself ample time for the drive and any unexpected delays. With only one recommended stop, you can choose a convenient point along the way for a quick break or fuel. Keep an eye on your fuel levels as you approach Bettendorf; while the estimated cost is $21, it’s always wise to fill up before reaching your destination, especially if you plan to explore the area further upon arrival.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68.6 miles from Ottumwa, IA, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47.5 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 30 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68.6 miles or 1h 21m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bettendorf, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, IA
This is one driving day of about 137.1 miles and 2h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Ottumwa, 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 34 for about 47.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 68.6 mi from Ottumwa, IA
· 1h 21m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.43 one way
$42.87 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg48 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$23.53
$47.07
premium
$4.89
$26.38
$52.77
diesel
$5.61
$30.27
$60.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
41.1
0
$14.40
$6.58
Efficient EV
34.3
0
$12.00
$5.48
EV Truck/SUV
54.8
0
$19.19
$8.77
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Ottumwa, IA
Morning
in Ottumwa on Saturday
Local time
11:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bettendorf, IA
Morning
in Bettendorf on Saturday
Local time
11:15 AM
CDT
Current temp
52°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
18 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
2h 53m 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 Ottumwa, IA to Bettendorf, IA covers 137.1 miles and takes about 2h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 34, U.S. 61, Avenue of the Saints. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 68.6 miles from Ottumwa, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.43 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.
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 2h 53m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (North Jefferson Street): Navigation decision point; at 71.1 miles (IA 92 / State Highway 92): Navigation decision point; at 88.7 miles (IA 92): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Ottumwa, IA to Bettendorf, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
