Origin
Spencer, IA
Late night in Spencer on Wednesday
Local time
5:34 AM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Spencer, IA to Dubuque, IA
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
5h 44m
Distance
283 mi
455 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$44
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 31m
★
6 AM
5h 44m
8 AM
6h 10m
10 AM
5h 53m
12 PM
5h 51m
3 PM
5h 55m
5 PM
6h 9m
8 PM
5h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Spencer, IA
Jonas Horsch
Dubuque, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 283-mile drive from Spencer, Iowa, to Dubuque, Iowa, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 44 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 20, this highway-focused route keeps you moving efficiently across the Midwest. With a projected fuel cost of around $44, it's an accessible journey. The longest stretch without a significant turn is a substantial 234.7 miles on US 20, allowing for consistent progress. This trip is well-suited for a day trip, offering a straightforward path through the heart of Iowa.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
141.5 miles from Spencer, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway experience, with 83% of this 283-mile journey on main roads like US 20. You'll encounter stretches that are ideal for maintaining speed, especially the uninterrupted 234.7-mile segment on US 20. While the route is largely highway-focused, there are brief transitions onto local roads like 130th Avenue and 215th Avenue, offering a slight change of pace. Overall, this drive is characterized by its directness and efficiency, minimizing complex navigation for the 5-hour, 44-minute trip.
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 20 is the longest continuous segment at about 234.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 20 and 130th Avenue. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 47.2 miles in.
Route Complexity
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 5h 44m drive. You will face about 14 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 47.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 282.5 miles (US 61; US 151): Lane positioning matters here; at 282.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
47.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 7m in
Take the exit toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
6
282.5 mi into trip
|
~5h 42m in
|
US 61; US 151
At end of road, turn left onto US 61; US 151
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
282.6 mi into trip
|
~5h 42m 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
283 mi into trip
|
~5h 43m in
|
East 7th Street
Turn left onto East 7th Street
Navigation decision point
5
283 mi into trip
|
~5h 44m in
|
Central Avenue
Turn left onto Central Avenue
Navigation decision point
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 20 | 234.7 mi | 4h 33m |
| 130th Avenue | 29.1 mi | 39m |
| 215th Avenue | 13.4 mi | 18m |
| 11th Avenue Southwest | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| County Highway 71 | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| 11th Street Southwest | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Grand Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| 4th Avenue Southwest | 0.5 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 20
— 234.7 mi, about 4h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Spencer, IA and Dubuque, IA.
1
Start on East 4th Street
70 ft
·
8 sec
·
East 4th Street
2
Turn left onto US 18; US 71
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Grand Avenue
3
Turn right onto 4th Street Southwest
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
4th Street Southwest
4
Turn left onto 4th Avenue Southwest
0.5 mi
·
56 sec
·
4th Avenue Southwest
5
Turn right onto US 71
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
·
11th Street Southwest
6
Turn left onto US 71
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
11th Avenue Southwest
7
Continue on US 71
13 mi
·
18 min
·
215th Avenue
8
Continue on US 71
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
130th Avenue
9
Continue on US 71
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
County Highway 71
10
Continue on US 71
28 mi
·
37 min
·
130th Avenue
11
Continue on IA 471
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
·
US 71
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
50 sec
Toward US 20 East: Fort Dodge
13
Merge onto US 20; US 71
153 mi
·
2 hr 56 min
·
US 20; US 71
14
Keep slight left at fork onto US 20
81 mi
·
1 hr 36 min
·
US 20
15
Turn left onto IA 946
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
South Locust Street
Use the left lane.
16
Turn straight onto IA 946
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
IA 946
Toward IA 946
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 61; US 151
418 ft
·
13 sec
·
US 61; US 151
Use the left lane.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 189A
Toward White Street, Port of Dubuque
19
Continue on White Street
0.1 mi
·
27 sec
·
White Street
20
Turn left onto East 7th Street
284 ft
·
19 sec
·
East 7th Street
21
Turn left onto Central Avenue
31 ft
·
1 sec
·
Central Avenue
22
Arrive at destination
Central Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 283-mile drive, consider an early morning departure from Spencer, IA, to maximize daylight and arrive in Dubuque, IA, with ample time. The 5-hour, 44-minute duration is manageable in one day, but remember the longest stretch on US 20 is over 234 miles, so plan for at least one significant stop for fuel and a break. Keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is wise, as the estimated cost is $44. Given the high percentage of highway driving, you can maintain a steady pace, but be aware of potential changes in speed limits as you approach different towns along US 20.
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 141.5 miles from Spencer, IA, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 234.7 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 80 miles or 1h 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 141.5 miles or 2h 56m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 42m
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 Spencer, 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 Spencer, IA
This is one driving day of about 283 miles and 5h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Spencer, 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 20 for about 234.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 141.5 mi from Spencer, IA · 2h 56m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
142 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 141.5 miles from Spencer, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 20 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 234.7 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.
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.24 one way
$88.49 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
99 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $48.58 | $97.16 |
| premium | $4.89 | $54.46 | $108.92 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $62.48 | $124.97 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 99 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 84.9 | 1 | $29.71 | $13.58 |
| Efficient EV | 70.8 | 0 | $24.76 | $11.32 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 113.2 | 1 | $39.62 | $18.11 |
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Late night in Dubuque on Wednesday
Local time
5:34 AM
CDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
68°F
Waterloo, IA
142 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
2 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
5h 44m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Spencer, IA to Dubuque, IA covers 283 miles and takes about 5h 44m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 20, 130th Avenue, 215th Avenue. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 141.5 miles from Spencer, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.24 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a straightforward 5h 44m drive. You will face about 14 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 47.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 282.5 miles (US 61; US 151): Lane positioning matters here; at 282.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Spencer, IA to Dubuque, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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