Origin
Stuart, IA
Evening in Stuart on Thursday
Local time
5:07 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Stuart, IA to Sioux City, IA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 55m
Distance
160.1 mi
258 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Good
4 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 44m
★
6 AM
2h 56m
8 AM
3h 18m
10 AM
3h 3m
12 PM
3h 1m
3 PM
3h 5m
5 PM
3h 17m
8 PM
2h 49m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Stuart, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Sioux City, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Connecting Stuart to Sioux City, this 160.2-mile journey takes approximately 2 hours and 28 minutes to complete. Because the travel time is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a straightforward day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. You will navigate through the heart of the Midwest using a combination of the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, I-880 West, and I-29 North. Budgeting around $24 for fuel should comfortably cover your transit between these two Iowa points. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick getaway, this route offers a practical and efficient way to traverse 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
80.1 miles from Stuart, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 26m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 55m. Total distance: 160.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. While you will eventually transition onto I-880 West and I-29 North, the route maintains a dynamic feel as it navigates away from the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. Because the highway share is effectively zero for long, uninterrupted stretches, you will find yourself frequently adjusting your speed and navigating local turns. This profile makes for a more engaged driving experience compared to a standard highway haul. Be prepared for a varied journey that requires active steering rather than long periods of cruise control.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 29 is the longest continuous segment at about 75.3 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
1,408 ft
1,012 ft
Total Climb
464 ft
Total Descent
475 ft
Highest Point
1,408 ft
~22.9 mi in
Elevation Range
397 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 29 and I 80. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 66.1 miles in near I 880.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 160.1 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 66.1 miles (I 880): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 158.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
9
66.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 11m in
|
I 880
Keep slight right at fork onto I 880 toward I 880 West: North Omaha, Sioux City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 27
Toward I 880 West: North Omaha, Sioux City
6
82.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 29m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 29 North: Sioux City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 0B
Toward I 29 North: Sioux City
5
158.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
Take the exit toward Floyd Boulevard, Virginia Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Floyd Boulevard, Virginia Street
6
158.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 52m in
|
South Floyd Boulevard
Turn right onto South Floyd Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
159.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
|
6th Street
Keep slight left at fork onto 6th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 29 | 75.3 mi | 1h 21m |
| I 80 | 65.3 mi | 1h 9m |
| I 880 | 16.7 mi | 17m |
| South Floyd Boulevard | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| South Division Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Court Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 9th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 6th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 29
— 75.3 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Stuart, IA and Sioux City, IA.
1
Start on CR P28
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Division Street
2
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
3
Merge onto I 80; US 6
65 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
I 80; US 6
4
Keep slight right at fork onto I 880
17 mi
·
17 min
·
I 880
Exit 27
Toward I 880 West: North Omaha, Sioux City
Use the slight right lane.
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 0B
Toward I 29 North: Sioux City
6
Merge onto I 29
75 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
I 29
7
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward Floyd Boulevard, Virginia Street
8
Turn right onto South Floyd Boulevard
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Floyd Boulevard
Use the right lane.
9
Turn left onto 5th Street
396 ft
·
14 sec
·
5th Street
10
Turn right onto Iowa Street
346 ft
·
7 sec
·
Iowa Street
11
Keep slight left at fork onto 6th Street
426 ft
·
17 sec
·
6th Street
Use the left lane.
12
Turn right onto Court Street
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Court Street
13
Turn left onto 9th Street
0.2 mi
·
45 sec
·
9th Street
14
Turn right
115 ft
·
8 sec
15
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a manageable 2.5-hour trip, you have the flexibility to depart at a time that best suits your schedule without worrying about complex overnight planning. With no mandatory stops required by the route profile, you can easily drive the full 160.2 miles in one go if you prefer. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the route can be more taxing than a straight interstate shot, so ensure you have your navigation ready before you leave Stuart. Given the $24 fuel cost, topping off your tank before you depart is a smart way to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted run to Sioux City. Use the freedom of this short drive to prioritize your own comfort and pace.
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 80.1 miles from Stuart, IA, or about 1h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.3 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 80 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 80.1 miles or 1h 26m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sioux City, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Stuart, 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 Stuart, IA
This is one driving day of about 160.1 miles and 2h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Stuart, 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 I 29 for about 75.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 80.1 mi from Stuart, IA · 1h 26m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
80 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 80.1 miles from Stuart, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 29 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75.3 miles.
Arriving in Sioux City, IA
The final approach into Sioux City, 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 Sioux City, 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
$25.03 one way
$50.06 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
56 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $27.48 | $54.96 |
| premium | $4.89 | $30.81 | $61.62 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $35.35 | $70.70 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 56 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
4 DC fast chargers · Coverage: good
Tesla Supercharger
Shelby, Iowa
Tesla
1 DCFC
Shell Recharge Charging Station
Avoca, Iowa
Shell Recharge
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
Stuart, Iowa
Blink
1 DCFC
Red E Charging Station
Stuart, Iowa
Other
1 DCFC
Tesla: 1
Shell Recharge: 1
Blink: 1
Other: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 48 | 0 | $16.81 | $7.68 |
| Efficient EV | 40 | 0 | $14.01 | $6.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 64 | 0 | $22.41 | $10.25 |
Gas CO2
56 kg
EV CO2
19 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.
Destination
Sioux City, IA
Evening in Sioux City on Thursday
Local time
5:07 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°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 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 55m 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 Stuart, IA to Sioux City, IA covers 160.1 miles and takes about 2h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 29, I 80, I 880. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 80.1 miles from Stuart, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.03 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 demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 160.1 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 66.1 miles (I 880): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 158.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Stuart, IA to Sioux City, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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