Origin
Walcott, IA
Evening in Walcott on Wednesday
Local time
5:15 PM
CDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Walcott, IA to Iowa City, IA
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
54m
Distance
43.6 mi
70 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$7
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 50m
★
6 AM
0h 54m
8 AM
1h 3m
10 AM
0h 58m
12 PM
0h 57m
3 PM
0h 58m
5 PM
1h 3m
8 PM
0h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Walcott, IA
Quang Nguyen Vinh
Iowa City, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 43.6-mile drive from Walcott, IA, to Iowa City, IA, is easily manageable in about 54 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a day trip. Primarily utilizing I-80, this route offers a no-fuss journey through the Midwest region of Iowa. With a modest estimated fuel cost of $7, it's an economical choice for a quick hop. You'll spend most of your time on the highway, so expect a direct and efficient travel experience. This trip is ideal if you're looking for a simple transit between two points in Iowa without significant detours or overnight stays.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
21.8 miles from Walcott, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 26m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for 86% of this 43.6-mile trip, predominantly on I-80. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a solid 37.4 miles on I-80, allowing for consistent speed and minimal distractions. As you approach Iowa City, you'll transition from the interstate onto local roads like North Dodge Street and North Plainview Road, marking a slight shift in the driving environment. This route offers a consistent, high-speed character for the majority of its length, with a brief introduction to local traffic patterns as you reach your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 80 is the longest continuous segment at about 37.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 80 and North Dodge Street. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Bryant Street.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 54m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Bryant Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (South Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (CR F58; US 6 Hist / 200th Street): Navigation decision point.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Bryant Street
Turn right onto Bryant Street
Navigation decision point
4
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
South Main Street
Turn right onto South Main Street
Navigation decision point
5
1 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
CR F58; US 6 Hist / 200th Street
At end of road, turn left onto CR F58; US 6 Hist / 200th Street
Navigation decision point
4
2.9 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Take the ramp
Navigation decision point
4
40.5 mi into trip
|
~46m in
Take the exit toward IA 1: Mount Vernon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward IA 1: Mount Vernon
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 80 | 37.4 mi | 40m |
| North Dodge Street | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| North Plainview Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| South Main Street | 0.8 mi | 2m |
| 60th Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| North Gilbert Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| 200th Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Church Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 80
— 37.4 mi, about 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Walcott, IA and Iowa City, IA.
1
Start on Downey Street
52 ft
·
4 sec
·
Downey Street
2
Turn right onto Bryant Street
0.1 mi
·
33 sec
·
Bryant Street
3
Turn right onto South Main Street
0.8 mi
·
2 min
·
South Main Street
4
At end of road, turn left onto CR F58; US 6 Hist
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
200th Street
5
Turn right onto CR Y40
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
60th Avenue
6
Continue on CR Y40
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North Plainview Road
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
8
Merge onto I 80; US 6
37 mi
·
40 min
·
I 80; US 6
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward IA 1: Mount Vernon
10
Turn left onto IA 1
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
North Dodge Street
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn right onto Church Street
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
Church Street
12
Turn left onto North Gilbert Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Gilbert Street
13
Arrive at destination
South Gilbert Street
Trip Plan
Given the short 54-minute duration and 43.6-mile distance, this trip offers great flexibility. You can easily depart at your leisure, perhaps after a quick breakfast in Walcott. Since there are no designated stops and the longest stretch is on I-80, you won't need to plan for frequent breaks, though having fuel beforehand is always wise, especially with a $7 estimated cost. Keep an eye on your navigation as you transition off I-80 onto North Dodge Street and North Plainview Road to ensure a smooth arrival in Iowa City. This short distance means you can focus on your destination rather than the journey itself.
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 21.8 miles from Walcott, IA, or about 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.4 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 10 miles or 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 21.8 miles or 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Iowa City, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving Walcott, IA.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Walcott, IA
This is one driving day of about 43.6 miles and 54m.
At 43.6 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
The longest stretch is on I 80 for about 37.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 21.8 mi from Walcott, IA · 26m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
22 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 10 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 21.8 miles from Walcott, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Iowa City, IA
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Iowa City, IA if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$6.82 one way
$13.63 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
15 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $7.48 | $14.97 |
| premium | $4.89 | $8.39 | $16.78 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $9.63 | $19.25 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$7
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$32–$57
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 15.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $5 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 13.1 | 0 | $4.58 | $2.09 |
| Efficient EV | 10.9 | 0 | $3.82 | $1.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 17.4 | 0 | $6.10 | $2.79 |
Gas CO2
15 kg
EV CO2
5 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.
Destination
Iowa City, IA
Evening in Iowa City on Wednesday
Local time
5:15 PM
CDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
22 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
54m 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 Walcott, IA to Iowa City, IA covers 43.6 miles and takes about 54m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 80, North Dodge Street, North Plainview Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 21.8 miles from Walcott, IA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $6.82 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 54m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Bryant Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (South Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 1 miles (CR F58; US 6 Hist / 200th Street): Navigation decision point.
The route from Walcott, IA to Iowa City, IA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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