Arlington Heights to Iowa City: Road Trip Guide & Distance

185 miles 297.7 km · straight line
231.2 miles estimated 372.1 km · driving distance
4h 39min estimated drive time
$22 - $27 estimated fuel cost
~52min flight time
262° W bearing direction

How far is Arlington Heights from Iowa City?

The distance from Arlington Heights to Iowa City is 185 miles (297.7 km) as the crow flies. Iowa City is located W of Arlington Heights. By car, the driving distance is approximately 231.2 miles, taking about 4h 39min. A direct flight would take roughly 52min. Both are located in United States — Arlington Heights in Illinois and Iowa City in Iowa.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Arlington Heights and Iowa City. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Arlington Heights to Iowa City

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 4h 39min $22 - $27 Flexible stops
Fly ~52min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~5h 35min $18–$35* Budget
Train ~4h 25min $28–$81* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Arlington Heights & Iowa City

Quick Facts

Arlington Heights
42.09°N, 87.98°W
America/Chicago
214m elevation
Iowa City
41.66°N, 91.53°W
America/Chicago
204m elevation
Explore more routes from Iowa City

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 62 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 15 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 134.6 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients