Taking a Road Trip from Atlanta to Iowa City: How Long Will It Really Take?

Are you planning a road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Iowa City, Iowa? If so, you may be wondering just how long it will take you to get there. The distance between these two cities is significant, which means that planning your route and timing your drive can make all the difference in how long you'll be on the road.

Here are some tips to help you understand the routes, distance, and time it takes to get from Atlanta to Iowa City.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route to get from Atlanta to Iowa City is to take I-55 N out of Atlanta and connect to I-80 W in Joliet, Illinois. That route will take you through some major cities like Memphis and St. Louis, but you'll avoid a lot of the slower traffic through smaller towns.

If you prefer a more scenic drive with fewer highways, you can take I-75 N to Chattanooga, Tennessee, before taking I-24 W through Nashville, Tennessee, and Paducah, Kentucky. You'll then connect to I-57 N, which will bring you to I-80 W in Champaign, Illinois. This route is longer and has slightly more traffic, but it can be a more visually interesting drive.

Distance and Time

The distance between Atlanta and Iowa City is approximately 760 miles. If you take the fastest route as described above, you can expect the trip to take you about 11.5 hours of driving time.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the time it takes to drive from Atlanta to Iowa City can vary significantly based on traffic patterns, construction, and other factors. Rush hour traffic in major cities can add a significant amount of time to your drive, especially if you're traveling during the week or in the morning or evening.

To get a better idea of how long your trip will take, consider looking up current traffic conditions for your route as well as any known construction sites that might cause delays.

Peak vs Low Traffic Times

To make the most of your drive from Atlanta to Iowa City, consider planning your trip during low traffic times. During the week, this typically means avoiding rush hour traffic in larger cities like Atlanta, Nashville, and St. Louis. You might also consider leaving early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid peak congestion.

If you're flexible with your travel dates, consider planning your trip during a less busy time of the year. Late spring and summer are popular travel times, so you may experience more traffic during those months. Fall and winter can be quieter, which might mean fewer cars on the road during your drive.

Conclusion

Driving from Atlanta to Iowa City can be a long, but enjoyable trip if you take the time to plan your route and timing strategy. By understanding the fastest and slowest routes, the distance and time it takes to travel between the two cities, and the best times to drive, you can make the most of your travel experience. Happy driving!