Iowa City travel guide

Iowa City Tourism | Iowa City Guide

You're Going to Love Iowa City

With a population of 67.862, Iowa City is a must-see destination in Iowa, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Iowa City to see all of its attractions.

Where to Eat in Iowa City

If you’re looking for affordable options, Joseph's Steakhouse of Iowa City (212 South Clinton Street) and Graze (115 E. College St.) are great picks.

When to visit Iowa City

Iowa City in January
Estimated hotel price
$107
1 night at 3-star hotel
Iowa City in January
Estimated hotel price
$107
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Iowa City in July, when the average temperature is 75.2 °F, and the highest can go up to 84.2 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 14 °F, with an average temperature of 23 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in July, when precipitation is around 5″. In contrast, January is usually the driest month of the year in Iowa City, with an average rainfall of 0.9″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Iowa City

Plane

Although Iowa City doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Cedar Rapids (CID), which is located 29 km from Iowa City. Waterloo is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Emirates and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Iowa City departs from Nashville and takes around 1h 34m.

Car

Another option to get to Iowa City is to pick up a car rental from Madison, which is about 235 km from Iowa City. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, among others, in Madison.

Bus

Iowa City’s bus station is located 0.6 km from the city center.

Plane

Although Iowa City doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Cedar Rapids (CID), which is located 29 km from Iowa City. Waterloo is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Emirates and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Iowa City departs from Nashville and takes around 1h 34m.

Car

Another option to get to Iowa City is to pick up a car rental from Madison, which is about 235 km from Iowa City. You’ll find branches of Hertz and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, among others, in Madison.

Bus

Iowa City’s bus station is located 0.6 km from the city center.

Airports near Iowa City

Airlines serving Iowa City

Lufthansa
Good (4,614 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,451 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,599 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,549 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,930 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,478 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,729 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,515 reviews)
Aer Lingus
Good (776 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,344 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (775 reviews)
Avianca
Good (1,325 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (815 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (769 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (538 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (5,775 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Iowa City

Most booked hotels in Iowa City

Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville
3 stars
Excellent (9.5, 817 reviews)
$131+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Coralville, IA
2 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1211 reviews)
$98+
Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 150 reviews)
$165+
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 598 reviews)
$124+
Graduate Iowa City
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1288 reviews)
$116+
Hampton Inn Iowa City/Coralville
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 175 reviews)
$112+

Renting a car in Iowa City

Renting a car in Iowa City costs $59 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 6% more expensive than at Cedar Rapids.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Iowa City (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Iowa City is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Ford Focus or similar) are, on average, 56% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Iowa City costs $59 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 6% more expensive than at Cedar Rapids.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Iowa City (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Iowa City is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Ford Focus or similar) are, on average, 56% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.