Houston, TX, USA to Iowa City, IA, USA from $4387: 13 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

How to Get from Houston to Iowa City: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$4387 - Train, BusBest price

1374 kmDistance

8h 1m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Houston to Iowa City with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

See more options

Sort by

Browse car rentals Explore flights

Traveling From Houston to Iowa City

Traveling from Houston to Iowa City offers a fascinating contrast between Houston's vibrant urban life and Iowa City's charming, laid-back college town atmosphere.

Best Neighborhoods in Iowa City

Iowa City features diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Downtown Iowa City

• Vibrant arts scene with galleries and theaters.

• Numerous dining options featuring local cuisine.

North Liberty

• Family-friendly parks and recreational activities.

• Quick access to shopping and dining.

Old Town

• Historic charm with well-preserved architecture.

• Close to the university with student-friendly venues.

Best Times To Visit Iowa City's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Iowa City's top attractions.

University of Iowa's Pentacrest

Visit early mornings during weekdays for peace and quiet.

Iowa Avenue Literary Walk

Explore in late afternoon for beautiful lighting and fewer tourists.

Devonian Fossil Gorge

Go in spring or fall for enjoyable weather and fewer visitors.

Iowa City Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Iowa City experiences a humid continental climate, featuring hot summers and cold winters, with spring and fall offering mild temperatures. Visiting during late spring or early fall allows you to enjoy comfortable conditions, which can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Iowa City

Try the pork tenderloin sandwich at Hamburg Inn No. 2, a beloved local diner that showcases Midwestern comfort food with a twist. This dish stands out from Houston’s diverse culinary scene by offering a simple yet flavorful experience rooted in local ingredients and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Houston - Iowa City operators

Explore transport companies operating between Houston and Iowa City, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane

Website

aa.com

Plane from Houston Hobby Apt (HOU) to Cedar Rapids (CID)

Average Duration

9h 27m

Estimated price

$98-438

Plane from Houston (IAH) to Cedar Rapids (CID)

Average Duration

9h 22m

Estimated price

$127-487

Website

united.com

Plane from Houston Hobby Apt (HOU) to Moline (MLI)

Average Duration

11h 30m

Estimated price

$981-982

Website

delta.com

Plane from Houston Hobby Apt (HOU) to St. Louis (STL)

Average Duration

11h 27m

Estimated price

$983-984

Bus

Contact phone

1(800) 992-4618

Website

burlingtontrailways.com

Bus from Houston to Iowa City, Ia

Average Duration

31h 12m

Estimated price

$985-986

Contact phone

800 881 8181

Website

turimex.com

Bus from Houston to San Antonio

Average Duration

4h 53m

Estimated price

$5941-2579

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Houston to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

Average Duration

9h 30m

Estimated price

$1889-4879

Train from New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

19h 30m

Estimated price

$1882-4386

Houston to Iowa City: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Houston and Iowa City offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an exciting road trip from Houston to Iowa City covering a distance of 1053 miles. The journey offers a blend of scenic routes, diverse landscapes, and exciting pit stops along the way. 💰 Explore budget-friendly options with car travel costs ranging from $190 to $280 from Houston to Iowa City. Enjoy the flexibility of the open road and make memories as you traverse through states and experience the unique charm of each destination. 🕒 Set aside approximately 17 hours and 18 minutes for the drive from Houston to Iowa City. Navigate through highways, towns, and cities, soaking in the beauty of the Midwest while creating unforgettable moments on this memorable travel adventure.

Average price

$190 - $280

🛫 Traveling from Houston to Iowa City by plane is convenient, although there are no direct flights available. The quickest option with one stopover typically takes around 4 hours and 59 minutes. ✈️ Airlines such as United, Delta, and Southwest, along with two other carriers, provide flights from Houston Hobby Apt Airport to Cedar Rapids Airport, which is the closest airport to Iowa City. The total duration of the journey by air from Houston to Iowa City usually amounts to 9 hours and 27 minutes. 💰 The cost of a flight between Houston and Iowa City can range from $98 to $438, depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors. Travelers can choose from various options to reach their destination in Iowa City, with flexible schedules and prices to suit their preferences.

Departure Point

Houston Hobby Apt Airport

Arrival Point

Cedar Rapids Airport. The quickest flight takes 4h 59m and has one stopover

🚌 While there is no direct bus route from Houston to Iowa City, travelers can still reach their destination with transfers. The journey takes approximately 31 hours and 12 minutes, including stops in San Antonio, 17th & Vinton SW, and Omaha. 🚌 The cost of a bus ticket between Houston and Iowa City typically ranges from $273 to $399.

Departure Point

Houston station

Arrival Point

Iowa City, Ia station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Houston to Iowa City.

Or choose the category:

The distance between Houston and Iowa City is approximately 854 miles. The typical travel time by air is around 9 hours and 27 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly from Houston to Des Moines and then take a night bus, which takes about 8 hours and 18 minutes. If you prefer driving, it would take approximately 17 hours and 18 minutes by car. Lastly, taking a bus from Houston to Iowa City typically takes around 31 hours and 5 minutes.

The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Houston to Iowa City is by train and bus, with prices ranging from $100 to $550. This option takes approximately 40 hours and 24 minutes. However, for a more time-efficient journey, flying and taking a night bus is the quickest option, taking only 8 hours and 18 minutes and costing between $250 to $650. When choosing your mode of transportation, it is important to weigh both time and cost considerations to find the option that best suits your needs.

The prices for a bus ticket from Houston to Iowa City can range from $169 to $372. These prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of year, the bus company, and the type of ticket purchased. It's recommended to book in advance and compare prices from different bus companies to find the most affordable option for your travel needs.

To get from Houston to Iowa City without using public transportation, driving is the most convenient option. The road distance between the two cities is about 1053 miles, and it takes approximately 17 hours and 18 minutes to drive. It is important to note that the exact duration and cost may vary depending on factors such as traffic conditions and gas prices.

If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from Houston to Iowa City is by bus. The journey takes approximately 31 hours and 5 minutes and can cost between $160 and $380. Another option is to take a combination of a flight from Houston to Des Moines and then a night bus to Iowa City, which takes 8 hours and 18 minutes. However, the most convenient and quickest option is by car, which takes around 17 hours and 18 minutes.

There is no direct link between Houston and Iowa City. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey involves departing from Houston and changing buses in San Antonio and Omaha before reaching Iowa City. The total travel time is approximately 31 hours and 12 minutes.

The flight duration between Houston and Iowa City can range from around 4 hours and 31 minutes with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight available between the two cities. The cost of the flight typically ranges from $92 to $477 depending on various factors such as the airline, booking time, and availability. It is advisable to check for the best deals and compare prices before booking a flight.

There are numerous hotels available in Iowa City, with a range of prices to suit different budgets. Prices start at $47 and go up from there. It is advisable to check online travel websites or hotel booking platforms for the most up-to-date options and deals.

Houston, TX, USA to Iowa City, IA, USA from $4387: 13 ways by bus, train, flight or car

How to Get from Houston to Iowa City: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Houston to Iowa City

Best Neighborhoods in Iowa City

Best Times To Visit Iowa City's Attractions

Iowa City Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Iowa City

Houston - Iowa City operators

Houston to Iowa City: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Houston

Trips to San Antonio

Popular routes