Iowa City travel guide

Iowa City travel guide

National Airports

Iowa City does not have its own airport. The nearest airports to Iowa City are:

Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids: This airport is located approximately 20 miles north of Iowa City and offers flights to several major cities, including Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, and Dallas.

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in Des Moines: This airport is located approximately 115 miles west of Iowa City and offers flights to several major cities, including Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, and Dallas.

From either of these airports, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to get to Iowa City. Several shuttle services, such as the Eastern Iowa Airport Shuttle and the Hawkeye Express Shuttle, offer transportation to and from the airport to Iowa City.

Trains in Iowa City

Iowa City does not have a train station, and Amtrak does not currently serve the city. The nearest Amtrak station to Iowa City is in Mount Pleasant, which is approximately 50 miles southeast of the city. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to get to Iowa City.

However, Iowa City is part of the proposed Chicago to Iowa City passenger rail project, which would establish a new passenger rail service between the two cities. The project is still in the planning stages, and it’s not yet clear when the service will start.

Buses in Iowa City

Iowa City has a public transportation system called Iowa City Transit, which operates several bus routes throughout the city. The fare for a one-way trip is $1. The buses are wheelchair accessible and have bike racks.

In addition to Iowa City Transit, there are also several private bus companies that offer transportation to and from Iowa City. These companies include:

Greyhound: Greyhound operates a bus station in downtown Iowa City and offers connections to several major cities in the region, including Chicago, Minneapolis, and St. Louis.

Megabus: Megabus operates a bus service between Iowa City and Chicago, with several departures per day.

Burlington Trailways: Burlington Trailways offers bus service between Iowa City and several cities in Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.

Overall, there are several options for bus transportation to and from Iowa City, whether you’re looking to travel within the city or to another destination.

How to get to Iowa City

There are several ways to get to Iowa City, depending on where you’re coming from:

By car: Iowa City is located along Interstate 80, which runs east-west through Iowa. If you’re coming from the east or west, you can take I-80 to get to Iowa City. If you’re coming from the north or south, you can take I-380 and then merge onto I-80 to get to Iowa City.

By plane: The closest airport to Iowa City is the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids, which is approximately 20 miles north of the city. You can rent a car or take a shuttle service to get from the airport to Iowa City. The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is also an option, located approximately 115 miles west of Iowa City.

By bus: Several private bus companies, including Greyhound, Megabus, and Burlington Trailways, offer bus service to Iowa City. Greyhound has a station in downtown Iowa City, while Megabus and Burlington Trailways make stops in the city.

By train: While Iowa City does not have a train station, the nearest Amtrak station is in Mount Pleasant, which is approximately 50 miles southeast of the city. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to get to Iowa City.

Overall, there are several options for getting to Iowa City, depending on your preferences and where you’re coming from.

What is the best time to travel to Iowa City

The best time to travel to Iowa City largely depends on your preferences and the activities you’re interested in. Here’s an overview of the different seasons and what you can expect during each:

Summer (June-August): Summer is a popular time to visit Iowa City, as the weather is warm and there are many outdoor events and activities. Temperatures typically range from the 70s to the low 90s Fahrenheit, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city’s parks, hiking and biking trails, and outdoor festivals and concerts.

Fall (September-November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Iowa City, as the leaves change color and the weather cools down. Temperatures typically range from the 40s to the 70s Fahrenheit, and there are many fall festivals and events to enjoy, including football games at the University of Iowa.

Winter (December-February): Winter in Iowa City can be cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from the teens to the 30s Fahrenheit. However, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, including museums, theaters, and restaurants.

Spring (March-May): Spring is a popular time to visit Iowa City, as the weather starts to warm up and the flowers begin to bloom. Temperatures typically range from the 30s to the 60s Fahrenheit, and there are many outdoor events and activities to enjoy, including hiking and biking, farmers markets, and art festivals.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Iowa City depends on your personal preferences and what you’re interested in seeing and doing.

How to get around Iowa City

Iowa City has several transportation options for getting around the city:

Public transportation: Iowa City Transit is the city’s public transportation system and operates several bus routes throughout the city. Fares are affordable, and discounts are available for students, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Walking and biking: Iowa City is a very walkable and bike-friendly city, with many trails and sidewalks connecting different parts of the city. The city also has a bike-sharing program called B-Cycle, which allows you to rent a bike for short periods of time.

Taxis and ride-sharing services: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Iowa City, making it easy to get around the city quickly and conveniently.

Car rentals: If you prefer to have your own vehicle, several car rental companies have locations in Iowa City. Rental rates are generally affordable, and having a car can be convenient if you plan to explore areas outside of the city.

Overall, Iowa City is a relatively small city, and getting around is generally easy and convenient, regardless of which transportation method you choose.

Accommodations in Iowa City

Iowa City has a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some options:

Hotels: Iowa City has several hotels ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Some popular choices include the Hilton Garden Inn, Sheraton Iowa City Hotel, and Hotel Vetro.

Bed and breakfasts: For a more intimate experience, there are several bed and breakfasts located in Iowa City. The Brown Street Inn, located in the historic neighborhood of Brown Street, is a popular choice.

Vacation rentals: If you prefer more space and privacy, vacation rentals like apartments, condos, and houses are available in Iowa City through websites like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Hostels: For budget-conscious travelers, there is a hostel located in downtown Iowa City called the Iowa House Hostel.

University housing: During the summer months, the University of Iowa offers on-campus housing options for travelers, including residence hall rooms and apartments.

Regardless of your budget and preferences, Iowa City has a variety of accommodation options to choose from. It’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.