Getting Here
Driving Directions
From Eastern Iowa Airport (Cedar Rapids) – 30 minutes, follow I-380 S and I-80 E to exit 244 for Dubuque St.
From Chicago – 3.5 hours, follow I-88 W and I-80 W to exit 246 for Dodge St.
From St. Louis – 4 hours, follow I-64 W to US-61 N, US-24 E, US-61 N, IA-27 N and US-218 N to S Gilbert St.
From Minneapolis – 4.5 hours, follow I-35W S, I-35 S, IA-27 S/US-18 E, US-218 S and I-380 S to exit 244 for Dubuque St.
From Omaha – 3.75 hours, follow I-80 E to exit 244 for Dubuque St.
From Milwaukee – 4 hours, follow I-43 S, I-39 S/I-90 E, US-51 S, I-88 W and I-80 W to IA-1 S/N Dodge St in Iowa City. Take exit 246 from I-80 W.
Airports
Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) – Cedar Rapids, IA
Located 20 miles north of the Iowa City area, the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) services major airlines including Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, and United. Nonstop destinations include Chicago (ORD), Charlotte (CLT), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix-Mesa (AZA), Denver (DEN), and Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW). Ground transportation by car rental, limo and shuttle service, taxi, bus, Uber, and Lyft.
Quad City International Airport (MLI) – Moline, IL.
Located 65 miles east of the Iowa City area, the Quad City International Airport (MLI) services major airlines including American, Allegiant, Delta, and United with 11 nonstop cities and connections beyond. Ground transportation by car rental, taxi, limo service, and MegaBus available.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) – Des Moines, IA
Located 125 miles west of the Iowa City area, the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) services major airlines including Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United. 21 nonstop destinations and connections beyond. Ground transportation by car rental, limo and shuttle service, taxi, bus, Uber, and Lyft.
Parking
Metered and free on-street and ramp parking is available throughout downtown Iowa City. Additional information and parking map here.
• Capitol Street Ramp (adjacent to Old Capitol Mall)
• Chauncey Swan Ramp (Gilbert Street with entrances on College and Washington Streets)
• Court Street Transportation Center and Ramp (Court and Dubuque Streets)
• Dubuque Street Ramp (adjacent to upcoming boutique hotel The Graduate, formerly the Sheraton)
• Tower Place Ramp (Iowa Avenue and Linn Street)
Electric Car Charging
Free public electric car charging available at these locations:
• ACT, 500 ACT Drive
• Billion Auto, 2641 Mormon Trek Blvd
• Carousel Nissan, 817 Highway 1 W
• Coralville Hy-Vee, 1914 8th St
• Iowa River Landing West Parking Ramp, 909 E 2nd Ave
• University of Iowa Facilities Management, 640 S Madison St
Bus Lines
Greyhound – Iowa City, IA
MegaBus – Iowa City, IA
Getting Around
Downtown Iowa City and Mission Creek Festival are very pedestrian friendly, with most venues within a five minute walk of each other. However, additional transportation options are available including public transit, car rental, taxi service, Uber, and Lyft.
Public Transit
6 AM to 3 PM and 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM Monday through Friday
6 AM to 7 PM Saturday
6 AM to 11:45 PM Monday through Friday
7:15 AM to 7:30 PM Saturday
CAMBUS (University of Iowa campus bus) – No fare
6:25 AM to 12:40 am Monday through Friday (during academic year)
11:40 AM to 12:40 AM Saturday and Sunday (during academic year)
GPS-based real time information on current bus locations and arrival times, via app, text, or phone.
Hotels
The Iowa City/Coralville area houses major hotel chains, local bed and breakfasts, and cozy Airbnb rentals for your home away from home. Rooms fill up fast during festival week, so we recommend that you book soon.
Iowa City
Brown Street Inn – A charming inn housed in a 1913 Gambrel Cottage Style Mansion in Iowa City’s historic Brown Street District.
Iowa House Hotel – The Iowa House Hotel is located on the University of Iowa campus, housed in the Iowa Memorial Union adjacent to the Iowa River and Pentacrest landmark.
Iowa Writers’ House – Iowa City’s home for writers, Iowa Writers’ House houses a bed and breakfast as well as workshops and events.
Hotel Vetro – Elegant, modern luxury hotel on the Pedestrian Mall in downtown Iowa City.
Hilton Garden Inn – Located in downtown Iowa City and featuring rooftop restaurant Vue.
The Graduate (open Summer 2018) – Coming to the former Sheraton space on the Pedestrian Mall in downtown Iowa City.
Coralville
Marriott Hotel & Convention Center – A short drive from Iowa City and located on the bustling Iowa River Landing, near Backpocket Brewing and Trader Joe’s.
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center – Featuring a complimentary shuttle to Iowa City.
SpringHill Suites – Brand-new hotel featuring spacious modern suites.
More Information
This guide is meant to serve as a starting point to your trip. Our friends at the Iowa City Downtown District and Think Iowa City can provide more information.
