Trip from Britt, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 20m

Distance

167.8 mi

270 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 9m ★

6 AM

3h 21m

8 AM

3h 45m

10 AM

3h 29m

12 PM

3h 27m

3 PM

3h 30m

5 PM

3h 44m

8 PM

3h 14m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Britt, IA

Quang Nguyen Vinh

Trip Overview

This straightforward 167.8-mile drive from Britt, IA, to Cedar Rapids, IA, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 18 and the Avenue of the Saints, about 71% of this journey is on highways, making it a focused driving experience. With a projected fuel cost of around $26, it's an economical option for exploring more of the Midwest. This route is a solid choice if you're looking for an efficient trip, as it’s a direct path with just one recommended stop. The overall feel is one of practical transit through the heart of Iowa.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

83.9 miles from Britt, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 18	82 mi	1h 35m
Avenue of the Saints	44.9 mi	48m
US Highway 18	22.9 mi	32m
Leo P Rooff Expressway	6.7 mi	8m
I 380	6.5 mi	7m
Washington Street	2.4 mi	3m
32nd Street Northeast	1.3 mi	2m
Main Avenue North	0.3 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: US 18 — 82 mi, about 1h 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Britt, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA.

Start on Main Avenue North

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Main Avenue North

Turn right onto US 18

23 mi · 32 min · US Highway 18

Take the ramp onto US 18

0.3 mi · 37 sec · US 18

Toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des Moines

Merge onto I 35; US 18; IA 27

2.6 mi · 2 min · Avenue of the Saints

Take the exit onto US 18; IA 27

0.4 mi · 26 sec · US 18; IA 27

Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City

Turn slight right onto US 18; IA 27

81 mi · 1 hr 34 min · US 18; IA 27

Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City

Take the exit

317 ft · 7 sec

Toward US 218 south: Waterloo

Continue on US 218

0.3 mi · 39 sec · US 218

Toward US 218 south: Waterloo

Merge onto US 218

6.7 mi · 8 min · Leo P Rooff Expressway

Continue on US 218

2.4 mi · 3 min · Washington Street

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380

6.5 mi · 7 min · I 380

Toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380; IA 27

42 mi · 45 min · Avenue of the Saints

Toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec

Keep slight left at fork

121 ft · 4 sec

Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast

1.3 mi · 2 min · 32nd Street Northeast

Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast

184 ft · 10 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast

Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast

177 ft · 7 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast

Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast

428 ft · 18 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast

Arrive at destination

Tiperary Drive Northeast

Trip Plan

Given its manageable 3-hour and 20-minute duration, this route is best tackled in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave Britt, IA, in the morning to allow ample time for reaching Cedar Rapids, IA, with a comfortable pace. The longest stretch of 82 miles on US 18 means you can cover significant ground before needing to consider a fuel or rest stop. Plan your single recommended stop strategically along this segment to break up the drive. Keep an eye on fuel levels, especially before entering the longer stretches of highway.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 83.9 miles from Britt, IA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 37 miles or 48m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 83.9 miles or 1h 43m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 46m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cedar Rapids, IA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Britt, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Britt, IA

This is one driving day of about 167.8 miles and 3h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Britt, IA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on US 18 for about 82 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Bremer County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waverly, IA

84 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Mason City, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Shell Rock, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 83.9 miles from Britt, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 18 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.8

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193936000

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.5 mi

Persis Biryani Indian Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 167.8

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13192003218

Visit website

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

2.8 mi

Veritas Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

2.5 mi

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193936000

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193950450

Visit website

Persis Biryani Indian Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13198262000

Visit website

Rio Burritos

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+13199815001

Visit website

Napoli's Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 167.8

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193772100

Visit website

Scott's Family Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+13195504517

Visit website

Cobble Hill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour Expensive mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+13193663177

Visit website

Stack Wellness Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13192005558

Visit website

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13192003218

Visit website

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13192002791

Visit website

Veritas Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+13192083192

Visit website

Café Saint Pio

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13192001000

Roasters Coffeehouse NewBo

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Opus Concert Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 167.8

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13193668203

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Britt, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 119.9

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

2.7 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 36

Mason City, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 59.9

Charles City, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Bistro at Blooms

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 167.8

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2:30 pm

+13194499996

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 23.2 and 166.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

23.2 mi into trip | ~32m in | US 18

Take the ramp onto US 18 toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des Moines

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 35 south, US 18 east, IA 27 south: Des...

26.1 mi into trip | ~36m in | US 18; IA 27

Take the exit onto US 18; IA 27 toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Charles City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 18 East, IA 27 South: Mason City, Cha...

117.2 mi into trip | ~2h 23m in | I 380

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Cedar Falls

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I-380 south, US 20, IA 27: Cedar Rapids,...

123.8 mi into trip | ~2h 31m in | I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints

Keep slight right at fork onto I 380; IA 27 / Avenue of the Saints toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 380 South, IA 27 South: Cedar Rapids

166.4 mi into trip | ~3h 17m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.23 one way

$52.47 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$28.80	$57.61
premium	$4.89	$32.29	$64.58
diesel	$5.61	$37.05	$74.10

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 58.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	50.3	$17.62	$8.05
Efficient EV	42	$14.68	$6.71
EV Truck/SUV	67.1	$23.49	$10.74

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Britt, IA

Night in Britt on Saturday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cedar Rapids, IA

Night in Cedar Rapids on Saturday

Local time

11:21 PM

CDT

Current temp

36°F

Mostly Cloudy

NW 15 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 17 at 11:29PM CDT until April 18 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Omaha/Valley NE

Flood Watch

Flood Watch issued April 17 at 10:38PM CDT until April 24 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

48°F

Waverly, IA

84 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

35 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 20m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of your trip, with 71% of the route on well-maintained roads. You'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 82 miles on US 18, offering a good opportunity for consistent progress. While largely highway, the route transitions and connects through various segments, including the Avenue of the Saints. This means you'll experience a mix of faster travel and sections that might feel more like an open road. The drive is characterized by its directness and efficiency, minimizing complex navigation.

71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 82 mi on US 18.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 18 and Avenue of the Saints. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23.2 miles in near US 18.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 167.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 23.2 miles (US 18): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 26.1 miles (US 18; IA 27): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.2 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Britt, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs point toward Charles City, Dubuque and Cedar Falls.

Charles City

26.1 mi in | ~36m | via US 18; IA 27

Dubuque

117.2 mi in | ~2h 23m | via I 380

Cedar Falls

117.2 mi in | ~2h 23m | via I 380

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 20m. Total distance: 167.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 82 miles on US 18. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Cedar Rapids, IA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Cedar Rapids, IA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Britt, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

HuHot Mongolian Grill

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

HuHot Mongolian Grill

Red Lobster

Persis Biryani Indian Grill

Rio Burritos

Napoli's Italian Restaurant

Scott's Family Restaurant

Cobble Hill

Stack Wellness Cafe

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

Groundswell Cafe

Veritas Cafe

Café Saint Pio

Roasters Coffeehouse NewBo

Opus Concert Cafe

Trading Grounds

Blink Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Blink Charging Station

ChargeLab Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Bistro at Blooms

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Britt, IA

Cedar Rapids, IA

Same local time

35 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 20m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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