Origin
Cedar Rapids, IA
Night in Cedar Rapids on Saturday
Local time
11:14 PM
CDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Cedar Rapids, IA to Algona, IA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 51m
Distance
189.8 mi
305 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 39m
★
6 AM
3h 52m
8 AM
4h 17m
10 AM
4h 1m
12 PM
3h 58m
3 PM
4h 2m
5 PM
4h 16m
8 PM
3h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Algona, IA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Cedar Rapids to Algona is 189.8 miles and takes about 3 hours 51 minutes via Avenue of the Saints and US 18, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Iowa, moving from the Midwest region to another part of the Midwest. Expect a route with frequent turns and a local feel, rather than a pure interstate cruise. It's a manageable trip, ideal for a single day, offering a straightforward connection between these two Iowa cities.
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
94.9 miles from Cedar Rapids, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Avenue of the Saints | 130.8 mi | 2h 27m |
| US 18 | 38.6 mi | 53m |
| I 380 | 5.6 mi | 7m |
| 210th Street | 4 mi | 5m |
| Leo P Rooff Expressway | 2.1 mi | 2m |
| West Washington Street | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| East McGregor Street | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| 4th Avenue South | 1.2 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Avenue of the Saints
— 130.8 mi, about 2h 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Rapids, IA and Algona, IA.
1
Start on Tiperary Drive Northeast
0.1 mi
·
32 sec
·
Tiperary Drive Northeast
2
Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast
184 ft
·
13 sec
·
Crystal Drive Northeast
3
Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
32nd Street Northeast
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
5
Merge onto I 380; IA 27
48 mi
·
52 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
I 380
Toward I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
7
Continue on US 218
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
West Washington Expressway
8
Continue on US 218
0.7 mi
·
51 sec
·
Leo P Rooff Expressway
9
Continue on US 218
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
West Washington Street
10
Continue on US 218
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Leo P Rooff Expressway
11
Take the exit onto US 218
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
US 218
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 218
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
·
US 218
Toward US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
13
Merge onto US 218; IA 27
83 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
Avenue of the Saints
14
Take the exit onto I 35 Business
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
I 35 Business
Toward I 35 Business, CR B35: Clear Lake, Mason City
15
Turn left onto I 35 Business
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
4th Avenue South
16
Turn right onto I 35 Business
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South 8th Street
17
Turn left onto US 18
39 mi
·
53 min
·
US 18
18
Turn left onto 210th Avenue
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
210th Avenue
19
Turn right onto 210th Street
4.0 mi
·
5 min
·
210th Street
20
Continue on East McGregor Street
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
East McGregor Street
21
Turn right onto South Jones Street
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
South Jones Street
22
Arrive at destination
US 169
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour 51-minute estimated drive time, this route is easily completed in a single day, so you have flexibility with your departure. A morning start will give you ample time to reach Algona without feeling rushed. Plan for about one stop to break up the drive, perhaps around the halfway point or when you feel ready for a stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you move onto US 18, and ensure you have enough to cover the roughly $30 fuel cost for the 189.8-mile journey.
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 94.9 miles from Cedar Rapids, IA, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 130.8 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 42 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.9 miles or 1h 50m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Algona, IA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids, IA
This is one driving day of about 189.8 miles and 3h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Cedar Rapids, 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 Avenue of the Saints for about 130.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
95 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 94.9 miles from Cedar Rapids, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Avenue of the Saints if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 130.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 155 decision points cluster between mile 49.9 and 143.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
49.9 mi into trip
|
~56m in
|
I 380
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380 toward I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I-380 north, US 218 north: Waterloo
6
59.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
|
US 218
Keep slight right at fork onto US 218 toward US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 218 North, IA 27 North: Waverly
5
142.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 45m in
|
I 35 Business
Take the exit onto I 35 Business toward I 35 Business, CR B35: Clear Lake, Mason City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 35 Business, CR B35: Clear Lake, Mason...
4
142.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 45m in
|
I 35 Business / 4th Avenue South
Turn left onto I 35 Business / 4th Avenue South
Navigation decision point
4
143.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 47m in
|
I 35 Business / South 8th Street
Turn right onto I 35 Business / South 8th Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.67 one way
$59.35 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
66 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $32.58 | $65.16 |
| premium | $4.89 | $36.53 | $73.05 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $41.91 | $83.81 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 56.9 | 0 | $19.93 | $9.11 |
| Efficient EV | 47.5 | 0 | $16.61 | $7.59 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 75.9 | 0 | $26.57 | $12.15 |
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Algona, IA
Night in Algona on Saturday
Local time
11:14 PM
CDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
48°F
Waverly, IA
95 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
1 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 51m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive has a "turn-heavy local drive" profile, meaning you'll navigate a good number of intersections and changes in direction. With only a 25% highway share, much of your time will be spent on local roads. The longest stretch without a significant turn or change is 130.8 miles along Avenue of the Saints. Be prepared for a more engaging driving experience that requires attention as you transition between different road types.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 130.8 mi on Avenue of the Saints.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 49.9 miles in near I 380.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 189.8 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 49.9 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59.4 miles (US 218): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142.4 miles (I 35 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cedar Rapids, IA and Algona, IA, road signs point toward Cr B35: Clear Lake and Mason City.
Cr B35: Clear Lake
142.4 mi in
|
~2h 45m
|
via I 35 Business
Mason City
142.4 mi in
|
~2h 45m
|
via I 35 Business
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 51m. Total distance: 189.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (25%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 130.8 miles on Avenue of the Saints. 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 49.9 miles (I 380): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59.4 miles (US 218): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 142.4 miles (I 35 Business): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Algona, 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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