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Trip from Clinton, 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

1h 54m

Distance

84.5 mi

136 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

Fair

4 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 46m ★
6 AM
1h 55m
8 AM
2h 11m
10 AM
2h 0m
12 PM
1h 59m
3 PM
2h 1m
5 PM
2h 10m
8 PM
1h 50m

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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city in, and the county seat of, Clinton County, Iowa, United States

Clinton, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are planning a trip across Iowa, the 84.5-mile journey from Clinton to Cedar Rapids is a straightforward, manageable drive. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 54 minutes behind the wheel, making this an ideal candidate for a single-day excursion. You will primarily navigate via US 30, Lincoln Way, and US 151, keeping your travel budget lean with an estimated fuel cost of just $13. Since both cities are located within the Midwest, you can anticipate a familiar regional landscape throughout your travel. Because of the relatively short duration, there is no need to split this into an overnight trip unless you prefer a leisurely pace. Overall, this route offers a practical and efficient connection between these two Iowa hubs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

42.2 miles from Clinton, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 30 53.6 mi 1h 10m
Lincoln Way 16.3 mi 19m
US 151 4.4 mi 5m
Lakeside Rd 3.3 mi 5m
Manufacturing Drive 1.6 mi 2m
30th Street Drive Southeast 1.5 mi 2m
South Bluff Boulevard 1.4 mi 2m
2nd Avenue South 0.9 mi 2m
Longest stretch: US 30 — 53.6 mi, about 1h 10m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on 2nd Avenue South

0.9 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue South
2

Turn left onto South Bluff Boulevard

1.4 mi · 2 min · South Bluff Boulevard
3

Turn straight onto Manufacturing Drive

1.6 mi · 2 min · Manufacturing Drive
4

Turn right onto US 30

16 mi · 19 min · Lincoln Way
5

Take the exit onto US 30

1.4 mi · 1 min · US 30
6

Take the exit onto US 30

52 mi · 1 hr 9 min · US 30
7

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 43 sec
Toward US 151 North, IA 13 North: Marion
8

Continue on US 151; IA 13

4.4 mi · 5 min · US 151; IA 13
9

Turn left onto CR E44

3.3 mi · 5 min · Lakeside Rd
10

Continue on 30th Street Drive Southeast

1.5 mi · 2 min · 30th Street Drive Southeast
11

Continue on 29th Street Drive Southeast

0.5 mi · 56 sec · 29th Street Drive Southeast
12

Continue on 29th Street Northeast

0.4 mi · 40 sec · 29th Street Northeast
13

Turn right onto Lindale Avenue Northeast

0.1 mi · 33 sec · Lindale Avenue Northeast
14

Turn left onto Tiffany Drive Northeast

0.1 mi · 26 sec · Tiffany Drive Northeast
15

Arrive at destination

Tiperary Drive Northeast

Trip Plan

Since this is a sub-two-hour trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the entire 84.5-mile stretch without needing a formal stop for fuel or rest, though keeping an eye on your tank is always wise given the $13 fuel estimate. Because the longest single stretch lasts 53.6 miles on US 30, try to handle any phone calls or refreshments before hitting that section to keep your momentum steady. If you are traveling during peak hours, be mindful that the transition from the open highway into the Cedar Rapids area may involve increased traffic density. Use the short duration to your advantage by planning your arrival time to bypass potential congestion in the city center.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 42.2 miles from Clinton, IA, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 53.6 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 19 miles or 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 42.2 miles or 55m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 35m

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 Clinton, IA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Clinton, IA

This is one driving day of about 84.5 miles and 1h 54m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Clinton, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 30 for about 53.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

human settlement in Cedar County, Iowa, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Mechanicsville, IA

42 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.

Popular next leg

Mechanicsville, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA

26.2 mi · 36m

Pacing Suggestions

De Witt, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Tipton, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 42.2 miles from Clinton, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Candlelight Inn Restaurant - Clinton Iowa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Clinton, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15632433200

Visit website

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.5 mi

Red Lobster

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.5 mi

Candlelight Inn Restaurant - Clinton Iowa

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Clinton, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15632433200

Visit website

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 84.5

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 84.5

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 84.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13198262000

Visit website

The RailYard Restaurant & Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 42.2

Lowden, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15639417307

Visit website

Ditto's Family Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 54.3

Stanwood, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+15639426618

Visit website

Rio Burritos

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 84.5

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 84.5

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193772100

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 84.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 84.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 78.4

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

+18006360986

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

1.1 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 84.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 7

5 decision points cluster between mile 3.9 and 84.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
3.9 mi into trip | ~7m in | US 30 / Lincoln Way

Turn right onto US 30 / Lincoln Way

Navigation decision point

3
20.1 mi into trip | ~26m in | US 30

Take the exit onto US 30

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

3
21.5 mi into trip | ~28m in | US 30

Take the exit onto US 30

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

5
73.8 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in

Take the exit toward US 151 North, IA 13 North: Marion

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

Toward US 151 North, IA 13 North: Marion
4
84.4 mi into trip | ~1h 54m in | Tiffany Drive Northeast

Turn left onto Tiffany Drive Northeast

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.21 one way

$26.42 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 30 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $14.50 $29.01
premium $4.89 $16.26 $32.52
diesel $5.61 $18.66 $37.31

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 29.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 25.3 0 $8.87 $4.06
Efficient EV 21.1 0 $7.39 $3.38
EV Truck/SUV 33.8 0 $11.83 $5.41

Gas CO2

30 kg

EV CO2

10 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Clinton, IA

Night in Clinton on Saturday

Local time

9:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cedar Rapids, IA

Night in Cedar Rapids on Saturday

Local time

9:45 PM

CDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

71°F

Mechanicsville, IA

42 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

22 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

1h 54m 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?

Expect a highway-focused experience, as roughly 69% of your trip takes place on major thoroughfares. You will spend a significant portion of your time on US 30, which features a long, uninterrupted stretch of 53.6 miles. This segment allows for consistent cruising, though you should be prepared for the road character to shift as you transition between the highway sections and the local connections of Lincoln Way and US 151. While the route is designed for speed and efficiency, the mix of road types ensures you stay engaged as you move across the state. It is a functional drive that prioritizes steady progress over technical or winding terrain.

69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 53.6 mi on US 30.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 30 and Lincoln Way. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 3.9 miles in near US 30 / Lincoln Way.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 1h 54m drive. You will face about 7 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 3.9 miles (US 30 / Lincoln Way): Navigation decision point; at 20.1 miles (US 30): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 21.5 miles (US 30): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

About the Cities

Starting in Clinton, IA

Full guide →

Clinton is a city in Eastern Iowa.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 54m. Total distance: 84.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (69%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 53.6 miles on US 30. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 3.9 miles (US 30 / Lincoln Way): Navigation decision point; at 20.1 miles (US 30): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 21.5 miles (US 30): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Cedar Rapids, IA before heading back.

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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