Trip from Fort Madison, IA to Cedar Falls, IA

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

Drive Time

2h 46m

Distance

173.4 mi

279 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min

4 AM

2h 35m ★

6 AM

2h 46m

8 AM

3h 8m

10 AM

2h 54m

12 PM

2h 52m

3 PM

2h 55m

5 PM

3h 7m

8 PM

2h 40m

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 and county seat in Lee County, Iowa, United States

Fort Madison, IA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States

Cedar Falls, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 173.4-mile drive from Fort Madison, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is a straightforward journey through the Midwest, entirely within Iowa. Expect the trip to take about 2 hours and 46 minutes of pure driving time, making it an excellent candidate for a single-day excursion. With a fuel cost estimated at $26, it's an economical option for a quick getaway. The route involves one stop, offering a chance to break up the drive without needing an overnight stay. This local road trip is characterized by frequent turns, so be prepared for a more engaged driving experience than a typical interstate cruise.

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

86.7 miles from Fort Madison, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 23m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Avenue I	—	—
Avenue H	—	—
20th Street	—	—
Avenue L	—	—
Highway 61	—	—
Avenue O	—	—
Avenue of the Saints	—	—
IA 27	—	—

Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.

Longest stretch: Avenue I — detailed segment metrics are refreshing.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fort Madison, IA and Cedar Falls, IA.

Start on the route

62 ft · 7 sec · the route

Turn right onto Avenue I

138 ft · 11 sec · Avenue I

Turn left onto Avenue H

1.0 mi · 1 min · Avenue H

Turn left onto 20th Street

0.2 mi · 22 sec · 20th Street

At the end of the road, turn right onto Avenue L

1.3 mi · 2 min · Avenue L

Continue on Old Highway 61

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Old Highway 61

Continue on Avenue O

2.1 mi · 3 min · Avenue O

Turn straight

8.3 mi · 11 min

Take the ramp right

0.4 mi · 53 sec

Merge slight left onto Avenue of the Saints

25 mi · 28 min · Avenue of the Saints

Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints

123 mi · 2 hr 18 min · Avenue of the Saints

Keep slight left to continue on Avenue of the Saints

6.9 mi · 7 min · Avenue of the Saints

Take the exit slight right toward IA 27, IA 58 North: Cedar Falls

0.3 mi · 36 sec · IA 27, IA 58 North: Cedar Falls

Keep slight left

259 ft · 9 sec

Turn right

4.0 mi · 5 min

Take the exit slight right toward 18th Street, Waterloo Road

0.2 mi · 32 sec · 18th Street, Waterloo Road

Continue on Waterloo Road

0.2 mi · 28 sec · Waterloo Road

Turn left onto Waterloo Road

0.4 mi · 46 sec · Waterloo Road

Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Main Street

16 ft · Main Street

Exit the roundabout onto Main Street

20 ft · Main Street

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

Given the 2-hour and 46-minute duration, this 173.4-mile trip is easily manageable in a single day. Leaving in the morning will give you ample time to reach Cedar Falls and explore. Since the route involves one stop and is 'turn-heavy,' plan to take your break strategically, perhaps when you feel the need to stretch your legs or grab a quick bite. The estimated fuel cost of $26 is quite reasonable, so ensure your tank is full before you depart Fort Madison to maximize your time on the road. Pay close attention to local signage as you'll be navigating numerous turns throughout this 100% local road drive.

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.

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

The halfway point lands around 86.7 miles from Fort Madison, IA, or about 1h 23m into the drive.

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 38 miles or 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 86.7 miles or 1h 23m 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 16m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Fort Madison, 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 Fort Madison, IA

This is one driving day of about 173.4 miles and 2h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Fort Madison, 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.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

North Liberty, IA

87 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

Mount Pleasant, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

North Liberty, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.7 miles from Fort Madison, 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

Cobble Hill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Expensive mile 111.5

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+13193663177

Visit website

Subway

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Riverside, Iowa

0.3 mi

Stack Wellness Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 111.5

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13192002791

Visit website

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.4 mi

Veritas Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.1 mi

Cobble Hill

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Expensive mile 111.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+13193663177

Visit website

Subway

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 74.3

Riverside, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–9:30 pm

+13196482900

Visit website

Stack Wellness Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 111.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+13192005558

Visit website

Exotic India

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 86.7

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 11:15 am–2:25 pm

+13193544710

Visit website

Cedar Ridge Distillery

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 99.1

Swisher, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13198574300

Visit website

Black Sheep Social Club

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 111.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+13192007070

Visit website

Casey's

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 74.3

Riverside, Iowa

Hours: 4 am–12 pm

+13193877049

Visit website

Maverik

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour Moderately mile 74.3

Riverside, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+13196482400

Visit website

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 111.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13192002791

Visit website

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 111.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13192003218

Visit website

Veritas Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 111.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+13192083192

Visit website

Café Saint Pio

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 111.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+13192001000

Roasters Coffeehouse NewBo

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 111.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

Visit website

Opus Concert Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 111.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+13193668203

Visit website

Sidekick Coffee & Books

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 86.7

Iowa City, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–5 pm

+13195691010

Visit website

The Filling Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 86.7

Iowa City, Iowa

+13193357510

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 86.7

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 161

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 111.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 86.7

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+31880109500

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.2 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 161

Waterloo, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+31880109500

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 111.5

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 86.7

Iowa City, Iowa

+18668167584

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 123.9

Center Point, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Caramelcorn Shoppe/Smoothie Stop

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 86.7

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+13196255568

Bistro at Blooms

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 111.5

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2:30 pm

+13194499996

Visit website

Barrel House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 86.7

Coralville, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13196262550

Visit website

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$27.11 one way

$54.22 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.36	$29.76	$59.53
premium	$4.89	$33.37	$66.74
diesel	$5.61	$38.28	$76.57

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 60.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	52	$18.21	$8.32
Efficient EV	43.4	$15.17	$6.94
EV Truck/SUV	69.4	$24.28	$11.10

Gas CO2

61 kg

EV CO2

20 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

Fort Madison, IA

Night in Fort Madison on Saturday

Local time

11:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cedar Falls, IA

Night in Cedar Falls on Saturday

Local time

11:23 PM

CDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

23 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

2h 46m 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 route leans heavily into local roads, with a 0% highway share, meaning you'll be navigating through towns and alongside everyday Iowa landscapes for the entire 173.4 miles. The profile is described as 'turn-heavy,' so anticipate frequent adjustments in direction as you make your way north. While there's no specific mention of the longest uninterrupted stretch, the nature of this drive suggests shorter segments between turns. You'll be on streets like Avenue I, Avenue H, and 20th Street for significant portions, offering a grounded perspective on the communities you pass through.

Only 0% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.

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

Main road: Avenue I.

How Hard Is This Drive?

1/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive.

Driving Effort 1/10

Very easy - short and simple to drive

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

The drive from Fort Madison, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is easy. At 2h 46m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.

Where does it get tricky?

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Fort Madison, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 46m. Total distance: 173.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (0%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Fort Madison, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Cedar Falls, 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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Explore more options from Fort Madison, IA or browse trips ending in Cedar Falls, IA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.

Trip from Fort Madison, IA to Cedar Falls, 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

Cobble Hill

Groundswell Cafe

Cobble Hill

Subway

Stack Wellness Cafe

Exotic India

Cedar Ridge Distillery

Black Sheep Social Club

Casey's

Maverik

Groundswell Cafe

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

Veritas Cafe

Café Saint Pio

Roasters Coffeehouse NewBo

Opus Concert Cafe

Sidekick Coffee & Books

The Filling Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Shell Recharge Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

EV Connect Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Caramelcorn Shoppe/Smoothie Stop

Bistro at Blooms

Barrel House

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Fort Madison, IA

Cedar Falls, IA

Same local time

23 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 46m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

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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