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Trip from Grimes, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 37m

Distance

129.2 mi

208 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$20

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
2h 27m ★
6 AM
2h 37m
8 AM
2h 58m
10 AM
2h 44m
12 PM
2h 42m
3 PM
2h 46m
5 PM
2h 57m
8 PM
2h 31m

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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Downtown Grimes, IA, IA

Grimes, IA

Alexander Krivitskiy

Trip Overview

This straightforward 129.2-mile drive from Grimes to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes. With a modest fuel cost estimated at $20, it's an economical option for exploring the Midwest. The route primarily utilizes local roads like Lincoln Highway, Northeast Hubbell Road, and 73rd Street, offering a connected, turn-heavy local experience rather than an interstate cruise. You'll find this drive to be a practical way to get from point A to point B within Iowa, with only one recommended stop to break up the journey.

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

64.6 miles from Grimes, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Lincoln Highway 37 mi 42m
Northeast Hubbell Road 33.5 mi 39m
73rd Street 26.8 mi 30m
I 80 13 mi 14m
IA 100 8.3 mi 9m
Southeast Grimes Boulevard 2 mi 3m
32nd Street Northeast 1.3 mi 2m
Northeast Hubbell Avenue 1.2 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Lincoln Highway — 37 mi, about 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Southeast Main Street

22 ft · 4 sec · Southeast Main Street
2

Turn right onto IA 44

0.8 mi · 1 min · East 1st Street
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 44 sec
4

Merge onto IA 141

0.3 mi · 22 sec · Grimes Boulevard
5

Continue on IA 141

2.0 mi · 3 min · Southeast Grimes Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on IA 141

0.3 mi · 37 sec · Northwest Urbandale Drive
7

Turn left

0.4 mi · 45 sec
Toward I-35 north, I-80 east: Minneapolis, Davenport
8

Merge onto I 80; I 35

7.9 mi · 9 min · I 80; I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on I 35; I 80

0.7 mi · 50 sec · I 35; I 80
10

Continue on I 80; I 35

0.6 mi · 40 sec · I 80; I 35
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

4.5 mi · 5 min · I 80
Use the slight left lane.
12

Take the exit onto US 65

0.5 mi · 1 min · US 65
Exit 142 Toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant Use the slight right lane.
13

Turn left onto US 65; IA 330

1.2 mi · 1 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
14

Continue on US 65; IA 330

33 mi · 39 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
15

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
16

Merge onto US 30

37 mi · 42 min · Lincoln Highway
17

Continue on US 30

27 mi · 30 min · 73rd Street
18

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min
Toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
19

Continue on IA 100

8.3 mi · 9 min · IA 100
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward I-380, IA 27: Iowa City, Waterloo
21

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
22

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
23

Merge onto I 380; IA 27

0.5 mi · 38 sec · Avenue of the Saints
24

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
25

Keep slight left at fork

121 ft · 4 sec
26

Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast

1.3 mi · 2 min · 32nd Street Northeast
27

Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast

184 ft · 10 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
28

Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast

177 ft · 7 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
29

Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast

428 ft · 18 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast
30

Arrive at destination

Tiperary Drive Northeast

Trip Plan

Given the short 2 hour and 37 minute duration for this 129.2-mile trip, you have plenty of flexibility. Consider an early morning departure to maximize your time in Cedar Rapids, or leave mid-morning to enjoy a relaxed start from Grimes. With an estimated fuel cost of $20, refueling is unlikely to be a major concern, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Keep an eye out for the Lincoln Highway; this historic route is a key component of your drive, and following its path offers a glimpse into Iowa's past.

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 64.6 miles from Grimes, IA, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37 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 28 miles or 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.6 miles or 1h 19m 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 7m

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 Grimes, 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 Grimes, IA

This is one driving day of about 129.2 miles and 2h 37m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 miles from Grimes, 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 Lincoln Highway for about 37 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city and the county seat of Marshall County, Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Marshalltown, IA

65 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

Marshalltown, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA

74.1 mi · 1h 30m

Pacing Suggestions

Colfax, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 28 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Marshalltown, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.6 miles from Grimes, 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop

Sol-Agave Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Grimes, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

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

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152142975

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Altoona, Iowa

1.3 mi

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.5 mi

Sol-Agave Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

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

Grimes, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15152142975

Visit website

Burger Shed Restaurant Altoona

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Altoona, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+15156307433

Visit website

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193936000

Visit website

Red Lobster

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193950450

Visit website

Persis Biryani Indian Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13198262000

Visit website

Rio Burritos

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+13199815001

Visit website

Flame The Taqueria

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately

Johnston, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15157238934

Visit website

Napoli's Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193772100

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Grimes, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Newhall, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Grimes, Iowa

+18006360986

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Grimes, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Grimes, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

+18006360986

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 3.7 and 126.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
3.7 mi into trip | ~6m in

Turn left toward I-35 north, I-80 east: Minneapolis, Davenport

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I-35 north, I-80 east: Minneapolis, Dave...
6
13.3 mi into trip | ~18m in | I 80

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane.
8
17.8 mi into trip | ~23m in | US 65

Take the exit onto US 65 toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Marshalltown, Bondurant

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 142 Toward US 6 West, US 65 North, IA 330 North: Ma...
7
126.6 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City

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

Toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
7
126.8 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City

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

Toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.20 one way

$40.40 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $22.18 $44.36
premium $4.89 $24.86 $49.73
diesel $5.61 $28.53 $57.05

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$20

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 45.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.8 0 $13.57 $6.20
Efficient EV 32.3 0 $11.30 $5.17
EV Truck/SUV 51.7 0 $18.09 $8.27

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 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 20, 2026

Origin

Grimes, IA

Late night in Grimes on Tuesday

Local time

5:25 AM

CDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cedar Rapids, IA

Late night in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday

Local time

5:25 AM

CDT

Current temp

62°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

3 degrees warmer at arrival

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

Road read

2h 37m 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 'turn-heavy local drive' for this 129.2-mile journey through Iowa. While only 17% of the route is on highways, you'll encounter a longest stretch of 37 miles on the historic Lincoln Highway, offering a more continuous segment. The road's personality is defined by its local roads, which means a more engaged driving experience with frequent turns and intersections. This isn't a high-speed interstate cruise; instead, it's a drive where you'll feel more connected to the landscape as you navigate through towns and rural areas.

Only 17% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 37 mi on Lincoln Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 129.2 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 3.7 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.3 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.8 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. 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 Grimes, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs point toward Bondurant and Marion.

Bondurant

17.8 mi in | ~23m | via US 65

Marion

117.1 mi in | ~2h 20m

About the Cities

Arriving in Cedar Rapids, IA

Full guide →

Cedar Rapids is a city in Eastern Iowa. In 2016, it was the second largest city in Iowa by population and is home to about 137,000 residents. Largely known as an industrial, working class city, Cedar Rapids has begun to grow and expand employment opportunities in the service sector, attracting new residents to the area. While out of the way of most major travel routes and destinations, a stop in Cedar Rapids may uncover a great taste of the Midwest. Typical Iowa hospitality is not lost here.

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 2h 37m. Total distance: 129.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 37m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 37 miles on Lincoln Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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.

The main spots that need attention: at 3.7 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.3 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 17.8 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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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