Connecting Ottumwa to Cedar Rapids, this 113.4-mile trip is a straightforward journey through the heart of the Midwest. You can expect to spend about two hours behind the wheel, making this an ideal one-day excursion that doesn't require an overnight stay. Your estimated fuel cost for the trip sits at approximately $17, keeping it quite budget-friendly. Because there are no designated stops required, you have the flexibility to power through or take your time as you transition between these Iowa hubs. Since both cities are located within the same region, you will experience a consistent Midwestern landscape throughout the entire drive.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
54.4 miles from Ottumwa, IA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 16m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
State Highway 149
41.2 mi
57m
Avenue of the Saints
21.6 mi
24m
I 80
21.5 mi
23m
M Avenue
11.7 mi
16m
Old US Highway 63
4.8 mi
6m
West 6th Street
1.2 mi
1m
South Main Street
1 mi
1m
32nd Street Northeast
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
State Highway 149
— 41.2 mi, about 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ottumwa, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA.
1
Start on West Fourth Street
0.2 mi·28 sec·West Fourth Street
2
Turn right onto US 63 Business; IA 149
395 ft·5 sec·North Wapello Street
3
Continue on US 63 Business; IA 149
4.8 mi·6 min·Old US Highway 63
4
Continue on IA 149
5.9 mi·8 min·State Highway 149
5
Continue on IA 149
4.7 mi·6 min·State Highway 149
6
Continue on IA 149
1.2 mi·1 min·West 6th Street
7
Continue on IA 149
2.4 mi·3 min·State Highway 149
8
Continue on IA 149
0.2 mi·16 sec·Main Street
9
Continue on IA 149
1.7 mi·2 min·State Highway 149
10
Continue on IA 149
10 mi·14 min·State Highway 149
11
Continue on IA 149
1.0 mi·1 min·South Main Street
12
Turn right onto IA 92; IA 149
0.8 mi·1 min·East Jackson Street
13
Continue on IA 92; IA 149
0.5 mi·45 sec·State Highway 92
14
Turn left onto IA 149
11 mi·15 min·State Highway 149
15
Continue on IA 22; IA 149
0.5 mi·48 sec·Main Street
16
Turn left onto IA 149
5.2 mi·7 min·State Highway 149
17
Continue on IA 149
12 mi·16 min·M Avenue
18
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·59 sec
19
Merge onto I 80
21 mi·23 min·I 80
20
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
22
Merge onto I 380; US 218; IA 27
22 mi·24 min·Avenue of the Saints
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward Glass Road, 32nd Street, Coldstream, 29th Street
24
Keep slight right at fork
319 ft·8 sec
25
Turn straight onto 29th Street Northeast
0.3 mi·36 sec·29th Street Northeast
26
Turn left onto Oakland Road Northeast
0.3 mi·29 sec·Oakland Road Northeast
27
Turn right onto 32nd Street Northeast
0.8 mi·1 min·32nd Street Northeast
28
Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast
184 ft·10 sec·Crystal Drive Northeast
29
Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast
177 ft·7 sec·Crystal Drive Northeast
30
Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast
428 ft·18 sec·Tiperary Drive Northeast
31
Arrive at destination
Tiperary Drive Northeast
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short two-hour drive, you have the advantage of scheduling flexibility for your departure. Plan to fill your tank before leaving Ottumwa, as the $17 fuel budget is calculated for a direct trip without extra detours. Given the turn-heavy nature of this route, keeping a GPS or map handy is essential to ensure you stay on the correct path across the local roads. If you prefer a relaxed pace, consider leaving mid-morning to avoid any potential local traffic congestion. Use the lack of mandatory stops to your advantage by planning your own breaks whenever you feel the need to stretch your legs.
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 54.4 miles from Ottumwa, IA, or about 1h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.2 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 24 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 54.4 miles or 1h 16m 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 58m
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 Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, IA
This is one driving day of about 108.8 miles and 2h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Ottumwa, IA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on State Highway 149 for about 41.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 84.1 and 107.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
84.1 mi into trip|~1h 51m in
Take the exit toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 380, US 218, IA 27
6
84.6 mi into trip|~1h 52m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 380, US 218 North, IA 27 North: Cedar...
5
107 mi into trip|~2h 18m in
Take the exit toward Glass Road, 32nd Street, Coldstream, 29th Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
32.6
0
$11.42
$5.22
Efficient EV
27.2
0
$9.52
$4.35
EV Truck/SUV
43.5
0
$15.23
$6.96
Gas CO2
38 kg
EV CO2
13 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 23, 2026
Origin
Ottumwa, IA
Late night
in Ottumwa on Thursday
Local time
3:50 AM
CDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Cedar Rapids, IA
Late night
in Cedar Rapids on Thursday
Local time
3:50 AM
CDT
Current temp
58°F
Mostly Clear
S 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 22 at 9:18PM CDT until April 28 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Flood Warning
Flood Warning issued April 22 at 9:18PM CDT until April 28 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
61°F
Belle Plaine, IA
54 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
6 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 22m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This journey is characterized by a turn-heavy, local feel rather than a monotonous interstate grind. You will navigate primarily via North Wapello Street, Highway 63, and Highway 149, which feature a 0% highway share. Because there is no extended highway cruising, be prepared for a more engaged driving experience on smaller roads. The longest stretch you will encounter is 0 miles on North Wapello Street, meaning the route requires constant attention to navigation. Expect a changing road environment as you move away from Ottumwa and transition toward Cedar Rapids.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41.2 mi on State Highway 149.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on State Highway 149 and Avenue of the Saints. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 84.1 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
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 108.8 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 84.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107 miles: 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.
On the drive from Ottumwa, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs begin pointing toward Waterloo along the way.
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.
Top landmarks
•Mother Mosque of America — historic mosque in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States
•Douglas and Charlotte Grant House — historic house in Iowa, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 22m. Total distance: 108.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (63%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 41.2 miles on State Highway 149. 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 84.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 107 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
