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Trip from Sheldon, 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

4h 43m

Distance

227.5 mi

366 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

8 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min
4 AM
4h 30m ★
6 AM
4h 44m
8 AM
5h 11m
10 AM
4h 53m
12 PM
4h 51m
3 PM
4h 55m
5 PM
5h 10m
8 PM
4h 36m

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 Sheldon, IA, IA

Sheldon, IA

Jul L. G.

city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States

Cedar Falls, IA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Sheldon, IA to Cedar Falls, IA is 227.5 miles and takes about 4h 43m via 220th Street, 20th Avenue, and State Highway 3, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Iowa, traversing the Midwest region. The majority of the drive is on surface roads, offering a more relaxed pace than interstate travel. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this route is ideal for a single-day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your departure time.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

113.7 miles from Sheldon, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 28m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
220th Street 147.1 mi 2h 49m
20th Avenue 9.2 mi 12m
State Highway 3 8.6 mi 11m
IA 60 Business 7.5 mi 9m
Armstrong Avenue 6 mi 8m
D Avenue 5.7 mi 7m
Log Avenue 5.6 mi 7m
University Avenue 5.3 mi 8m
Longest stretch: 220th Street — 147.1 mi, about 2h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on 9th Street

25 ft · 5 sec · 9th Street
2

Turn left onto IA 60 Business

1.4 mi · 2 min · 2nd Avenue
3

Take the ramp onto IA 60 Business

7.5 mi · 9 min · IA 60 Business
4

Turn left onto L22

5.6 mi · 7 min · Log Avenue
Use the left lane.
5

Turn left onto IA 10

1.0 mi · 1 min · 460th Street
6

Continue on IA 10

0.5 mi · 1 min · Garfield Street
7

Continue on IA 10

3.5 mi · 4 min · 460th Street
8

Turn right onto IA 143

5.0 mi · 6 min · Nettle Avenue
Use the right lane.
9

Continue on IA 143

5.7 mi · 7 min · D Avenue
10

Continue on IA 143

1.3 mi · 2 min · Ames Avenue
11

Turn left onto IA 3

5.0 mi · 6 min · 490th Street
12

Continue on IA 3

4.2 mi · 5 min · State Highway 3
13

Continue on IA 3

2.5 mi · 3 min · 500th Street
14

Turn straight onto IA 3

4.4 mi · 6 min · State Highway 3
15

Turn left onto IA 3

3.4 mi · 4 min · 530th Street
16

Turn right onto IA 7

2.0 mi · 2 min · V Avenue
17

Continue on IA 7

1.4 mi · 2 min · 1st Street
18

Continue on IA 7

2.1 mi · 2 min · State Highway 7
19

Continue on IA 7

1.1 mi · 1 min · Highway 7
20

Turn right onto 20th Avenue

9.2 mi · 12 min · 20th Avenue
21

Continue on CR M27

6.0 mi · 8 min · Armstrong Avenue
22

At end of road, turn left onto US 20

147 mi · 2 hr 49 min · 220th Street
23

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min
Toward CR D18: Cedar Falls
24

Turn left onto Grundy Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · Grundy Road
25

Continue on University Avenue

3.5 mi · 4 min · University Avenue
26

Enter roundabout onto University Avenue

88 ft · 1 sec · University Avenue
27

Continue on University Avenue

1.7 mi · 3 min · University Avenue
28

Turn left onto Main Street

0.2 mi · 20 sec · Main Street
29

Enter roundabout onto Main Street

77 ft · 1 sec · Main Street
30

Continue on Main Street

0.8 mi · 1 min · Main Street
31

Enter roundabout onto Main Street

74 ft · 1 sec · Main Street
32

Continue on Main Street

21 ft · 0 sec · Main Street
33

Arrive at destination

Main Street

Trip Plan

Given that this 227.5-mile trip can be completed in under 5 hours, it's perfectly suited for a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. The longest continuous stretch is 147.1 miles, so plan your single stop around the halfway point or slightly later to break up the driving. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading out on 220th Street, as services might be less frequent than on interstates. The estimated fuel cost is $36, so budget accordingly.

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 113.7 miles from Sheldon, IA, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 147.1 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 50 miles or 1h 9m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 113.7 miles or 2h 28m 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 52m

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 Sheldon, 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 Sheldon, IA

This is one driving day of about 227.5 miles and 4h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Sheldon, 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 220th Street for about 147.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Iowa, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Storm Lake, IA

114 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

Cherokee, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Jefferson, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 113.7 miles from Sheldon, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before 220th Street if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 147.1 miles.

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.

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Sheldon, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18559007584

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 81.2

Early, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

Pilot Flying J Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 162.5

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15155160821

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 48.7

Cherokee, Iowa

+31880109500

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 130

Fort Dodge, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006360986

Visit website

EVgo Car Charging Station

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 162.5

Williams, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Rest Area

0.1 mi from route

Service Plaza

0.1 mi from route

Flying J Travel Center

1.5 mi from route

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 226.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | IA 60 Business / 2nd Avenue

Turn left onto IA 60 Business / 2nd Avenue

Navigation decision point

6
8.9 mi into trip | ~12m in | L22 / Log Avenue

Turn left onto L22 / Log Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
19.5 mi into trip | ~27m in | IA 143 / Nettle Avenue

Turn right onto IA 143 / Nettle Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
5
224.7 mi into trip | ~4h 38m in | University Avenue

Enter roundabout onto University Avenue

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

6
226.6 mi into trip | ~4h 42m in | Main Street

Enter roundabout onto Main Street

Roundabout - know your exit number before entering

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.57 one way

$71.13 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 80 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $39.05 $78.10
premium $4.89 $43.78 $87.56
diesel $5.61 $50.23 $100.46

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 79.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

8 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota

Fort Dodge, IA

EV Connect

9 DCFC

2603 Park Street

Sheldon, IA

CHARGELAB

4 DCFC

1300 N 2nd Street

Cherokee, IA

CHARGELAB

4 DCFC

Kwik Star 927 Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge, IA

CHARGELAB

4 DCFC

115 S. 29th Street

Fort Dodge, IA

CHARGELAB

4 DCFC

Flying J 572

Williams, IA

eVgo Network

4 DCFC

Karl Chevrolet Webster City IA

Webster City, IA

RED_E

2 DCFC

COMMUNITY MOTOR CO. INC

CEDAR FALLS, IA

EV Connect

1 DCFC

CHARGELAB: 4 EV Connect: 2 RED_E: 1 eVgo Network: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 68.3 0 $23.89 $10.92
Efficient EV 56.9 0 $19.91 $9.10
EV Truck/SUV 91 1 $31.85 $14.56

Gas CO2

80 kg

EV CO2

27 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Sheldon, IA

Late night in Sheldon on Sunday

Local time

12:59 AM

CDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cedar Falls, IA

Late night in Cedar Falls on Sunday

Local time

12:59 AM

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

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

4h 43m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is primarily on surface roads, with highway travel accounting for only 8% of the total mileage. You'll experience a significant stretch of 147.1 miles on 220th Street, which will likely feel like rural cruising. After this long section, the route transitions to 20th Avenue and then State Highway 3, which will offer a change of pace. Expect mostly surface road driving without the constant acceleration and deceleration of major highways.

Only 8% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 147.1 mi on 220th Street.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near IA 60 Business / 2nd Avenue.

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 4h 43m drive. You will face about 14 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (IA 60 Business / 2nd Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 8.9 miles (L22 / Log Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.5 miles (IA 143 / Nettle Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 43m. Total distance: 227.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (8%). Straightforward navigation.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 147.1 miles on 220th Street. 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: near the start (IA 60 Business / 2nd Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 8.9 miles (L22 / Log Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.5 miles (IA 143 / Nettle Avenue): Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Cedar Falls, 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, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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