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Trip from Villisca, 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

4h 40m

Distance

234.3 mi

377 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$37

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 28m ★
6 AM
4h 41m
8 AM
5h 8m
10 AM
4h 50m
12 PM
4h 48m
3 PM
4h 52m
5 PM
5h 7m
8 PM
4h 33m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Villisca, IA, IA

Villisca, IA

Tom Fisk

Trip Overview

This 234.3-mile drive from Villisca, IA, to Cedar Rapids, IA, is a solid one-day trip, estimated to take around 4 hours and 40 minutes. You'll primarily be on US 6 and following the historic Lincoln Highway for a good portion of the journey. With a fuel cost estimated at $36, it's an economical way to travel across Iowa. This route offers a mixed drive experience, making it manageable for a single day without feeling rushed. Both your origin and destination are within the Midwest region, so expect a consistent regional feel throughout your travels.

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

117.1 miles from Villisca, IA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 6 62 mi 1h 7m
Lincoln Highway 37 mi 42m
Northeast Hubbell Road 33.5 mi 39m
US 71 32.6 mi 44m
73rd Street 26.8 mi 30m
I 80 18.9 mi 21m
IA 100 8.3 mi 9m
650th Street 6.4 mi 8m
Longest stretch: US 6 — 62 mi, about 1h 7m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on East 3rd Street

0.5 mi · 54 sec · East 3rd Street
2

At end of road, turn right onto South U Avenue

0.4 mi · 57 sec · South U Avenue
3

Turn left onto West High Street

323 ft · 10 sec · West High Street
4

Turn right onto US 71

33 mi · 44 min · US 71
5

Turn right onto US 6; US 71

2.0 mi · 2 min · East 7th Street
6

Turn left onto US 6; US 71

6.4 mi · 8 min · 650th Street
7

Take the exit onto US 6

62 mi · 1 hr 7 min · US 6
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80

14 mi · 16 min · I 80
Exit 123B Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

4.5 mi · 5 min · I 80
Use the slight left lane.
10

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.
11

Turn left onto US 65; IA 330

1.2 mi · 1 min · Northeast Hubbell Avenue
12

Continue on US 65; IA 330

33 mi · 39 min · Northeast Hubbell Road
13

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
14

Merge onto US 30

37 mi · 42 min · Lincoln Highway
15

Continue on US 30

27 mi · 30 min · 73rd Street
16

Take the exit

1.0 mi · 1 min
Toward IA 100 East: Cedar Rapids, Marion
17

Continue on IA 100

8.3 mi · 9 min · IA 100
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward I-380, IA 27: Iowa City, Waterloo
19

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 15 sec
Toward I-380 south, IA 27 south: Iowa City
20

Keep slight left at fork

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

Merge onto I 380; IA 27

0.5 mi · 38 sec · Avenue of the Saints
22

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec
23

Keep slight left at fork

121 ft · 4 sec
24

Turn left onto 32nd Street Northeast

1.3 mi · 2 min · 32nd Street Northeast
25

Turn right onto Crystal Drive Northeast

184 ft · 10 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
26

Continue on Crystal Drive Northeast

177 ft · 7 sec · Crystal Drive Northeast
27

Continue on Tiperary Drive Northeast

428 ft · 18 sec · Tiperary Drive Northeast
28

Arrive at destination

Tiperary Drive Northeast

Trip Plan

Given the 4 hour and 40-minute duration, starting your trip in the morning is advisable to allow ample time for any unexpected delays or spontaneous stops. With only one suggested stop noted, you have flexibility to take breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 62-mile stretch on US 6, and plan your fill-ups accordingly. The fuel cost is estimated at $36, so budgeting for this is straightforward. You'll be covering 234.3 miles, so staying alert is key, particularly as you transition between highway and local road sections.

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 117.1 miles from Villisca, IA, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62 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 52 miles or 1h 9m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 117.1 miles or 2h 20m 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 49m

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 Villisca, 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 Villisca, IA

This is one driving day of about 234.3 miles and 4h 40m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Villisca, 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 US 6 for about 62 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Des Moines, IA, IA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Des Moines, IA

117 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

Des Moines, IA to Cedar Rapids, IA

120.6 mi · 2h 27m

Pacing Suggestions

Audubon, IA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Des Moines, IA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 117.1 miles from Villisca, IA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 6 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62 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.

Top Restaurant

The Rialto Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Villisca, Iowa

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17128269342

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.5 mi

Red Lobster

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Des Moines, Iowa

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.1

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

coffeegirl

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Atlantic, Iowa

1.5 mi

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Waukee, Iowa

1.5 mi

The Rialto Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Villisca, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17128269342

HuHot Mongolian Grill

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 234.3

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 234.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+13193950450

Visit website

Downtowner Café & Catering

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.5

Atlantic, Iowa

Hours: 7:30 am–2:30 pm

+17122432183

Persis Biryani Indian Grill

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 234.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+13198262000

Visit website

Melbourne Pub & Pool

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 150.6

Melbourne, Iowa

Hours: 2 pm–2 am

+16414822034

Rio Burritos

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour Moderately mile 234.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–9:15 pm

+13199815001

Visit website

Early Bird West Des Moines

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 100.4

West Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–2:30 pm

+15155282212

Visit website

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 117.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+15156307000

Visit website

coffeegirl

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 33.5

Atlantic, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17122501539

Visit website

Playgrounds Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 100.4

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–1 pm

+15156446331

Visit website

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 234.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+13192003218

Visit website

Main Street Bakery and Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 200.8

Keystone, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–4:30 pm

+13194422253

Groundswell Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 234.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+13192002791

Visit website

Hyper Energy Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 100.4

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

+15152078041

Visit website

Veritas Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 234.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Closed

+13192083192

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 234.3

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 234.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 217.5

Newhall, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333994638

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 234.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

+18006360986

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 100.4

Waukee, Iowa

+18887584389

Red E Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 100.4

Waukee, Iowa

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

1.1 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 234.3

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 100.4

Waukee, Iowa

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Hayloft

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 16.7

Grant, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+17127634425

Visit website

Bistro at Blooms

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 234.3

Marion, Iowa

Hours: 8 am–2:30 pm

+13194499996

Visit website

Fireside Lounge

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 33.5

Atlantic, Iowa

Hours: 12 pm–2 am

+17122432426

The Pump

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 184.1

Tama, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–1:45 pm

+16414817332

The TapHaus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 217.5

Atkins, Iowa

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+13194462739

Z'Mariks Noodle Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 100.4

Clive, Iowa

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15152239605

Visit website

The Rhodes Bar

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 150.6

Rhodes, Iowa

Hours: 2 pm–2 am

+16414932012

Visit website

University Library Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 117.1

Des Moines, Iowa

Hours: 10 am–12 pm

+15152550433

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 103.9 and 231.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
103.9 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in | I 80

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 123B Toward I 35, I 80 East: Chicago, Minneapolis, K...
6
118.3 mi into trip | ~2h 21m 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
122.8 mi into trip | ~2h 27m 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
231.7 mi into trip | ~4h 35m 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
231.8 mi into trip | ~4h 36m 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

$36.63 one way

$73.26 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 82 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $40.22 $80.44
premium $4.89 $45.09 $90.18
diesel $5.61 $51.73 $103.46

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$37

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 82 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 70.3 0 $24.60 $11.25
Efficient EV 58.6 0 $20.50 $9.37
EV Truck/SUV 93.7 1 $32.80 $15.00

Gas CO2

82 kg

EV CO2

27 kg (67% 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 13, 2026

Origin

Villisca, IA

Night in Villisca on Saturday

Local time

9:47 PM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cedar Rapids, IA

Night in Cedar Rapids on Saturday

Local time

9:47 PM

CDT

Current temp

75°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 15 mph 27% chance 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

4h 40m 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?

The character of this drive is a mixed bag, with 52% of it being on highways. You'll encounter a 62-mile stretch on US 6, which offers a good opportunity to make steady progress. The drive transitions between faster highway sections and likely more local road segments as you navigate through towns and rural areas. Expect a varied driving experience that keeps things interesting, rather than a monotonous interstate grind. This blend means you'll experience different paces and road conditions.

52% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62 mi on US 6.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 103.9 miles in near I 80.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 20 significant decision points across 234.3 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 103.9 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.3 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 122.8 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 Villisca, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA, road signs point toward Minneapolis, Kansas City, Bondurant and Marion.

Minneapolis

103.9 mi in | ~2h 5m | via I 80

Kansas City

103.9 mi in | ~2h 5m | via I 80

Bondurant

122.8 mi in | ~2h 27m | via US 65

Marion

222.2 mi in | ~4h 24m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 40m. Total distance: 234.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 62 miles on US 6. 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.

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 103.9 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 118.3 miles (I 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 122.8 miles (US 65): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Cedar Rapids, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Cedar Rapids, IA to Villisca, IA

Plan the drive back the other way.

233.8 mi 4h 40m

Explore more options from Villisca, IA or browse trips ending in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse IA road trips.